Robot Lawnmower Map Alignment for Wire-Free Beacon Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current autonomous robotic lawn mowers rely on continuous boundary markers like wires for confinement, which can be cumbersome and require manual setup, and lack efficient mapping and navigation systems for optimal mowing paths.
Innovation Solution
A robot lawnmower system that uses beacons and a detection system to map the area, aligning mapping data with a coordinate system, and includes a GPS receiver for autonomous navigation and user interface for path planning and beacon placement optimization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If continuous boundary markers (boundary wire) are used for confinement, then the robot can be confined within the lawn area, but the setup becomes cumbersome and requires manual installation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical boundary wire system with an optical detection system using beacons and sensors. The beacons emit optical signals that the robot's detection system can detect, eliminating the need for physical wire installation while maintaining confinement reliability through optical field-based boundary definition.
2Loss of information
If complex sensor systems and beacons are used for mapping, then the dwelling area can be mapped, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the mapping system into distinct functional components: beacons positioned at specific locations emit signals, the robot's detection system captures these signals, and the controller processes the data to construct the area map. This segmentation simplifies the overall system by assigning specific functions to separate elements rather than using a monolithic complex sensor system.
3Extent of automation
If random motion is used for mowing, then the robot can operate autonomously, but the mowing efficiency and path optimization are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by having the robot's controller receive detection data from the detection system about beacon positions and area boundaries. The controller uses this feedback information to calculate and optimize mowing paths, adjusting the robot's motion to follow efficient routes rather than random patterns, thereby improving productivity while maintaining autonomous operation.
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 efficient and autonomous lawn mowing with improved boundary definition and navigation, simplifying setup and allowing for real-time monitoring and optimization of mowing paths, reducing manual intervention and enhancing user control over the mowing process.
Implementation Method 1
a detection system configured to detect the beacons
Implementation Method 2
The robot lawnmower comprises a global positioning system (GPS) receiver, and the controller is configured to move the robot lawnmower to the first and second reference points within the area and determine the first and second geographic coordinates for the first and second reference points using the GPS receiver
Implementation Method 3
The boundary wire is typically a continuous electrically conductive loop around the property to be mowed. Although the boundary wire can be drawn into the property in peninsulas to surround gardens or other off-limit areas, it remains a continuous loop, and is energized with an AC current detectable as a magnetic field at a distance of a few feet.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of mapping an area to be mowed with an autonomous mowing robot comprises receiving mapping data from a robot lawnmower, the mapping data specifying an area to be mowed and a plurality of locations of beacons positioned within the area to be mowed, and receiving at least first and second geographic coordinates for first and second reference points that are within the area and are specified in the mapping data. The mapping data is aligned to a coordinate system of a map image of the area using the first and second geographic coordinates. The map image is displayed based on aligning the mapping data to the coordinate system.