Robotic Mower Path Control Using Server-Based GNSS Navigation

A server acts as an intermediary between the robotic mower and the user, receiving sensor data from the mower, processing it, and sending control commands back. This intermediary architecture allows autonomous operation while maintaining reliability by centralizing complex decision-making and safety monitoring functions remotely, reducing the burden on the mower's onboard systems in harsh environments.

The system is segmented into multiple independent components: the robotic mower handles execution and sensing, the server handles processing and decision-making, and communication links connect them. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the mower for robust autonomous operation and the server for reliable data processing - thereby improving overall system reliability while maintaining productivity.

The server serves as an intermediary that centralizes complex processing functions including boundary management, sensor data analysis, and path planning. By moving these complex functions to a remote server rather than embedding them in the mower, the system achieves high reliability through sophisticated processing while keeping the mower itself relatively simple and easier to deploy.

The patent replaces mechanical boundary definition systems (such as physical fences or boundary wires) with electronic/geofencing approaches using GPS coordinates and digital maps processed by the server. This substitution reduces device complexity by eliminating physical boundary infrastructure while maintaining or improving reliability through flexible, software-based boundary management.

The server provides universal functionality that serves multiple robotic mowers simultaneously. Instead of each robot needing complete autonomous capabilities, the shared server provides centralized processing, boundary management, and coordination for all robots in the fleet. This multi-functional approach enables reliable multi-robot operation while significantly reducing manufacturing costs by eliminating redundant systems in each individual robot.

The patent merges processing resources and software licenses into a shared server infrastructure that serves multiple robots. By combining these resources rather than duplicating them in each robot, the system achieves reliable multi-robot operation at lower manufacturing costs, as the expensive processing and software components are shared across the entire fleet.