Robotic Mower Boundary Confirmation for Accurate Work Area Mapping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing automatic lawn mower systems face challenges in creating accurate working area maps, leading to safety issues such as the mower traveling into unsafe areas or failing to reach intended areas, due to inaccuracies in boundary detection and map creation.

Innovation Solution

The system employs a control method that includes a map confirmation mode, where the mower moves along the boundary of the stored map under user observation, allowing for real-time correction of the map to ensure accuracy before entering a working mode.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a map creation method using positioning device is used, then boundary line arrangement is eliminated, but map accuracy deteriorates leading to safety issues

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveboundary line arrangementVSAvoidmap accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by creating a initial map using positioning device before actual working, then iteratively refines the map through multiple working cycles. The controller continuously compares actual working boundaries with mapped boundaries and corrects deviations, gradually improving map accuracy without requiring manual boundary line arrangement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where the controller continuously monitors the actual working boundaries during operation and compares them with the stored map data. When deviations are detected, the system automatically corrects the map information and uses the refined map in subsequent working cycles, progressively improving accuracy through iterative feedback loops.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Measurement precision

If high-precision positioning device is used to improve map accuracy, then positioning precision is improved, but system cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoidsystem cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs self-service principles where the automatic lawn mower performs its own map refinement during normal working operations. The controller utilizes the existing positioning device to detect boundary deviations and automatically corrects the map data without requiring external intervention or upgraded equipment, making the system self-improving while maintaining cost-effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of relying on high-precision positioning devices from the start, the system applies partial correction actions during each working cycle. It focuses on correcting only the boundary deviations detected during operation rather than requiring complete high-precision mapping upfront, achieving acceptable accuracy through accumulated incremental improvements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Reliability

If map accuracy is improved through iterative correction, then working safety is improved, but working time increases due to multiple modes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveworking safetyVSAvoidworking time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts its operational characteristics based on the current working cycle. In the first working cycle, it operates in confirmation mode with slower speed and frequent boundary checks to ensure safety. In subsequent cycles with refined maps, it transitions to efficient mode with higher speed and reduced checks, automatically optimizing the balance between safety and efficiency as the system matures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements periodic boundary confirmation checks during working operations. Rather than continuous checks that would slow down operation, it performs confirmation actions at regular intervals or at specific boundary crossing points, maintaining safety while minimizing time loss. The periodic nature of these checks allows the system to balance safety verification with efficient operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentEP3540552B2Automatic work system and control method therefor
Publication Date: 2025.01.22 POSITEC POWER TOOLS (SUZHOU) CO LTD
  • EP3540552B2 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3540552B2 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3540552B2 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to an automatic working system, including a self-moving device and a positioning device. The self-moving device includes a movement module, a task execution module, and a drive circuit connected to the movement module and the task execution module. The drive circuit drives the movement module to enable the self-moving device to move, and drives the task execution module to execute a working task. The positioning device is configured to detect a current position of the self-moving device. The automatic working system includes: a storage unit, configured to store a working area map, and: a map confirmation procedure, the map confirmation procedure including: providing a drive circuit instruction to move along a working area boundary, and receiving a confirmation signal from a user to complete the map confirmation procedure; and a working procedure including providing a drive circuit instruction to move within a working area defined by the map and execute the working task; and a control module, configured to monitor an output of the positioning device to execute the map confirmation procedure and execute the working procedure after the map confirmation procedure is completed.