Robot Movement Boundary Mapping Using Base Station Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for controlling the movement range of self-moving robots are plagued by low precision and cumbersome marker arrangements, lacking universality and accuracy in delimiting movement boundaries.

Innovation Solution

A method using stationary base stations for distance measurement and positioning, establishing a coordinate system, gathering sample points, and delimiting boundaries through Geometric Positioning, Least Squares, or Time Difference Of Arrival methods to accurately define the robot's movement area.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If Satellite Positioning method or Marker Setting-up method is used for regional division, then the robot can control its movement range, but the precision is low and marker arrangement is cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveboundary delimiting accuracyVSAvoidmarker arrangement complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the boundary delimiting function from complex marker arrangements and satellite positioning systems, replacing them with a simplified base station network. The base stations emit signals that the robot receiver processes to determine position and boundaries, eliminating the need for physical markers while maintaining accurate boundary definition through geometric calculation methods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces base stations as intermediary elements between the robot and the boundary definition process. These base stations emit reference signals that mediate the positioning calculation, allowing the robot to determine its position and boundaries through signal processing and geometric computation rather than direct marker detection or satellite reliance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If existing regional division methods are used, then movement control is achieved, but the methods lack universality and require particular setup according to specific environment requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemethod universalityVSAvoidsetup convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal boundary delimiting system where base stations can define arbitrary movement regions through coordinate system establishment and sample point collection. The system adapts to different environments by gathering sample points along desired boundaries and generating corresponding restriction lines, allowing the same base station infrastructure to serve multiple different boundary definition needs without reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary boundary definition by collecting sample points along the desired movement boundary before actual robot operation. The system pre-processes these sample points to generate restriction lines and establishes the coordinate system in advance, so that when the robot operates, the boundaries are already defined and enforced through continuous position monitoring and comparison against the pre-established restriction lines.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If GPS or other positioning systems are used, then real-time positioning is achieved, but the accuracy of calculation is low and movement boundary delimiting function cannot be realized

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidcalculation error
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces satellite-based mechanical positioning systems with a local base station signal field system. Instead of relying on satellite signals that suffer from atmospheric interference and geometric dilution of precision, the system uses local electromagnetic signals from base stations, enabling higher precision positioning through time difference of arrival calculations and geometric intersection methods within a controlled local environment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements continuous feedback by constantly monitoring the robot's position through base station signals and comparing it against pre-established restriction lines. The system provides real-time feedback to the robot's control unit, enabling accurate boundary detection and enforcement through continuous position verification and deviation correction rather than periodic or low-precision positioning updates.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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

This approach provides a more accurate and convenient method for delimiting movement boundaries, allowing self-moving robots to operate within or outside defined areas with enhanced precision and flexibility.

Implementation Method 1

setting up three or more base stations in a movement area of a self-moving robot... delimiting a boundary according to the coordinates of the gathered sample points

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

Time Difference Of Arrival methods to accurately define the robot's movement area

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTime of flight: Time of Flight

Data Source

PatentEP3889725B1Self-moving robot movement boundary determining method
Publication Date: 2024.01.03 ECOVACS ROBOTICS CO LTD
  • EP3889725B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3889725B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3889725B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A method to determine the movement boundary for a self-moving robot comprises the step of obtaining positions of sample points obtained along a desired boundary of the self-moving robot by moving a positioning device coupling with the self-moving robot along the desired boundary and the step of determining a movement boundary according to the positions of the sample points, wherein the self-moving robot is set to work inside or outside the movement boundary.