Autonomous Lawnmower Mapping Without Temporary Boundary Markers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous working devices, such as lawn mowers, require temporary marking devices for initial area definition but these devices are not necessary during regular operation, leading to potential interference and weather damage, and lack intuitive definition and user-friendliness.
Innovation Solution
The autonomous working device employs a detection device with a sensor unit to detect parameters of temporary marking devices, allowing for their removal during regular operation, and uses a control unit to map the area based on detected parameters, enabling navigation without temporary markers and allowing for easy redefinition of the work area using different types of temporary marking devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If temporary marking devices are used for initial area definition, then the working area can be clearly defined and mapped, but they cause interference during regular operation and are damaged by weather
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs area definition and mapping in a preliminary learning phase before regular operation. Temporary marking devices are used only during this initial phase to define the working area boundaries, which are then stored in the control unit. During regular operation, the marking devices are removed and the system navigates using the pre-stored map data, eliminating interference while maintaining reliable area definition.
Solution Approach 2:
The operational process is segmented into distinct phases: a learning phase where temporary marking devices are used for area definition, and a regular operation phase where they are removed. This temporal segmentation allows the system to benefit from the marking devices during setup while avoiding their harmful effects during operation.
2Stability of the object's composition
If temporary marking devices remain in place during regular operation, then area boundaries are maintained, but they interfere with operation and suffer weather damage
Solution Approach 1:
The area boundaries are defined and stored in advance during the learning phase. The control unit saves the positional data of boundaries and navigation paths, creating a digital replica that remains stable without physical marking devices. This allows the system to maintain area boundary stability through data rather than physical objects during regular operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a digital copy of the physical working area boundaries during the learning phase. The control unit stores map data representing the area limits and navigation paths, allowing the autonomous device to navigate using this digital copy rather than relying on physical marking devices that would be damaged by weather.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If permanent marking devices are used, then area definition is durable, but they lack flexibility for redefinition and are exposed to weather
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic area definition where the working area can be flexibly redefined by simply repositioning temporary marking devices during learning phases. The control unit automatically updates the map data based on the new positions, allowing easy adaptation without permanent installations. This provides both durability through data storage and flexibility through simple repositioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses inexpensive temporary marking devices that can be easily removed and repositioned. These disposable-like markers serve their purpose during learning phases and are then discarded or stored, with the area definition persisting through digital data rather than physical permanence. This provides flexibility for redefinition while keeping costs low.
4Ease of operation
If intuitive area definition is implemented, then user-friendliness improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic area mapping and navigation path generation without requiring complex manual programming. The autonomous working device independently navigates the working area during the learning phase, automatically detects boundaries using sensors, and the control unit autonomously creates and stores the map data. This self-service capability provides intuitive operation while managing complexity through automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters automatically during the learning phase, such as navigation speed, detection sensitivity, and mapping resolution. The control unit adjusts these parameters to optimize the learning process and area definition accuracy, providing intuitive operation without requiring users to manually configure complex settings.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an autonomous work device, in particular an autonomous lawnmower, with at least one detection device (12) for detecting a work area (24) initially defined at least approximately by means of at least one temporary marking device (14, 14', 14", 16, 16', 16", 18, 18', 18", 20, 20', 20", 22, 22', 22", 23), and with at least one control and/or regulating unit (26) for at least partial mapping of the work area (24). It is proposed that, during a regular operating phase (48), the control and/or regulating unit (26) is designed to operate the autonomous work device (10) independently of the at least one temporary marking device (14, 14', 14", 16, 16', 16", 18, 18', 18", 20, 20', 20", 22, 22', 22", 23) and to navigate depending on a mapped work area (24).