Boundary Wire Waveform Calibration for Loop Shape Variations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing demarcating systems using wire loops to indicate boundaries to objects face reliability issues due to variations in the length and shape of the wire loop, affecting the consistency of the electromagnetic signals received by the object.
Innovation Solution
A demarcating system with a control system, signal generator, and current sensing circuitry that adjusts voltage signals applied to the wire loop to maintain a predetermined current waveform, ensuring consistent electromagnetic boundary indicating signals despite changes in the wire loop's length and shape, through a calibration mode that determines an operating voltage waveform to generate a desired current waveform.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the wire loop length and shape are made adjustable by the user, then the system becomes more adaptable to different areas, but the reliability of the electromagnetic signal decreases due to variations in signal strength and consistency
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates current sensing circuitry that continuously monitors the current flowing through the wire loop and feeds this information back to the control system. The control system processes this feedback and dynamically adjusts the voltage signal parameters to maintain a consistent current waveform, thereby preserving signal reliability despite variations in wire loop configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system dynamically changes the parameters of the voltage signal (such as amplitude, frequency, or waveform characteristics) applied to the wire loop based on the detected current measurements. By adjusting these parameters in real-time, the system compensates for changes in wire loop length and shape, ensuring that the electromagnetic signal remains consistent and reliable.
2Reliability
If the control system dynamically adjusts voltage signals to maintain consistent current waveform, then the signal consistency improves, but the device complexity increases due to additional control circuitry and calibration requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-calibration by automatically determining the optimal voltage signal parameters that produce the desired current waveform for the specific wire loop configuration. The control system uses the current sensing circuitry to measure the actual current and iteratively adjusts the voltage parameters until the target waveform is achieved, eliminating the need for manual calibration or external intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs a calibration mode operation before normal operation, during which it pre-determines the appropriate voltage signal parameters for the given wire loop configuration. This preliminary action establishes the baseline parameters that will be used during actual boundary indication, simplifying the ongoing control operations.
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
The system ensures reliable and consistent electromagnetic signals are emitted by the wire loop, allowing accurate boundary indication to objects regardless of user adjustments, enhancing the system's reliability and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
voltage signals which cause the emission of corresponding electromagnetic boundary indicating signals from the wire loop for receipt by the receiver of the object
Data Source
AI summary
A demarcating system for indicating the boundary of an area to an object (for example a robot, such as a robotic lawnmower), which has a receiver for receiving electromagnetic signals. The system includes a control system, a wire loop, a signal generator, and current sensing circuitry. The wire loop can be arranged by a user along a path, so as to indicate the path to the object as part of a boundary of the area. The signal generator is electrically connected to the wire loop in order to apply voltage signals thereto, such signals causing the emission of corresponding electromagnetic boundary indicating signals from the wire loop that may be received by the receiver of the object. The signal generator is under the control of the control system with the voltage signals applied by the signal generator to the wire loop being controlled by the control system. The current sensing circuitry senses current signals present within the wire loop and the processors of the control system analyse such current signals. The processors of the control system are programmed to operate in a calibration mode whereby they: cause the signal generator to apply a series of test voltage waveforms to the wire loop, each of the test voltage waveforms generating a corresponding current waveform within the wire loop; and analyse the series of corresponding current waveforms, as sensed by the current sensing circuitry, so as to determine an operating voltage waveform that, when applied to the wire loop, generates a corresponding operating current waveform that is substantially the same shape as a predetermined current waveform.