Robotic Vehicle Boundary Definition Using Reference Objects

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional robotic lawn mowers rely on boundary wires for defining work areas, which can be costly, time-consuming to install, and difficult to repair, and may require physical boundaries that add to the overall system cost and complexity.

Innovation Solution

A robotic vehicle equipped with an onboard positioning module and object detection module that uses map data to define work areas relative to detectable reference objects, allowing the vehicle to determine and maintain boundaries without physical boundaries or wires.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If boundary wires or physical boundaries are used to define work areas, then the robotic vehicle can operate within defined boundaries, but the system cost and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveboundary definition reliabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the boundary definition function from physical boundary wires and transfers it to natural or artificial reference objects that already exist in the environment. Instead of adding a boundary wire system, the solution uses existing trees, poles, or other objects as boundary markers, eliminating the need for extensive physical infrastructure while maintaining reliable boundary detection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Reference objects serve multiple functions: they define work area boundaries, provide positioning references, and can be detected using existing sensors. The same reference objects that mark boundaries also serve as navigation landmarks, reducing the need for separate boundary-specific infrastructure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If boundary wires are used to define work areas, then the robotic vehicle can maintain operational boundaries, but installation and repair time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveboundary maintenanceVSAvoidinstallation and repair time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary mapping and reference object identification during an initial survey phase. Boundary definitions are pre-established by identifying reference objects and their locations before actual mowing operations begin, allowing the robotic vehicle to immediately use pre-defined boundaries without time-consuming setup during deployment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses inexpensive, easily replaceable reference objects such as painted rocks, colored poles, or temporary markers instead of permanent boundary wires. These objects can be quickly installed and replaced if lost or displaced, dramatically reducing both installation and repair time compared to buried boundary wires

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Reliability

If boundary wires are used to define work areas, then the robotic vehicle can operate within defined boundaries, but the overall system cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveboundary definitionVSAvoidsystem cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces expensive boundary wire systems with inexpensive reference objects such as painted rocks, colored poles, or natural features like trees and rocks. These low-cost markers eliminate the need for costly boundary wire installation while providing sufficient boundary definition for robotic vehicle operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using physical boundary wires, the system creates a digital map copy of the work area boundaries by identifying and recording the positions of reference objects. This digital representation allows the robotic vehicle to operate within boundaries without requiring physical boundary infrastructure, reducing material costs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentUS9497901B2Boundary definition system for a robotic vehicle

Publication Date: 2016.11.22 HUSQVARNA AB

AI summary

A method for defining boundaries for a work area of a robotic vehicle may include receiving map data descriptive of a parcel of land and receiving information indicative of at least one reference object disposed on the parcel. The at least one reference object may have corresponding information for defining boundaries for a work area on the parcel associated therewith. The work area may define an area to be worked by a robotic vehicle. The method may further include determining the boundaries responsive to detection of the at least one reference object, and operating the robotic vehicle to remain within the area defined by the boundaries.