Moving Robot Boundary Control for Virtual Outdoor Obstacle Avoidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing moving robots face challenges in efficiently and conveniently setting and modifying travel boundaries outdoors due to the need for laying wires, high costs of ancillary devices, and limitations in GPS-based positioning accuracy, especially when dealing with temporary obstacles and uneven terrain.
Innovation Solution
A method for distinguishing between fixed and temporary obstacles using a terminal to quickly register and update location and size information without requiring the robot to move to the obstacle's location, utilizing a communication system to transmit signals for setting virtual boundaries and avoiding obstacles based on received location information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wires are laid under the ground to set the boundary, then the moving robot can be controlled to move within a defined area, but the time and effort to set and modify the boundary increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wire-based boundary system with a magnetic field-based virtual boundary system. Magnetic strips are placed along the boundary instead of laying wires under the ground, and the moving robot detects these magnetic strips using magnetic sensors to define its operating area. This substitution eliminates the need for complex wire installation while maintaining reliable boundary definition.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the physical boundary through magnetic field representation. Instead of using physical wires that must be installed and removed, the system uses magnetic strips that generate a detectable magnetic field pattern, which the robot interprets as a virtual boundary. This allows easy modification by simply relocating the magnetic strips without time-consuming wire installation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If GPS-based positioning is used for outdoor navigation, then the moving robot can operate in open spaces, but the positioning error exceeds the required accuracy for autonomous travel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the positioning system into two segments: GPS for coarse location estimation and magnetic strip detection for precise relative positioning. The GPS provides general outdoor location capability, while the magnetic strips placed along the boundary provide accurate reference points for the robot's position, achieving both outdoor adaptability and sufficient positioning precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces magnetic strips as an intermediary reference system between the robot and the environment. These magnetic strips serve as fixed reference points that the robot's magnetic sensors can detect, providing a reliable intermediate reference frame for position determination that complements GPS data and achieves the required 30 cm accuracy.
3Ease of operation
If virtual walls are set using Beacon technology, then the moving robot can be restricted to travel within a designated area, but the cost increases due to multiple ancillary devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential function of boundary definition from the complex Beacon virtual wall system. Instead of using multiple Beacon devices that require pairing and application installation, the system uses simple magnetic strips that can be placed directly along the boundary. The robot's magnetic sensor detects these strips to establish the travel area, eliminating the need for complex ancillary devices while maintaining the travel restriction capability.
4Measurement precision
If the robot moves to the obstacle's location to register it, then the obstacle information can be accurately captured, but the user effort and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the obstacle registration system to serve itself by using the robot's existing magnetic sensor and positioning capabilities. When the robot encounters an obstacle, it automatically detects the obstacle's position relative to the magnetic boundary strips and registers the information without requiring the user to manually navigate to the obstacle or perform complex measurements, thus maintaining accuracy while reducing effort and time.
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 user convenience and smooth travel by allowing quick registration and modification of obstacles, reducing user effort and time, and improving navigation accuracy without the need for extensive infrastructure or precise positioning systems.
Implementation Method 1
a location information transmitter installed in an area to transmit a signal
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a moving robot, a control method thereof, and a moving robot system. A moving robot according to the present disclosure includes a main body, a traveling unit configured to move the main body, a communication unit configured to communicate with a terminal and a location information transmitter, and a control unit configured to set a travel area using location information based on a signal received from the location information transmitter. The control unit is configured to recognize a location of the terminal. When location information regarding a target point within the boundary, pointed by the terminal at the recognized location, is received, the control unit is configured to store the location information. Also, the control unit is configured to control a traveling unit to move in the travel area while avoiding a predetermined area comprising coordinates matching the stored location information.