System and Method for Signal Reception for a Robotic Work Tool

Abstract

A robotic work tool system (200) comprising a robotic work tool (100) comprising at least one body part (140, 140-1, 140-2, 140-3) and at least one navigation sensor (170, 175) being configured to receive a control signal (225, 235), wherein at least one of the at least one navigation sensor (170, 175) is arranged on the at least one body part (140, 140-1, 140-2, 140-3). The robotic work tool (100) being configured to determine that said control signal (225, 235) is not reliably received and in response thereto rotate at least one of the at least one body part (140, 140-1, 140-2, 140-3) comprising at least one of the at least one navigation sensor (170, 175) in a first direction to attempt to regain reliable reception of the control signal (225, 235).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

This application relates to robotic work tools and in particular to a system and a method for performing improved signal reception to be performed by a robotic work tool, such as a lawnmower.

BACKGROUND

Automated or robotic power tools such as robotic lawnmowers are becoming increasingly more popular. In a typical deployment a work area, such as a garden, is enclosed by a boundary cable with the purpose of keeping the robotic lawnmower inside the work area.

Additionally or alternatively, the robotic work tool may be arranged to navigate using one or more beacons, such as Ultra Wide Band beacons, or optical beacons.

The robotic work tool is typically arranged with one or more sensors adapted to sense the relevant control signal. The control signal may be transmitted through the boundary cable in which case the sensor(s) is a magnetic field sensor. Alternatively or additionally, the control signal is transmitted through the beacons, in which case the sensor is a beacon receiver.

To avoid or reduce the risk of the robotic work tool escaping the intended work area, there are various safety standards issued that a robotic work tool must fulfill. Two examples of such standards for robotic lawnmowers are the International and European safety standards for robotic lawnmowers IEC 60335-2-107 and EN 50636-2-107 respectively.

According to these standards a robotic lawnmower must cease operation if a signal is lost. For robotic lawnmowers utilizing a more complex control signal, such as a CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) coded signal, the standards apply to situations when synchronization with the signal is lost.

As the safety standards indicate that if the control signal is lost, the robotic lawnmower is not allowed to continue its movement and must turn off the grass cutting device.

As a consequence, the robotic lawnmower may get stuck in that position requiring an operator to approach the robotic lawnmower and manually reset the robotic lawnmower. This is of course annoying to a user and will decrease the efficiency of the robotic lawnmower.

Thus, there is a need for improved reception of the control signal for a robotic work tool, such as a robotic lawnmower.

SUMMARY

As will be disclosed in detail in the detailed description, the inventors have realized that a robotic work tool may lose the control signal even though the signal is being transmitted as intended. As work areas may be of different shapes and robotic work tools are usually arranged to operate in a semi-random manner, there may be situations where the robotic work tool has maneuvered into a position where the signal (or synchronization to the signal) is lost. The risk of this happening is increased in that work areas, such as gardens, often constitute dynamic work environment in that people or animals may occupy the work area simultaneous, whereby the robotic work tool may be pushed or other influenced into such a position. This may occur if the robotic work tool is positioned in such a manner that in that position, the signal may not be reliable received or retained. One such example situation is when all sensors are in a polarity reversal area just above a cable, such as a boundary cable, through which an electric current, such as a control signal, passes generating an magnetic field having a positive polarity on one side of the cable, and a negative polarity on the other side of the cable. Another such example is if a beacon signal is blocked by an obstacle.

It is therefore an object of the teachings of this application to overcome or at least reduce those problems by providing a robotic work tool system comprising a robotic work tool comprising at least one body part and at least one navigation sensor being configured to receive a control signal, wherein at least one of the at least one navigation sensor is arranged on the at least one body part, the robotic work tool being configured to determine that said control signal is not reliably received and in response thereto rotate at least one of the at least one body part comprising at least one of the at least one navigation sensor in a first direction to attempt to regain reliable reception of the control signal.

In one embodiment the robotic work tool is a robotic lawnmower.

It is also an object of the teachings of this application to overcome the problems by providing a method for use in a robotic work tool system comprising a robotic work tool comprising at least one body part and at least one navigation sensor being configured to receive a control signal, wherein at least one of the at least one navigation sensor is arranged on the at least one body part, the method comprising determining that said control signal is not reliably received and in response thereto rotating at least one of the at least one body part comprising at least one of the at least one navigation sensor in a first direction to attempt to regain reliable reception of the control signal.

It is also an object of the teachings of this application to overcome or at least reduce those problems by providing a robotic work tool system comprising a robotic work tool comprising at least one body part comprising a first body part and a second body part, the first body part comprising at least one navigation sensor being configured to receive a control signal, wherein at least one of the at least one navigation sensor is arranged on the at least one body part, the robotic work tool being configured to determine that said control signal is not reliably received and in response thereto move the first body part comprising the at least one of the at least one navigation sensor in relation to the second body part in a first direction to attempt to regain reliable reception of the control signal.

