Robotic Mower Zone Control Without Boundary Wires
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lawn mowers require boundary wires for defining work areas, which are costly, time-consuming to install, and difficult to repair, limiting the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of robotic mowing systems.
Innovation Solution
A robotic vehicle equipped with an onboard positioning module and object detection module that uses map data and reference points to define work zones, allowing the vehicle to operate within specified boundaries without the need for physical boundary wires, enabling efficient and cost-effective area definition and operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If boundary wires are used to define work areas for robotic mowers, then the work area boundaries can be clearly defined, but the installation cost increases, installation time increases, and maintenance difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the boundary definition function from physical boundary wires and implements it through virtual boundaries created by GPS coordinates and map data. The robotic vehicle uses an onboard positioning module to determine its location relative to these virtual boundaries, eliminating the need for physical wire installation while maintaining reliable work area definition.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical boundary wire system with an electronic/GPS-based positioning system. Instead of using physical wires that detect mechanical presence, the system uses satellite positioning, map data, and coordinate-based virtual boundaries to define work areas, significantly reducing installation and maintenance complexity.
2Reliability
If boundary wires are installed to define work areas, then the robotic mower can operate within defined boundaries, but the installation time and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-defining work area boundaries using GPS coordinates and storing them as map data before the robotic vehicle begins operation. The boundaries are established through coordinate input rather than physical installation, allowing the system to be ready for immediate use without time-consuming wire laying and configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a digital copy of the work area boundaries stored as GPS coordinates and map data instead of physical boundary wires. This virtual representation allows the robotic vehicle to understand and operate within boundaries without requiring physical infrastructure, dramatically reducing installation time while maintaining boundary definition accuracy.
3Reliability
If physical boundary wires are used, then work zones can be defined, but repair and maintenance become difficult and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by using the robotic vehicle's own positioning module and onboard stored map data to maintain boundary awareness. The system continuously determines its position relative to stored GPS coordinates without needing external physical infrastructure, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating maintenance requirements for boundary-defining components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical boundary wire system that requires physical repair with an electronic positioning system using GPS and stored coordinate data. This substitution eliminates wires that can break or become damaged, replacing them with a software-based boundary definition system that requires no physical maintenance while maintaining reliable zone operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A method may include receiving map data descriptive of a plurality of zones located within a parcel of land and receiving information indicative of a plurality of reference coordinates or objects including at least a first and second reference coordinate or object located on the parcel, in which the first and second reference coordinate or object each has corresponding information for defining boundaries for a first workable zone and a second workable zone on the parcel associated therewith, respectively. The method may further include determining the boundaries of the first and second workable zones responsive to detection of at least the first and second reference coordinate or object, respectively. The method may also include receiving time-scheduling instructions for the first and second workable zones, and operating the robotic vehicle to remain within the first and second workable zones in response to the time-scheduling instructions.