Robotic Work Tool Boundary Mapping With GNSS Safety Confirmation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Defining boundaries for robotic work tools, such as robotic lawnmowers, in complex operational areas with irregular surfaces and features is time-consuming and complicated, especially for average users, requiring advanced technologies that are difficult to understand.
Innovation Solution
A method using satellite navigation sensors to define safety and zone boundaries, which are confirmed on location, allowing for simplified boundary definition and operation within these areas, utilizing a server and robotic work tool system to manage and confirm these boundaries.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional boundary definition methods are used in complex operational areas, then boundary definition accuracy is improved, but the time required and operational complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical boundary definition methods (physical wires, magnetic strips) with satellite navigation sensor-based virtual boundary definition. The robotic work tool uses GNSS receivers to determine its position and operate within virtual boundaries defined by geographic coordinates, eliminating the need for physical boundary infrastructure and significantly reducing setup time while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameters of boundary definition from physical spatial markers to digital geographic coordinates. By using latitude, longitude, and altitude data from satellite navigation, the system transforms boundary definition into a parameter-based digital process that can be quickly configured and modified without physical installation, reducing time loss while preserving precision.
2Productivity
If advanced boundary definition technologies are used, then boundary definition speed is improved, but user understanding and operation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service boundary definition by allowing the robotic work tool to automatically determine boundaries using its own satellite navigation sensor. The device can autonomously map its operational area and define boundaries without requiring complex external equipment or specialized user knowledge, thus increasing speed while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The satellite navigation sensor serves multiple functions: it provides positioning for boundary definition, navigation guidance for operation, and area mapping capabilities. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate boundary definition equipment, simplifying the user interface and making the system easier to operate while maintaining high productivity.
3Ease of operation
If satellite navigation sensor-based boundary definition is used, then ease of operation is improved, but boundary definition precision may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary boundary definition by pre-calculating virtual boundaries based on satellite navigation data before the robotic work tool begins operation. This preliminary action allows the boundaries to be established with high precision through coordinate geometry, while the actual operation simply follows these pre-defined boundaries, maintaining both accuracy and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a control system as an intermediary between the satellite navigation sensor and the robotic work tool. This intermediary processes the satellite position data, calculates precise virtual boundaries using geographic coordinate systems, and translates them into operational guidance, thereby maintaining high precision while keeping the user interface simple and easy to operate.
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
Enables efficient and user-friendly boundary definition and operation of robotic work tools in complex environments, ensuring safety and adherence to scheduled work areas without the need for advanced user understanding of complex technologies.
Implementation Method 1
a robotic work tool arranged to operate in an operational area based on a satellite navigation sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A method for use in a robotic work tool system (200) comprising a server (240) and a robotic work tool (100) arranged to operate in an operational area (205) based on a satellite navigation sensor (175), wherein the method comprises: receiving (410) one or more safety boundaries (220, 220-1, 220-2) and storing these in a safety map (120A-1) of the operational area (205), receiving (420) one or more zone boundaries (220-3, 220-4, 220-5, 220-6) and storing these in a zone map (120A-2) of the operational area (205), and operating (440) according to the one or more zone boundaries (220-3, 220-4, 220-5, 220-6) and the one or more safety boundaries (220, 220-1, 220-2), wherein the one or more zone boundaries (220-3, 220-4, 220-5, 220-6) are related to an operating schedule and the one or more safety boundaries (220, 220-1, 220-2) are related to safety concerns for the robotic work tool (100) and wherein the method is characterized in that the one or more zone boundaries (220-3, 220-4, 220-5, 220-6) are received by the server (240) and in that the method further comprises confirming (430) the one or more safety boundaries (220, 220-1, 220-2) on location in the operational area (205) prior to operating (440) according to the one or more safety boundaries (220, 220-1, 220-2).