It is also an object of the teachings of this application to overcome the problems by providing a method for use in a robotic work tool system comprising a robotic work tool comprising at least one body part comprising a first body part and a second body part, the first body part comprising at least one navigation sensor being configured to receive a control signal, wherein at least one of the at least one navigation sensor is arranged on the at least one body part, the method comprising determining that said control signal is not reliably received and in response thereto moving the first body part comprising the at least one of the at least one navigation sensor in relation to the second body part in a first direction to attempt to regain reliable reception of the control signal.

Other features and advantages of the disclosed embodiments will appear from the following detailed disclosure, from the attached dependent claims as well as from the drawings. Generally, all terms used in the claims are to be interpreted according to their ordinary meaning in the technical field, unless explicitly defined otherwise herein. All references to “a/an/the [element, device, component, means, step, etc]” are to be interpreted openly as referring to at least one instance of the element, device, component, means, step, etc., unless explicitly stated otherwise. The steps of any method disclosed herein do not have to be performed in the exact order disclosed, unless explicitly stated.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be described in further detail under reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1A shows an example of a robotic lawnmower according to one embodiment of the teachings herein;

FIG. 1B shows a schematic view of the components of an example of a robotic work tool being a robotic lawnmower according to an example embodiment of the teachings herein;

FIG. 1C shows a schematic view of the components of an example of a robotic work tool being a robotic lawnmower according to an example embodiment of the teachings herein;

FIG. 2 shows an example of a robotic work tool system being a robotic lawnmower system according to an example embodiment of the teachings herein;

FIG. 3 shows a schematic view of a cable and a magnetic field and how the direction of the magnetic field depends on the direction of a signal as it is transmitted through the cable;

FIG. 4 shows a graph of the amplitude of the magnetic field as it depends on the distance to the cable;

FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C each shows a schematic view of a robotic work tool being a robotic lawnmower in an example problem solution according to an example embodiment of the teachings herein;

FIGS. 6A, 6B and 6C each shows a schematic view of a robotic work tool being a robotic lawnmower overcoming an example problem solution according to an example embodiment of the teachings herein;

FIG. 7 shows a schematic view of a robotic work tool being a robotic lawnmower for determining a manner of maneuvering according to an example embodiment of the teachings herein; and

FIG. 8 shows a corresponding flowchart for a method according to an example embodiment of the teachings herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The disclosed embodiments will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which certain embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Like reference numbers refer to like elements throughout.

It should be noted that even though the description given herein will be focused on robotic lawnmowers, the teachings herein may also be applied to, robotic ball collectors, robotic mine sweepers, robotic farming equipment, or other robotic work tools where lift detection is used and where the robotic work tool is susceptible to dust, dirt or other debris.

FIG. 1A shows a perspective view of a robotic working tool 100, here exemplified by a robotic lawnmower 100, having a body 140 and a plurality of wheels 130 (only one shown). The robotic lawnmower 100 may comprise charging skids for contacting contact plates (not shown in FIG. 1) when docking into a charging station (not shown in FIG. 1, but referenced 210 in FIG. 2) for receiving a charging current through, and possibly also for transferring information by means of electrical communication between the charging station and the robotic lawnmower 100.

FIG. 1B shows a schematic overview of the robotic working tool 100, also exemplified here by a robotic lawnmower 100. In this example the robotic lawnmower 100 is of an articulated or multi-chassis design, having a main or first body part 140-1 and a trailing or second body part 140-2. The two parts are connected by a joint part 140-3. The robotic lawnmower 100 also has plurality of wheels 130. In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1B the robotic lawnmower 100 has four wheels 130. The main body 140-1 is arranged with two front wheels 130-1 and the trailing body 140-2 is arranged with two rear wheels 130-2. At least some of the wheels 130 are drivably connected to at least one electric motor 150. It should be noted that even if the description herein is focused on electric motors, combustion engines may alternatively be used, possibly in combination with an electric motor. In the example of FIG. 1B, each of the front wheels 130-1 is connected to a respective electric motor 150. This allows for driving the wheels 130-1 independently of one another which, for example, enables steep turning.

In one embodiment, the wheels 130-2 of the trailing body part 140-2 are uncontrolled or free, wherein the trailing body part 140-2 may be rotated relative the main body part 140-1 through an actuator or rotator 145 in the joint part 140-3. The rotator 145 is in one embodiment comprised of a motor and a gearing system.

