Outdoor Robot Boundary Sensing With Tolerant Wire Placement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing outdoor processing robots require precise installation and calibration of boundary wires to define processing areas, which increases installation effort and reduces user-friendliness.
Innovation Solution
The method and system utilize a boundary conductor device that generates a detectable signal at the edge of the processing area, allowing the robot to detect changes in surface properties to navigate and maintain boundaries without precise wire positioning, using sensors to monitor and control movement to stay within defined limits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If boundary conductor device is placed precisely along the edge section, then the robot can accurately detect boundaries, but the installation effort and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the robot's own detection sensors to automatically detect boundary conductor signals and identify edge sections, eliminating the need for manual programming of boundary positions. The robot autonomously determines its location relative to boundaries by detecting signals from the boundary conductor device, reducing installation complexity while maintaining detection precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical approach of precisely placing and programming boundary conductors with an electromagnetic field-based detection system. The boundary conductor device generates electromagnetic signals that are detected by the robot's sensors, allowing for rough placement of the boundary conductor while maintaining accurate boundary detection through signal-based positioning.
2Measurement precision
If teaching process is used to define edge sections, then the robot can learn boundary positions, but the process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The boundary conductor device is pre-installed to generate electromagnetic signals along the boundary edges before the robot operates. This preliminary setup allows the robot to automatically detect and define edge sections during its normal operation without requiring a separate teaching or programming process, significantly reducing setup time while maintaining accurate edge definition.
Solution Approach 2:
The robot autonomously detects boundary conductor signals and independently determines edge section positions during its operation. The system performs self-positioning and self-definition of working areas by detecting electromagnetic signals, eliminating the need for external programming or teaching processes that would consume time and resources.
3Extent of automation
If detection sensors monitor boundary conductor signals, then the robot can control movement automatically, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection sensors serve multiple functions: they detect boundary conductor signals for position determination, monitor the robot's approach to boundary edges, and enable automatic movement control. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components, maintaining automation capabilities while managing system complexity through versatile sensor utilization.
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 reduces installation complexity and enhances user-friendliness by enabling the robot to navigate and process surfaces accurately while tolerating imprecise boundary wire placement, allowing for efficient and user-friendly operation.
Implementation Method 1
A boundary conductor signal generated by a boundary conductor device can be detected at least at the edge section
Implementation Method 2
at least one edge section of a boundary edge of the ground surface is defined by a detectable change in a ground property of the ground surface
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for operating an autonomous mobile outdoor processing robot (1) on a ground surface (100) to be processed, wherein at least one edge section (102) of a boundary edge (101) of the ground surface (100) is defined by a detectable change (100E) of a ground property (100B) of the ground surface (100), wherein a boundary conductor signal (SI) generated by means of a boundary conductor device (50) can be detected at the edge section (102), and wherein the outdoor processing robot (1) comprises: at least one detection sensor (3) of a detection device (2), wherein the detection device (3) is configured to detect the ground property (100E) in a detection area (2B) of the detection device (2), and at least one detection sensor (5) of a detection device (4).wherein the detection device (4) for detecting the boundary conductor signal (SI) is configured to monitor at least one approach to the boundary conductor device (50), in particular a crossing of the boundary conductor device (50), - wherein the method comprises the steps of: a) controlling the movement of the outdoor processing robot (1) on the floor surface (100) and monitoring at least the approach to the boundary conductor device (50) by detecting the boundary conductor signal (SI) during the movement, and b) in the case of at least one approach to the boundary conductor device (50), controlling the movement of the outdoor processing robot (1) depending on the detection of the change (100E) such that the outdoor processing robot (1) remains within the boundary edge (101).