Interactive Robot Waypoints for Ground Figure Marking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual pre-marking and marking processes for road and sports field markings are time-consuming, dangerous, and require significant workforce, as they necessitate workers to be positioned on the road, which can be hazardous and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a mobile robot that interactively receives waypoints to mark geometric figures on a ground surface, allowing for manual positioning, computation of best-fit geometric figures, and marking without the need for workers to be on the road, utilizing a position determining device and a hand-held operator control unit for precision and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual pre-marking and marking processes are used, then workers can perform marking tasks, but the process becomes time-consuming and dangerous
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical marking operations with an automated mobile robot system equipped with GPS positioning, laser ranging, and automated paint spraying mechanisms. The robot autonomously navigates and marks road surfaces based on pre-programmed geometric parameters, eliminating the need for workers to physically position themselves on active roadways while maintaining high marking precision and speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile robot performs self-navigation and self-positioning using integrated GPS receivers and onboard sensors. It autonomously calculates its position relative to target locations, automatically adjusts its orientation, and executes marking operations without continuous human intervention, thereby eliminating safety risks to workers while maintaining operational efficiency.
2Measurement precision
If manual pre-marking is performed with workers on the road, then accurate positioning can be achieved, but the process becomes dangerous and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual measurement and positioning operations with automated GPS-based positioning and laser ranging technologies. The mobile robot uses satellite positioning signals and onboard sensors to accurately determine its location and orientation, then automatically calculates and executes precise marking positions based on geometric figure parameters, achieving high measurement precision without time-consuming manual procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary digital modeling and path planning before the actual marking operation. Geometric figure parameters are pre-programmed into the robot's control system, and the robot pre-calculates its navigation path and marking positions based on real-time GPS data, enabling rapid and accurate execution without time-consuming on-site manual measurements.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional manual marking methods are used, then marking can be performed, but significant workforce is required
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile robot is designed as a multi-functional integrated system that combines navigation, positioning, geometric calculation, and marking operations in a single autonomous platform. It can perform various marking tasks including straight lines, curves, and complex geometric figures by adjusting programming parameters, eliminating the need for multiple specialized workers and equipment while maintaining full marking capability.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for interactively providing waypoints to a mobile robot for use in the marking of a geometric figure on a ground surface comprising the steps of: i) Selecting a control function accepting manual positioning of a mobile robot at two or more target locations on a ground surface; ii) Positioning the mobile robot in proximity to a first target location to be marked on a surface, and directing a position determining device of the mobile device to said first target location to be marked; iii) Instructing the mobile robot to store the first target location as a first waypoint; iv) Repeating steps ii)-iii) to obtain at least a second waypoint; v) Selecting a control function accepting manual selection of a geometric figure for being marked on said ground surface; vi) Instructing the mobile robot to compute the best fit for the selected geometric figure on the surface based on the two or more waypoints; vii) Instructing the mobile robot to compute waypoint coordinates of the geometric figure for being marked from the fitted position of said geometric figure; and viii.a) Instructing the mobile robot to store the computed waypoint coordinates of the geometric figure; or viii.b) Instructing the mobile robot to mark the geometric figure on the surface.