Autonomous Work Machine Control Using Illuminance-Based Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Work machines, such as lawn mowers, face challenges in adjusting their work intensity and frequency according to varying illuminance conditions within a work region, as existing systems require complex analysis of growing conditions, which is time-consuming and difficult to implement effectively.
Innovation Solution
A control apparatus that uses illuminance sensors to obtain and analyze light information, adjusting the work machine's advancing direction, speed, travel mode, and work mode based on probability models and sunshine conditions at different locations within the work region, allowing for efficient management of work intensity and frequency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If complex growing condition analysis is used to adjust work intensity, then work performance can be optimized, but the system complexity and implementation difficulty increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential illuminance parameter from the complex growing conditions, using illuminance sensors to measure light intensity as a proxy for overall environmental suitability. This simplifies the control system while still enabling adaptive work intensity adjustment based on environmental conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the control parameter from complex multi-factor growing condition analysis to a single illuminance parameter. By monitoring light intensity variations, the system adjusts work intensity and frequency without requiring complex analysis of multiple environmental factors simultaneously.
2Productivity
If complex growing condition analysis is implemented, then work intensity can be optimized, but the time consumption and implementation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts illuminance as a single key parameter from complex growing conditions, enabling rapid measurement and response. The illuminance sensor provides immediate feedback on environmental suitability without requiring time-consuming analysis of multiple factors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex analytical processing with direct sensor measurement and predefined control rules. Instead of analyzing multiple growing conditions through complex algorithms, the system uses illuminance sensor data with simple threshold-based or proportional control logic.
3Adaptability or versatility
If work machine adjusts behavior based on illuminance, then adaptability to different locations improves, but the control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by adjusting work parameters based on local illuminance conditions at different locations within the work region. The work machine modifies its behavior (work intensity, frequency, advancing speed) according to the specific light conditions of each area it traverses.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a universal illuminance sensor that can measure light intensity across all work locations, providing a single metric that reflects overall environmental suitability. This universal parameter enables the same control logic to adapt to various lighting conditions without requiring location-specific calibration or multiple specialized sensors.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables convenient and efficient management of work intensity and frequency by analyzing illuminance conditions, improving work performance in regions with varying sunshine conditions without the need for complex growing condition analysis.
Implementation Method 1
an illuminance sensor to measure an illuminance indicating (i) the illuminance of the work machine or (ii) the illuminance of a region located on the advancing direction of the work machine
Data Source
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AI summary
A growing state of a plant is appropriately managed with a convenient method. For example, a control apparatus to control a work machine with an autonomous movement function includes an illuminance information obtaining section to obtain the illuminance information indicating at least one of (i) the illuminance of the work machine in motion and (ii) the illuminance of a region located on an advancing direction of the work machine in motion and a control section to control at least one of an advancing direction, an advancing speed, a work mode and a travel mode of the work machine based on the illuminance information obtained by the illuminance information obtaining section.