Lawn Mower Robot Mapping with 3D Aerial Maps and Anchor Placement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for generating maps for lawn mower robots are inaccurate and require complex setups, making it difficult to efficiently and safely navigate and mow lawns without human intervention.
Innovation Solution
A method involving an aerial image capturing unit, a database, and a controller to generate a 3D travel map by collecting and reconstructing aerial images, distinguishing mowing and obstacle regions, and recommending anchor locations for precise navigation and path generation, allowing real-time updates and user modification of the map.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing mapping methods (IMU sensor or cleaning robot maps) are used for lawn mower robots, then map generation can be achieved, but the accuracy and applicability of the map deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses aerial images (drone photographs) as a copy or representation of the actual lawn area to generate the travel map. Instead of using indirect methods like IMU sensors or cleaning robot maps, the system directly captures visual data of the target area and processes it into a navigable map, significantly improving accuracy while maintaining broad applicability across different lawn environments
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical sensing methods (IMU sensors, wheel encoders used in cleaning robots) with optical/image-based mapping. By substituting mechanical measurement systems with aerial photography and image processing, the system achieves higher mapping accuracy and better adaptability to outdoor lawn environments
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional mapping methods are used, then map generation is possible, but the complexity of setup and operation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by having a drone capture aerial images of the entire lawn area before the lawn mower robot begins operation. This pre-mapping approach simplifies the overall system complexity because the robot only needs to process and navigate using pre-generated map data, rather than requiring complex real-time mapping capabilities during mowing operations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary component (aerial vehicle/drone) that captures images and generates the travel map separately from the lawn mower robot. This intermediary approach simplifies the robot's design and operation, as it doesn't need to carry or operate complex mapping equipment, thereby reducing device complexity while improving ease of manufacture
Data Source
AI summary
A mapping method of a lawn mower robot may include a first image mapping operation of generating a first travel image of a three-dimensional region based on an aerial image of a work target region, a first map displaying operation of dividing the first travel image into a mowing region and an obstacle region, converting the first travel image into a first travel map, and displaying the first travel map. The mapping method may include a first anchor displaying operation of recommending the number and installation locations of anchors on the first travel map, an anchor location determination operation of determining whether the anchors are installed at the installation locations, and a path generation operation of generating a travel path of the lawn mower robot on the first travel map. The mapping method may improve work efficiency of the lawn mower robot.