Robotic Work Tool Scheduling With Dynamic Do-Not-Disturb Zones
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Solution Overview
Problem
Robotic work tools, such as lawnmowers, face challenges in scheduling their operations to avoid disturbing users in work areas, especially in larger areas where the tool's service time exceeds the uninhabited period, and there is a need for efficient scheduling that allows simultaneous operation with users present.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a robotic work tool and a server that receives user movement indications, determines a 'Do Not Disturb' area based on the movement pattern, and transmits this information to the tool to avoid interfering with users, enabling the tool to operate safely and efficiently even when users are present.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the robotic work tool services the entire work area, then the work area is properly serviced, but the user may be disturbed by the robotic work tool during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The work area is divided into a first area and a second area, where the first area is identified as a do-not-disturb zone based on user movement patterns. The robotic work tool is configured to avoid the first area when the user is present, while continuing to service the second area, thus preventing user disturbance while maintaining productivity.
2Reliability
If the work sessions are scheduled only when the work area is uninhabited, then user safety and convenience are ensured, but the operational efficiency decreases for larger work areas
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically identifies a do-not-disturb area based on real-time or predicted user movement patterns. The robotic work tool adapts its operation by avoiding this dynamically determined area when the user is present, allowing work sessions to proceed during user presence while maintaining safety, thus improving operational efficiency without compromising user safety.
3Productivity
If the robotic work tool operates in a random or systematic manner throughout the entire work area, then complete coverage is achieved, but the tool may collide with or hinder users or other devices
Solution Approach 1:
The work area is segmented into a do-not-disturb area (first area) and a serviceable area (second area). The robotic work tool is configured to operate only in the second area when the user is present, avoiding the first area where the user or other devices may be located. This segmentation enables complete coverage of serviceable areas while preventing collisions and hindrances to users or other devices.
Data Source
AI summary
A work tool system (200) comprising a work tool (100) and a server (320), the server (320) comprising a controller (321) and a communication interface (325) and the work tool (100) comprising a controller (110) and a communication interface (115), wherein the server (320) is configured to: receive movement indications for a user (U) through the communication interface (325); determine a movement pattern based on the movement indications; determine a Do Not Disturb area suitable for the movement pattern; and to transmit information on the Do Not Disturb area to the work tool (100) through the communication interface (325); and wherein the work tool (100) is configured to: receive information on the Do Not Disturb area; control the work tool so that the Do Not Disturb area is not violated.