Virtual Boundary Line Detection for Robotic Area Confinement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robotic systems lack efficient methods to confine and control mobile robotic devices within specific areas, often requiring physical barriers that encumber movement and reduce autonomy.
Innovation Solution
A system using virtual boundary devices with paired receivers and transmitters that detect alignment with a virtual line, allowing the robotic device to alter its movement and avoid crossing defined boundaries, thereby restricting or permitting movement within designated areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If physical barriers are used to confine robotic devices, then the robotic device can be prevented from entering restricted areas, but the barriers encumber routine movement and reduce system autonomy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical mechanical barriers with a virtual boundary system using electromagnetic signals. The robotic device includes transmitters and receivers that communicate to define virtual boundaries, allowing the robot to navigate confined areas without physical obstacles. This substitution eliminates the encumbrance of physical barriers while maintaining reliable boundary enforcement through signal-based detection and response mechanisms.
2Reliability
If physical barriers are installed to restrict access, then restricted areas are protected, but substantial extra equipment is required and human intervention increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces complex physical barrier installations with a software-based virtual boundary system. The robotic device inherently possesses transmitters and receivers that can define and enforce virtual boundaries through signal processing, eliminating the need for external physical barrier equipment. This reduces overall system complexity while maintaining reliable area restriction capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic device uses its own onboard transmitters and receivers to establish and enforce virtual boundaries independently. The system self-configures boundary parameters and autonomously navigates within confined areas without requiring external barrier installations or continuous human intervention, enabling the device to serve itself in boundary enforcement operations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the robotic device is permitted to travel into adjacent areas, then task completion flexibility increases, but the robot may collide with undetected objects or operate in unauthorized zones
Solution Approach 1:
The system establishes virtual boundaries before the robotic device begins operation in adjacent areas. By pre-defining safe operational zones using transmitters and receivers, the system proactively prevents the robot from entering hazardous areas where undetected objects may exist. This preliminary boundary establishment maintains task flexibility within safe zones while preventing collision risks in unauthorized zones.
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
Enables efficient and autonomous operation of robotic devices by preventing unwanted transitions between areas without the need for physical barriers, ensuring complete task completion within specified work areas before moving on.
Implementation Method 1
transmitting, with at least one transmitter of the robot, a first signal; receiving, with a first receiver and a second receiver of a device, the first signal
Data Source
AI summary
Methods for detecting an alignment of a robot with a virtual line, including: transmitting, with at least one transmitter of the robot, a first signal; receiving, with a first receiver and a second receiver of a device, the first signal; detecting, with the device, that the robot is aligned with the virtual line when the first receiver and the second receiver of the device simultaneously receive the first signal; transmitting, with at least one transmitter of the device, a second signal indicating that the robot is aligned with the virtual line; receiving, with at least one receiver of the robot, the second signal; actuating, with a processor of the robot, the robot to execute a movement upon receiving the second signal; and marking, with the processor of the robot, the location of the device in a map of an environment of the robot.