Robotic mower navigation system

摘要

A robotic mower navigation system includes a plurality of sensors on a robotic mower that detect strength and polarity of a magnetic field from an electric current through a boundary wire. An electronic control unit receives data concerning the magnetic field from the plurality of sensors as the robotic mower follows the boundary wire, tracks the data provided by the sensors, compares the data with a reference pattern that defines at least one specified feature of the boundary wire, and provides commands to the robotic mower based on the comparison. The electronic control unit may command the robotic mower to follow a second boundary wire to a remotely located charging station instead of the first boundary wire based on detected features of the boundary wire such as sharp corners or crossings.

主权项

1. A robotic mower navigation system, comprising: a robotic mower having a plurality of sensors that detect strength and polarity of a magnetic field from an electric current through a boundary wire; and an electronic control unit receiving data concerning the magnetic field from the plurality of sensors as the robotic mower follows the boundary wire, determining if the data shows an abrupt change in polarity and signal strength along the boundary wire indicating a specified geometric feature of the boundary wire, tracking the data for a sequence of the specified geometric features, comparing the data with a plurality of reference patterns that define location along the boundary wire, and providing a command to the robotic mower based on the comparison.