Map-Based Work Area Status Display for Outdoor Robot Operations
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing autonomous traveling work machines struggle to easily display the location and condition of outdoor work areas, requiring significant time and effort to grasp each work area, especially in extensive outdoor environments.
Innovation Solution
An information processor that includes a display terminal control unit to superimpose work area images on a map, indicating work completion status and required status, using high-accuracy positioning and status management to facilitate easy understanding of work areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If autonomous traveling work machines are used for outdoor extensive areas, then work coverage is expanded, but it becomes difficult for users to easily grasp work area locations and current conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual map image that replicates the physical work area layout, allowing users to view and understand the spatial arrangement of multiple work areas without physically being present. This virtual copy provides comprehensive location information for all work areas simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a display terminal and control unit as intermediaries between the autonomous work machines and users. These intermediaries process machine status data and present it in an intuitive visual format on the map image, bridging the information gap between distributed machines and the user.
2Productivity
If multiple work areas are managed in extensive outdoor environments, then work capacity increases, but time and effort required to grasp each work area condition increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges information from multiple autonomous work machines into a single integrated display. The control unit collects status data from all machines and presents it simultaneously on one map image, allowing users to monitor all work areas in one glance rather than checking each area separately.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms physical spatial distribution into a two-dimensional visual representation. By projecting three-dimensional work area locations and machine positions onto a flat map image with directional indicators, users can comprehend the layout and status of extensive areas without traversing them physically.
3Adaptability or versatility
If indoor cleaning techniques are applied to outdoor environments, then existing technology can be utilized, but the technique is insufficient for outdoor extensive areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adapts the autonomous machine technology by adding outdoor-specific capabilities including extended range communication, environmental sensing, and most importantly, the visual mapping system. Rather than redesigning everything, it enhances local qualities needed for outdoor operation while maintaining core autonomous navigation functions.
Data Source
AI summary
A display terminal control unit of an information processor displays a work area image indicating a position of a work area and a status of the work area in a superimposed manner on a map image based on acquired information, and the status includes a work completion status corresponding to a condition during a predetermined period from a work completion timing at which a predetermined work for the work area has been completed, and a work required status corresponding to a condition that requires the work after the predetermined period has elapsed.