In one embodiment, the wheels 130-2 of the trailing body part 140-2 are controlled (for example through a motor), wherein the trailing body part 140-2 may be rotated relative the main body part 140-1 through controlling the wheels 130-2 of the trailing part 140-2.

These are merely two examples of how one body part may be rotated. However, many different variations exist for enabling one body part to rotate relative another body part as a skilled person would realize.

In one embodiment, the joint part 140-3 and/or the trailing part 140-2 is arranged with an angle determining unit 147 for determining the angle between the main part 140-1 and the trailing part 140-2.

In the example embodiment shown in FIG. 1B, the rotator 145 and the unit 147 are shown as arranged in the joint part 140-3 for rotating (and determining an angle for) the trailing part 140-2 relative the joint part 140-3. It should be noted that the rotator 145 and the unit 147 may alternatively or additionally (for a double jointed embodiment) be arranged for rotating (and determining an angle for) the main part 140-1 relative the joint part 140-3.

FIG. 1C shows a schematic overview of the robotic working tool 100, also exemplified here by a robotic lawnmower 100. In this example embodiment the robotic lawnmower 100 is of a mono-chassis type, having a main body part 140. The main body part 140 substantially houses all components of the robotic lawnmower 100. The robotic lawnmower 100 has a plurality of wheels 130. In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1B the robotic lawnmower 100 has four wheels 130, two front wheels and two rear wheels. At least some of the wheels 130 are drivably connected to at least one electric motor 150. It should be noted that even if the description herein is focused on electric motors, combustion engines may alternatively be used, possibly in combination with an electric motor. In the example of FIG. 1B, each of the wheels 130 is connected to a respective electric motor. This allows for driving the wheels 130 independently of one another which, for example, enables steep turning and rotating around a geometrical center for the robotic lawnmower 100. It should be noted though that not all wheels need be connected to each a motor, but the robotic lawnmower 100 may be arranged to be navigated in different manners, for example by sharing one or several motors 150. In an embodiment where motors are shared, a gearing system may be used for providing the power to the respective wheels and for rotating the wheels in different directions. In some embodiments, one or several wheels may be uncontrolled and thus simply react to the movement of the robotic lawnmower 100.

In the following components common to the embodiments of FIGS. 1B and 1C will be described with simultaneous reference to FIGS. 1B and 1C.

The robotic lawnmower 100 also comprises a grass cutting device 160, such as a rotating blade 160 driven by a cutter motor 165. The grass cutting device being an example of a work tool 160 for a robotic work tool 100. The robotic lawnmower 100 also has (at least) one battery 155 for providing power to the motors 150 and/or the cutter motor 165.

The robotic lawnmower 100 also comprises a controller 110 and a computer readable storage medium or memory 120. The controller 110 may be implemented using instructions that enable hardware functionality, for example, by using executable computer program instructions in a general-purpose or special-purpose processor that may be stored on the memory 120 to be executed by such a processor. The controller 110 is configured to read instructions from the memory 120 and execute these instructions to control the operation of the robotic lawnmower 100 including, but not being limited to, the propulsion of the robotic lawnmower. The controller 110 may be implemented using any suitable, available processor or Programmable Logic Circuit (PLC). The memory 120 may be implemented using any commonly known technology for computer-readable memories such as ROM, RAM, SRAM, DRAM, FLASH, DDR, SDRAM or some other memory technology.

The robotic lawnmower 100 may further be arranged with a wireless communication interface 115 for communicating with other devices, such as a server, a personal computer or smartphone, or the charging station. Examples of such wireless communication devices are Bluetooth®, Global System Mobile (GSM) and LTE (Long Term Evolution), to name a few.

For enabling the robotic lawnmower 100 to navigate with reference to a boundary cable emitting a magnetic field caused by a control signal transmitted through the boundary cable, the robotic lawnmower 100 may be further configured to have at least one magnetic field sensor 170 arranged to detect the magnetic field (not shown) and for detecting the boundary cable and/or for receiving (and possibly also sending) information from a signal generator (will be discussed with reference to FIG. 2). In some embodiments, the sensors 170 may be connected to the controller 110, and the controller 110 may be configured to process and evaluate any signals received from the sensors 170. The sensor signals are caused by the magnetic field being generated by the control signal being transmitted through the boundary cable. This enables the controller 110 to determine whether the robotic lawnmower 100 is close to or crossing the boundary cable, or inside or outside an area enclosed by the boundary cable.

It should be noted that the magnetic field sensor(s) 170 as well as the boundary cable (referenced 230 in FIG. 2) and any signal generator(s) (referenced 215 in FIG. 2) are optional. The boundary cable may alternatively be used as the main and only perimeter marker. The boundary cable may alternatively simply be used as an additional safety measure. The boundary cable may alternatively be used as the main perimeter marker and other navigation sensors (see below) are used for more detailed or advanced operation.

