System and method for establishing virtual boundaries for robotic devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robotic systems lack efficient methods to confine robotic devices within specific areas, leading to unwanted transitions and potential collisions or damage, as physical barriers are cumbersome and decrease autonomy.
Innovation Solution
A virtual boundary system using pairs of signal receivers and transmitters that emit signals to guide robotic devices to avoid specific boundaries, allowing them to operate within defined areas without physical obstructions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If physical barriers are used to confine robotic devices, then the robotic devices can be prevented from entering restricted areas, but the system complexity and device encumbrance increase substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical mechanical barriers with an electromagnetic signal-based virtual boundary system. The robotic device uses wireless communication to detect virtual boundaries defined by coordinate information, eliminating the need for physical walls or barriers while maintaining boundary enforcement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a boundary definition mechanism that uses coordinate information and wireless signals as intermediaries between the restricted area and the robotic device. Instead of direct physical contact with barriers, the robotic device receives boundary coordinate data and autonomously navigates to maintain appropriate distance from restricted zones.
2Reliability
If physical barriers are installed to prevent robotic device movement, then area restriction is achieved, but human intervention increases and autonomy decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic device autonomously determines its position relative to virtual boundaries using received coordinate information and wireless communication. The system self-regulates movement without human intervention, with the robotic device independently processing boundary data and making navigation decisions to maintain restricted area boundaries.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the robotic device continuously receives boundary coordinate information, processes its current position relative to these coordinates, and adjusts its movement accordingly. This closed-loop control enables autonomous boundary maintenance without physical barriers or human intervention.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If physical barriers are used to block robotic devices, then collision prevention is achieved, but the ease of operation and movement through the area is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical mechanical barriers with electromagnetic signal-based virtual boundaries. The robotic device detects these invisible boundaries through wireless communication and autonomously adjusts its path to prevent collisions with restricted areas, maintaining movement freedom while ensuring safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The virtual boundary system allows dynamic adjustment of boundary coordinates and restrictions without physical reconfiguration. The robotic device can freely move within permitted areas while dynamically responding to virtual boundary constraints, optimizing movement efficiency without the rigidity of physical barriers.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods for utilizing virtual boundaries with robotic devices are presented including: positioning a boundary component having a receiver pair to receive a first robotic device signal substantially simultaneously by each receiver of the receiver pair from a robotic device only when the robotic device is positioned along a virtual boundary; operating the robotic device to move automatically within an area co-located with the virtual boundary; transmitting the first robotic device signal by the robotic device; and receiving the first robotic device signal by the receiver pair thereby indicating that the robotic device is positioned along the virtual boundary.