Virtual Working Area Mapping for Wire-Free Robot Lawnmowers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current self-driving mobile devices, such as robot lawnmowers, require perimeter wires to define working areas, which is a complex and unwanted operation, especially for large or complex geometries, and existing technologies have not overcome the need for these wires despite advancements in satellite navigation.
Innovation Solution
A mapping method that uses GPS and other satellite navigation systems, combined with on-board sensors and control units, to define and maintain the working area boundaries without the need for perimeter wires, allowing the device to operate safely and efficiently within predetermined tolerances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If perimeter wire is installed to define working area boundaries, then safety compliance is improved, but installation complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the perimeter wire component from the system. Instead of using physical wires to define boundaries, the solution uses virtual boundaries created through satellite navigation systems and on-board sensors to detect and respond to boundary conditions, thereby removing the installation complexity while maintaining safety compliance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical perimeter wire system with an electronic and software-based solution. Satellite navigation receivers and on-board sensors substitute for the physical wire detection mechanism, using electromagnetic signals and computational algorithms to achieve boundary detection and safety compliance without mechanical installation
2Manufacturing precision
If perimeter wire is used to define working area, then boundary accuracy is improved, but installation effort increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary boundary definition through software configuration and satellite navigation system setup before operation begins. The virtual boundaries are pre-established through coordinate input and digital mapping, eliminating the need for time-consuming physical wire installation while maintaining precise boundary accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the mechanical wire-laying process with electronic boundary definition using satellite navigation coordinates. The boundary accuracy is achieved through precise GPS/GLONASS positioning and digital coordinate input, replacing the manual wire installation process entirely
3Ease of manufacture
If satellite navigation is used for position detection, then installation simplicity is improved, but position precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges satellite navigation position detection with on-board sensor data (odometry, gyroscopes, and other position sensors) to create a hybrid positioning system. This combination compensates for the limited precision of satellite navigation alone while maintaining the installation simplicity of the satellite-based approach
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces on-board sensors and computational algorithms as intermediaries between the satellite navigation system and the boundary detection function. These intermediaries process and refine the satellite position data, enhancing precision without adding physical infrastructure
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 self-driving mobile devices to comply with safety regulations by accurately defining and maintaining working area boundaries, reducing the complexity of installation and operation, and ensuring safe operation with potentially dangerous payloads without the need for perimeter wires.
Implementation Method 1
uses GPS and other satellite navigation systems
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for mapping a working area (1) of a mobile device (2). At least one contour (10) delimiting the working area (1) is defined. At least one first region (11) and a second region (12) are obtained from the working area (1), by defining in the working area (1) at least one first boundary (21) marking out the first region (11) and the second region (12). A first tolerance threshold and a second tolerance threshold are assigned to the first region (11) and to the second region (12) respectively, the second tolerance threshold being different from the first tolerance threshold. The present invention relates to a method for operating a mobile device (2) in the working area (1). The position of the mobile device (2) in said working area (1) and the uncertainty in position of the mobile device (2) are detected and/or estimated. The region of the working area (1) wherein the mobile device (2) is positioned is identified. If the first region (11) is identified to be the region wherein the mobile device (2) is positioned, the uncertainty in the detected and/or estimated position of the mobile device (2) is compared with the first tolerance threshold. If the uncertainty in the detected and/or estimated position of the mobile device (2) is greater than the first tolerance threshold, the uncertainty in the detected and/or estimated position of the mobile device (2) is compared with the second tolerance threshold. Preferably, the mobile device (2) is suitable for the maintenance of land, in particular for the lawnmowing.