Autonomous Field Collection Scheduling Based on Object Density

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional robotic collection systems face inefficiencies in battery consumption and collection management due to fixed work schedules, which do not adapt to the varying number of target objects on the field, leading to either excessive or inadequate collection efforts.

Innovation Solution

A robotic collection system that includes a working robot capable of autonomous travel and a management controller that adjusts the work schedule based on real-time information about the number of target objects, using sensors and communication systems to optimize collection efficiency and reduce unnecessary travel.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a fixed work schedule is used for the working robot, then the collection work can be performed systematically, but the battery consumption increases and collection efficiency decreases when the number of target objects is low

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecollection efficiencyVSAvoidbattery consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The work schedule is changed from a fixed static plan to a dynamic schedule that adapts based on the detected number of target objects. The management controller adjusts the robot's work schedule in real-time according to object density information, making the system flexible and responsive to actual field conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements a feedback mechanism where the management controller receives information about the number of target objects from detection devices and uses this feedback to adjust the work schedule. This closed-loop control enables the robot to optimize its behavior based on actual collection needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Productivity

If the working robot travels frequently to collect target objects, then the collection coverage is improved, but the battery consumption and field surface damage increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecollection coverageVSAvoidbattery consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of requiring the robot to travel to all areas regardless of object presence, the system applies partial action by sending the robot only to areas where target objects are detected. This reduces unnecessary travel while ensuring adequate collection coverage in areas that actually need attention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the operational parameters of the robot based on the detected number of target objects. When object density is low, the robot reduces travel frequency and adjusts its collection strategy, thereby reducing energy consumption and field surface damage while maintaining appropriate collection coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If the work schedule is adjusted dynamically based on target object numbers, then the collection efficiency and energy efficiency are improved, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecollection efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The management controller serves as an intermediary between the detection devices and the working robot. It processes the information about target object numbers and translates it into adjusted work schedules, simplifying the overall system architecture by centralizing the decision-making logic in a dedicated control unit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS20220326686A1Robotic collection system
Publication Date: 2022.10.13 YAMABIKO CORP
  • US20220326686A1 patent drawing
  • US20220326686A1 patent drawing
  • US20220326686A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A robotic collection system includes: a working robot configured to autonomously travel on a field to collect target objects on the field; and a management controller configured to manage a work schedule of the working robot. The management controller includes a processor. The processor obtains information about an amount of the target objects on the field, and changes an existing work schedule based on the information.