Lawnmower Charging Station Markers for Accurate Visual Docking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lawnmowing robot station-returning technologies are costly, difficult to implement, and less stable due to reliance on GPS positioning and electromagnetic guiding wires, which are affected by environmental noise and require additional infrastructure.
Innovation Solution
A charging station system with feature markers of different distribution surfaces, allowing lawnmowing robots to identify their position using image collection apparatuses, determining relative pose for accurate station-returning without the need for additional guiding wires or strong GPS signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GPS positioning and electromagnetic guiding wires are used for station-returning, then positioning accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential positioning function from complex GPS and electromagnetic wire systems, retaining only the core feature marker identification mechanism. This eliminates unnecessary infrastructure while maintaining positioning accuracy through simplified visual markers that can be detected by the robot's camera system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses visual feature markers as simplified copies or representations of the complex positioning infrastructure. Instead of requiring physical electromagnetic wires or satellite signals, the system creates artificial visual landmarks that convey positioning information through image recognition, reducing system complexity while preserving measurement precision.
2Measurement precision
If electromagnetic guiding wires are arranged in the base plate, then station-returning accuracy is improved, but material cost and transportation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive electromagnetic guiding wires with inexpensive visual feature markers. These markers can be simple printed patterns or colored elements that cost minimal material resources, yet provide sufficient positioning information for accurate station-returning without requiring costly infrastructure installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the mechanical/electromagnetic wire system with an optical vision-based system. Instead of using physical wires embedded in the base plate, the system uses visual markers detected by the robot's camera, replacing material-intensive mechanical infrastructure with lightweight optical information carriers.
3Extent of automation
If infrared or ultrasonic induction is used for station-returning, then automation is improved, but reliability decreases due to false touch and environmental noise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces visual feature markers as an intermediary between the robot and the charging station. These markers serve as stable, noise-resistant mediators that convey positioning information through visual channels, which are less susceptible to environmental interference compared to infrared or ultrasonic waves, thereby improving reliability while maintaining automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potential harm of environmental noise affecting sensor accuracy into a benefit by choosing the visual spectrum, which is generally more resistant to common environmental interferers. The visual feature markers leverage the robot's existing camera system, turning a potentially vulnerable acoustic/infrared sensing approach into a more robust optical sensing solution.
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
Ensures accurate and reliable station-returning with reduced costs and simplified installation, as only feature markers need to be provided on the charging station, overcoming noise interference and GPS positioning errors.
Implementation Method 1
the feature markers are used for image identification by a lawnmowing robot to enable the lawnmowing robot to dock with the charging station for charging
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C~1D
Figure 1E~2
AI summary
A charging station, a charging station system, a method for returning to a charging station and a lawnmowing robot are provided. Feature markers are provided on the charging station, and the lawn mower can acquire pose information of the feature markers through image acquisition, so that relative pose information between the charging station and the lawn mower may be determined for path planning, enabling the lawn mower to realize station-returning. The cost is low, and the structure is simple and easy to install and dismantle, since only the feature markers need to be provided on the charging station.