Robotic Lawnmower Navigation in Shadowed Areas
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robotic work tools face challenges in navigating accurately in areas with unreliable satellite signal reception, as solutions relying on absolute shadowed areas may not be sufficient due to the dynamic nature of shadowed areas, and methods like SLAM require significant computing resources and multiple sensors.
Innovation Solution
A robotic work tool equipped with a memory, distance sensor, and controller that switches to radar-based navigation when satellite signals are unreliable, using the distance sensor to detect objects and navigate based on their location and distance, ensuring accurate mapping and navigation in shadowed areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If satellite-based navigation systems (GPS, GNSS, RTK) are used for precise navigation, then navigation accuracy is improved, but navigation reliability deteriorates in shadowed areas where signal reception is unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces beacons as intermediary reference points that provide localized positioning assistance in shadowed areas. These beacons act as mediators between the satellite navigation system and the robotic work tool, enabling reliable position determination even when satellite signals are blocked. The beacons supplement the satellite-based navigation by providing additional reference signals that can be received reliably in areas where satellite signals are unavailable.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary mapping of shadowed areas by analyzing satellite signal availability across the operational area before navigation begins. This preliminary action identifies regions where satellite reception is unreliable, allowing the system to pre-plan alternative navigation routes or activate beacon-based positioning in advance, rather than reacting when signal loss occurs during operation.
2Reliability
If SLAM technologies are used to navigate in shadowed areas, then navigation capability is improved, but device complexity and computing resource requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and isolates the specific function of shadowed area detection and mapping from the overall navigation system. Rather than implementing a complete SLAM system with multiple sensors and complex algorithms, the solution extracts only the essential function of identifying areas with poor satellite reception and handling navigation in those specific zones using simplified beacon-based methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses simple, low-cost beacons as temporary reference points in shadowed areas rather than deploying complex sensor arrays required for SLAM. These beacons provide sufficient positioning information for navigation without requiring the extensive computing resources and multiple sensors that SLAM technologies demand.
3Productivity
If absolute position mapping of shadowed areas is performed, then navigation planning is improved, but adaptability worsens because shadowed areas are dynamic and may move
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors satellite signal reception quality during operation and uses this feedback to detect when the robotic work tool enters or exits shadowed areas. This real-time feedback mechanism allows the system to adapt to changing shadowed area positions and dynamically adjust navigation strategies, rather than relying solely on static pre-mapped shadowed zones.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic shadowed area mapping by continuously updating the map of shadowed areas based on real-time satellite signal reception data. Instead of treating shadowed areas as static features, the system dynamically tracks their positions and boundaries, allowing navigation planning to adapt to moving shadowed zones throughout the operational area.
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 precise navigation in areas with unreliable satellite signals by leveraging radar sensors for accurate object detection and mapping, ensuring reliable operation and high-precision navigation in all operational areas.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing the radar sensor to detect an object and a distance to the object
Data Source
Figure 1A~2A
Figure 2B~2C
Figure 2D~2E
AI summary
A method for use in a robotic work tool (100) arranged to operate in an operational area, the robotic work tool comprising a memory configured to store a location of at least one object, a distance sensor (195), a navigation sensor (185) being based on signal-reception and a controller, the method comprising: - determining a location of the robotic work tool (100) utilizing the navigation sensor (185); - determining that a shadowed area is encountered, wherein navigation utilizing the navigation sensor is not reliable; and - in response thereto navigating utilizing the distance sensor based on detecting at least one object and a distance to the at least one object utilizing the distance sensor (195), the stored at least one object and the location of the robotic work tool (100).