Self-Moving Robot Boundary Delimitation via Base Station Ranging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for controlling the movement of self-moving robots within a specific working space lack precision and universality, as they require cumbersome marker arrangements and are not adaptable to various environments, failing to effectively delimit the robot's movement boundary.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the setup of stationary base stations for distance measurement and positioning, where the self-moving robot gathers sample points to determine coordinates and establish a coordinate system, allowing for accurate boundary delimitation within the movement area, using techniques like Geometric Positioning, Least Squares, or Time Difference Of Arrival methods.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional regional division methods (Satellite Positioning, Marker Setting-up, Spatial Infrared Signal Guidance) are used, then the robot can be positioned and movement restricted, but the precision is low and marker arrangement is cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoidmarker arrangement complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the positioning function from complex marker systems and implements it through simple base stations emitting infrared signals. The robot carries a receiver that directly measures distances to base stations, eliminating the need for cumbersome marker arrangements while achieving high positioning precision through geometric calculation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical marker-based positioning systems with an optical/infrared signal-based system. Instead of using physical markers that require manual arrangement, the system uses infrared signals emitted by base stations, allowing the robot to determine its position through signal measurement and geometric calculation, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining or improving precision.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If conventional regional division methods are used, then movement restriction is achieved, but the methods lack universality and require particular setting according to specific environment requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenvironment adaptabilityVSAvoidsetup convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal positioning system where base stations can be deployed in various environments (indoor, outdoor, different terrains) without requiring environment-specific configurations. The same base station-robot receiver architecture works across different scenarios, providing adaptable movement restriction while maintaining ease of setup through standardized deployment procedures.

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

3Ease of operation

If the robot moves freely without boundary delimitation, then operation flexibility is high, but the robot cannot be effectively controlled within a specific working space

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemovement controlVSAvoidworking space adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements continuous feedback by constantly monitoring the robot's position relative to the delimited boundary. The robot receives infrared signals from base stations, calculates its real-time position, compares it with the predefined boundary, and adjusts its movement accordingly. This feedback mechanism enables effective movement control within specific working spaces while maintaining operational flexibility through real-time position awareness.

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 the movement boundary of self-moving robots, enhancing precision and adaptability compared to prior art, allowing the robot to operate within or outside the defined boundary.

Implementation Method 1

calculating distances between the respective base stations by measuring signal transmission time between the respective base stations

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTime of Flight: Time of Flight

Implementation Method 2

calculating the coordinates of the sample points in the coordinate system by measuring signal transmission time between the self-moving robot and the respective base stations, and wherein methods for the calculation include Geometric Positioning method

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGeometric Positioning: Geometry

Data Source

PatentEP3200040B1Drawing method of the movement boundary for a self-moving robot
Publication Date: 2021.08.04 ECOVACS ROBOTICS CO LTD
  • EP3200040B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3200040B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3200040B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

In a self-moving robot movement boundary delimiting method, in step 100: setting up three or more base stations in a movement area of a self-moving robot, and establishing a coordinate system; in step 200: artificially planning a movement path in the movement area of the self-moving robot, gathering sample points on the path, and determining the coordinates of the sample points in the coordinate system; and in step 300: delimiting a boundary according to the coordinates of the gathered sample points, and setting the self-moving robot to work inside or outside the boundary. The present invention achieves a regional division by distance measurement and positioning based on stationary base stations, thus improving accuracy and convenience compared to the prior art.