Robotic Charging Station Map Updates for Minor Position Shifts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robotic work tools, such as lawnmowers, require manual reconfirmation of operational area changes, which is time-consuming and inefficient, especially when changes are minor, like slight movements of a charging station.
Innovation Solution
A robotic work tool equipped with a navigation sensor, memory for a map application, and a controller that detects changes in the charging station's location and automatically updates it in the map application if the change is below a threshold acceptance level.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual reconfirmation is performed for any installation changes, then safety and accuracy of operational area mapping is ensured, but time consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the parameter of change detection from binary (any change triggers manual confirmation) to graduated (changes are measured and compared against a threshold). The controller measures the magnitude of displacement of operational area objects and automatically accepts changes that fall within a predefined threshold, while only requiring manual confirmation for changes exceeding the threshold. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining accuracy for significant changes while saving time for minor variations.
2Measurement precision
If manual reconfirmation is required for charging station position changes, then navigation accuracy is maintained, but user convenience deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service by allowing the robotic work tool to automatically detect, measure, and update the positions of operational area objects without requiring user intervention. The controller autonomously compares detected positions with stored map data, determines whether changes exceed the acceptance threshold, and performs updates automatically when appropriate. This maintains measurement precision through systematic detection while dramatically improving ease of operation by eliminating manual reconfirmation steps.
3Ease of operation
If automatic updating is implemented for all changes, then user convenience is improved, but reliability of operational area mapping decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial automatic updating by implementing a threshold-based approach where only changes within a predefined acceptance level are automatically accepted, while larger changes require manual confirmation. This partial automation improves ease of operation for routine, minor adjustments while preserving reliability for significant changes that may affect safety or navigation accuracy. The threshold acts as a filter that allows beneficial automatic updates while blocking potentially harmful ones.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for use in a robotic work tool arranged to operate in an operational area housing a charging station, the robotic work tool comprising a navigation sensor and a memory storing a map application of the operational area, the method comprising: detecting that there has been a change in a location of the charging station, and in response thereto determining that the change is below a threshold acceptance level, and if so, automatically updating the location of the charging station in the map application of the operational area.