Robotic Lawnmower Object Detection With Adaptive Sensor Sensitivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Robotic lawn mowers face challenges in accurately detecting objects due to fixed sensitivity settings of contactless sensors, leading to either false detections or missed obstacles, which can result in inefficient operation and potential collisions.
Innovation Solution
A robotic lawnmower with an object detection module that automatically adjusts the sensitivity of contactless sensors based on input from contact sensors, using a method to track false detections and adjust sensitivity levels to optimize detection accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sensitivity of contactless sensor is set high, then ability to detect small objects is improved, but false detections increase causing frequent stopping or steering away
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic sensitivity adjustment where the contactless sensor's sensitivity is not fixed but automatically adapted based on environmental conditions and feedback from contact sensors. The system transitions from a static sensitivity setting to a dynamic one that adjusts in real-time, resolving the contradiction between detecting small objects and avoiding false detections.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from contact sensors to adjust the sensitivity of contactless sensors. When contact sensors detect objects that the contactless sensors missed, the system learns and adjusts sensitivity settings accordingly. This closed-loop feedback mechanism resolves the contradiction by using actual performance data to optimize detection parameters.
2Reliability
If sensitivity of contactless sensor is set low, then false detections are reduced, but real obstacles are not detected causing high speed collisions
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts sensitivity based on operating conditions rather than using a fixed low setting. This allows the system to maintain low false detection rates in some conditions while achieving high detection sensitivity in others, resolving the contradiction between these two opposing requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines contactless sensors with contact sensors to create a hybrid detection system. The contactless sensors provide early warning at lower sensitivity to avoid false detections, while contact sensors provide backup detection. This merging of sensor types resolves the contradiction by compensating for the limitations of each individual sensor type.
3Device complexity
If fixed sensitivity setting is provided, then device complexity is reduced, but operator convenience deteriorates due to tedious manual adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-adjustment of sensitivity settings without requiring operator intervention. The automatic sensitivity adjustment algorithm monitors detection performance and autonomously optimizes parameters, making the system serve itself rather than requiring manual configuration. This resolves the contradiction by eliminating the need for complex manual adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback loops to automatically adjust sensitivity based on detected objects and operational conditions. This self-regulating mechanism eliminates the need for manual intervention while maintaining optimal performance, resolving the contradiction between device complexity and ease of operation.
4Reliability
If contact sensors are used for object detection, then detection reliability is improved, but operation speed must be reduced to avoid damage from high speed contact
Solution Approach 1:
The contactless sensors perform preliminary detection of objects at a distance before the mower reaches them. This early warning allows the system to prepare for potential contacts by reducing speed in advance, rather than needing to operate slowly throughout to prevent damage from sudden contacts.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges contactless sensors (for early detection) with contact sensors (for confirmation) to create a multi-stage detection system. This combination allows the mower to maintain higher speeds while still ensuring reliable detection and safe operation, as the contactless sensors provide advance notice and the contact sensors provide backup verification.
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
This solution improves the robotic lawnmower's ability to accurately detect objects and avoid collisions, enhancing its operational efficiency by dynamically adjusting sensitivity to minimize false detections and ensure safe operation.
Implementation Method 1
When active means are employed, the contactless sensor may transmit a signal (e.g., a laser or ultrasonic signal) and detect returns that are received after the signal reflects off an object.
Data Source
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AI summary
A robotic lawnmower may include a positioning module configured to direct movement of the robotic lawnmower, and an object detection module configured to detect objects proximate to the robotic lawnmower. The object detection module may include a contact sensor and a contactless sensor. Sensitivity of the contactless sensor of the object detection module may be configured to be automatically adjustable based on input from the contact sensor.