GPS Work Area Mapping for Autonomous Grass Mowers
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining the work area of an autonomous traveling work machine require pre-installation of boundary informing means, such as area wires or fences, which increases installation costs and limits the machine's operational flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A work area determination system that allows an autonomous traveling grass mower to determine its work area without pre-installed boundary informing means, using a terminal position information recording section and a work area determination section to define the work area based on user input and GPS data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If boundary informing means (area wire, fence, wireless communication, light) is installed in advance to enable the autonomous traveling work machine to recognize the work area, then the work area recognition accuracy is improved, but the installation cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the boundary definition function from physical boundary informing means (wires, fences) and implements it through software-based geographic fencing using GPS coordinates. The work area is defined by storing latitude and longitude data points that form a virtual boundary, eliminating the need for physical installation of boundary markers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of physical boundary informing means (area wires, fences, light barriers) with an electronic/GPS-based system. The autonomous vehicle uses GPS receivers and pre-stored coordinate data to determine its position relative to the work area boundary, substituting mechanical boundary markers with satellite-based positioning.
2Reliability
If boundary informing means is installed in advance to define the work area, then the work area determination reliability is improved, but the introduction cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a digital copy of the work area boundary using GPS coordinate data instead of physical copies like area wires or fences. The boundary is represented as a series of latitude and longitude points stored in memory, which the autonomous vehicle references to determine its position and orientation relative to the work area.
Solution Approach 2:
The GPS receiver and coordinate storage system serve multiple functions: they provide work area boundary definition, enable position determination, and support navigation. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate boundary informing infrastructure, reducing introduction costs while maintaining reliability.
3Extent of automation
If boundary informing means such as area wire is installed to enable work area recognition, then the autonomous traveling work machine can operate autonomously, but the operational flexibility is reduced due to pre-installment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic work area definition system where GPS coordinates can be easily updated and modified without physical reinstallation. The virtual boundary can be adjusted by simply changing the stored coordinate data, allowing the autonomous vehicle to adapt to different work areas and changing operational requirements flexibly.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
A work area determination system 2 for an autonomous traveling work machine 1 which is controlled autonomously based on self machine position information indicative of a self machine position, the work area determination system 2 including an operation terminal 21 capable of determining a work area 110. The operation terminal 21 includes a positioning device for acquiring terminal position information indicative of a position of the operation terminal 21, a work area determination section that determines the work area 110 based on the terminal position information, and a work area information outputting section for outputting work area information which is information relating to the determined work area 110.