Handheld Perimeter Detection for Self-Moving Device Area Calculation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing self-moving devices require complex user input to set working regions and schedules, which can be inconvenient, especially when the environment changes, and often necessitate additional hardware like detection devices for calculating working areas.

Innovation Solution

A method using a handheld device to detect and calculate the area of a self-moving device's working region by moving along the perimeter, allowing for automatic setting of schedules and control, simplifying user interaction and eliminating the need for complex calculation programs in the device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the self-moving device is equipped with detection devices and complex calculation programs to automatically calculate working area, then the area calculation accuracy is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvearea calculation accuracyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the area calculation function from the self-moving device and relocates it to a handheld device. The self-moving device only needs to execute simple commands while the complex calculation is performed externally by the handheld device using coordinates obtained during the device's movement along the perimeter. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining calculation accuracy while significantly reducing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a handheld device as an intermediary between the user and the self-moving device. The handheld device captures coordinates during perimeter traversal and performs the area calculation, acting as a mediator that handles the complex computational tasks. This allows the self-moving device to remain simple while still achieving accurate area measurement through the intermediary's processing capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the user manually sets working region and schedule parameters, then the device can adapt to different environments, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to complex menu navigation and programming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenvironmental adaptabilityVSAvoidparameter setting convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service by enabling the handheld device to automatically calculate the working area and generate schedule parameters based on the captured perimeter coordinates. The system performs area calculation and schedule generation autonomously without requiring manual intervention for complex computations, while still allowing environmental adaptation through the calculated parameters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary action by having the handheld device pre-calculate the working area and generate schedule parameters before the self-moving device begins operation. The perimeter is traced once to obtain all necessary coordinates, and all subsequent operations use these pre-calculated values, eliminating the need for repeated manual setup when environmental conditions change.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Extent of automation

If the self-moving device uses pre-stored programs and automatic movement to define working region, then the area calculation automation is improved, but the ease of operation worsens due to the need for pushing or presetting programs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvearea calculation automationVSAvoidoperation simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the traditional approach by having the handheld device (external tool) perform the perimeter traversal and calculation instead of the self-moving device performing automatic movement. The user simply guides the handheld device along the perimeter while it captures coordinates, and the area is calculated automatically. This reverses which device performs which function, achieving automation without requiring the self-moving device to have complex movement capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentEP3772881B1Method for calculating the area of a working region of a self-moving device, associated computer-readable medium and automatic working system
Publication Date: 2023.01.25 POSITEC POWER TOOLS (SUZHOU) CO LTD
  • EP3772881B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3772881B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3772881B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An automatic working system comprises a self-moving device moving and working in a working region, a handheld device and a control module. The handheld device is configured to move along a perimeter of the working region with a user and comprises a detecting module, detecting the perimeter information of the working region; and an input module, receiving a command of the user for detecting the perimeter information. The control module comprises a perimeter setting unit, generating virtual data of the perimeter, an area calculation unit calculating the area of the working region and a scheduling unit generating a working schedule. The self-moving device comprises a working module, a driving module and a controller. The controller controls the self-moving device to work according to the working schedule.