Self-Driving Ground Working Device Coordination via Shared Operating Variables
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Solution Overview
Problem
The setup and operation of systems with multiple self-driving ground working devices, such as robotic mowers, are time-consuming and require significant user intervention to manage and adapt to changes in operating variables.
Innovation Solution
A method where information about operating variables is transmitted automatically among ground working devices, allowing them to travel autonomously and adapt their behavior based on changes, with a base station distributing and updating the necessary information to ensure efficient operation with minimal user intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If multiple ground working devices are operated independently with manual setup, then each device can function autonomously, but the setup and operation become time-consuming and require significant user intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service by allowing ground working devices to automatically receive and adapt operating variables from the base station without user intervention. The devices autonomously adjust their behavior based on transmitted information, eliminating the need for manual setup and configuration for each device.
Solution Approach 2:
The base station transmits operating variables to ground working devices, which then adapt their behavior accordingly. This feedback mechanism allows the system to automatically coordinate multiple devices, reducing setup time and user intervention while maintaining autonomous operation.
2Measurement precision
If operating variables are manually configured for each ground working device, then precise control is achieved, but user intervention is required for each device
Solution Approach 1:
The base station serves as a universal control point that manages operating variables for all ground working devices in the system. By centralizing the configuration and distribution of operating variables, the system maintains precise control across multiple devices while requiring user intervention only once at the base station level.
3Extent of automation
If ground working devices operate independently without information sharing, then device autonomy is maintained, but system coordination and adaptation become inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains device autonomy by allowing each ground working device to independently process and adapt operating variables received from the base station. Each device segments the overall control function while still contributing to coordinated system operation through information sharing, thereby maintaining both autonomy and efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A system (S) has at least a first and a second self-driving ground working device for combined working of a predetermined operating region (A). An individual ground working device travels autonomously along a random path inside the operating region. The system has at least one base station for communication with the ground working devices. For a method for setting up and operating the system, provision is made that information relating to an operating variable (B) stored in one ground working device is transmitted to further ground working devices, that a ground working device travels autonomously along a random path (W) inside the operating region, independently of another ground working device, by using the operating variable, and that during the operation of the system of ground working devices the behavior of an individual ground working device is adapted as a function of changes in the operating variable.