Robotic Boundary Mapping for Precise Perimeter Definition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing non-physical boundary systems for robotic work tools, while offering flexibility and ease of installation, struggle with accuracy in defining working areas with tight corners or restricted spaces, leading to imprecise perimeter definitions.
Innovation Solution
A robotic work tool system with a boundary definition unit that uses position data to identify and adjust the geometry of a preliminary perimeter to match predefined shapes, incorporating user input and sensor data to refine the perimeter, ensuring high precision and accuracy around corners and obstacles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If non-physical boundaries are used to define working area perimeter, then installation time is reduced and flexibility is improved, but accuracy in tight corners and restricted areas deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical boundary wires with a magnetic field-based detection system. The boundary is defined by transmitting magnetic signals through the ground using transmit coils and detecting them with receive coils on the robotic device, eliminating the need for manual wire installation while maintaining accurate perimeter detection including in tight corners.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces magnetic field signals as an intermediary between the boundary definition system and the robotic device. Magnetic transmit coils embedded in the ground create magnetic field patterns that represent the boundary, while receive coils on the robot detect these patterns to determine boundary crossing, providing accurate perimeter definition without physical wires.
2Measurement precision
If physical boundary wires are used to define working area perimeter, then perimeter definition accuracy is improved, but installation time increases and complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual physical wire installation with automated magnetic field-based boundary definition. The magnetic signal transmission through ground coils and detection by the robotic device provides accurate perimeter definition without requiring time-consuming manual wire laying.
3Measurement precision
If physical boundary wires are used to define working area perimeter, then perimeter definition accuracy is improved, but device complexity and vulnerability to damage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces fragile physical boundary wires with robust magnetic field-based boundary definition. The magnetic signals transmitted through ground coils are not susceptible to damage from cutting or displacement, eliminating the vulnerability inherent in physical wire systems while maintaining perimeter detection accuracy.
4Ease of manufacture
If non-physical boundaries are used to define working area perimeter, then ease of installation is improved, but accuracy in restricted areas deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual boundary setting with automated magnetic field-based perimeter definition. The system transmits magnetic signals through ground coils and uses signal strength detection to automatically determine boundary crossing, providing accurate perimeter definition in restricted areas without manual intervention.
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
The system enables easy and precise definition of working area perimeters, accurately encompassing complex geometries, thereby enhancing the operational efficiency and reliability of robotic tools in various environments.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one position unit is configured to use a satellite navigation device
Implementation Method 2
The control signal may preferably comprise a number of periodic current pulses. As is known in the art, the current pulses will typically generate a magnetic field, which may be sensed by the robotic work tool
Data Source
AI summary
A robotic work tool system (200) for defining a working area perimeter (105) surrounding a working area (150) in which a robotic work tool (100) is intended to operate. The robotic work tool system (200) comprises a boundary definition unit (300) comprising at least one position unit (175) for receiving position data; and at least one controller (210) for controlling operation of the boundary definition unit (300). The controller (210) being configured to receive, from the position unit (175), position data while the boundary definition unit (300) is moved around the working area (150) to define a preliminary working area perimeter (110). The controller (210) is further configured to identify, based on the received position data, a geometry of the preliminary working area perimeter (110) approximately corresponding to a predefined geometry; and to adjust the identified geometry to define an adjusted working area perimeter (105), wherein the identified geometry is adjusted to correspond to the predefined geometry.