In one embodiment, the robotic lawnmower 100 may further comprise at least one beacon receiver or beacon navigation sensor 175. The beacon receiver may be a Radio Frequency receiver, such as an Ultra Wide Band (UWB) receiver or sensor, configured to receive signals from a Radio Frequency beacon, such as a UWB beacon. The beacon receiver may be an optical receiver configured to receive signals from an optical beacon.

The magnetic field sensor 170 and the beacon sensor 175 are both examples of navigation sensors for receiving or sensing a control signal.

In one embodiment the beacon navigation sensor 175 is a satellite navigation sensor, such as a GPS receiver (Global Positioning System), the satellite taking the role of the beacon.

FIG. 2 shows a schematic view of a robotic working tool system 200 in one embodiment. The schematic view is not to scale. The robotic working tool system 200 comprises a charging station 210 having a signal generator 215 and a robotic working tool 100. As with FIGS. 1A, 1B and 1C, the robotic working tool is exemplified by a robotic lawnmower, whereby the robotic work tool system may be a robotic lawnmower system or a system comprising a combinations of robotic work tools, one being a robotic lawnmower, but the teachings herein may also be applied to other robotic working tools adapted to operate within a work area.

The robotic working tool system 220 may also comprise a boundary cable 230 arranged to enclose a work area 205, in which the robotic lawnmower 100 is supposed to serve. A control signal 235 is transmitted through the boundary cable 230 causing a magnetic field (not shown) to be emitted.

In one embodiment the control signal 235 is a sinusoid periodic current signal. In one embodiment the control signal 235 is a pulsed current signal comprising a periodic train of pulses. In one embodiment the control signal 235 is a coded signal, such as a CDMA signal.

For the purpose of this application a signal will be considered to be lost when the magnetic field caused by the control signal can no longer be sensed by the robotic work tool's sensor(s) 170 or when synchronization to the signal cannot be achieved. The control signal may not be completely lost, but if it cannot be received reliably, such that a synchronization can be achieved or that it is indistinguishable from noise, other signals or interference, it is considered lost for practical purposes. The control signal may also be regarded to be lost if it is not possible to reliably detect it due to internal interference (for example caused by the electric motors), interference caused by metallic object in the ground or other surroundings.

The robotic working tool system 220 may also optionally comprise at least one beacon 220 to enable the robotic lawnmower to navigate the work area using the beacon navigation sensor(s) 175.

The work area 205 is in this application exemplified as a garden, but can also be other work areas as would be understood. The garden contains a number of obstacles (O), exemplified herein by a number (3) of trees (T) and a house structure (H). The trees are marked both with respect to their trunks (filled lines) and the extension of their foliage (dashed lines).

As an electrical signal that varies in time is transmitted through a cable, such as the control signal 235 being transmitted through the boundary cable 230, a magnetic field is generated. The amplitude of the magnetic field is proportional to the amplitude of the control signal and how quickly the electrical signal varies. A large variation (fast and/or of great magnitude) results in a high amplitude for the magnetic field. The polarity of the magnetic field depends on the direction of the control signal. FIG. 3 shows a schematic view of a cable C and a magnetic field M and how the direction of the magnetic field M depends on the direction of the control signal as it is transmitted through the cable C. In the upper side of FIG. 3, the control signal is transmitted through the cable C out of the figure (towards the viewer). In the lower side of FIG. 3, the control signal is transmitted through the cable C into the figure (away from the viewer). The resulting magnetic field is directed anti-clock wise in the upper side of FIG. 3, and clock wise in the lower side of FIG. 3.

This means that the polarity of the magnetic field M will differ depending on which side of the cable C an observer or sensor is. For example, a sensor 171′ measuring the vertical component of the magnetic field on the left side of the cable C in the upper side of the figure will sense a magnetic field M having a negative polarity, whereas a sensor 170″ on the right side of the cable C in the upper part of FIG. 3, will sense the same magnetic field M but as having a positive polarity. This polarity change enables a robotic lawnmower to determine which side of the cable C the sensor 170 is.

FIG. 4 shows a graph of the amplitude of the magnetic field M (measured in the unit Henry H) as it depends on the distance (D) to the cable. As a magnetic field sensor comes close to the center of the cable, the vertical component of the magnetic field will make a polarity shift, which results in an abrupt change in amplitude of the magnetic signal M. Close to the boundary cable, the magnetic field will thus be close to zero (0) H and thus be difficult to detect, at least to reliably detect. This area is referred to as the polarity reversal area, indicated S in FIG. 4.

As has been noted in the above, the problem of “temporarily” losing a signal is different and depends on the type of sensor used. The problem of losing or not being able to reliably detect the magnetic field in the polarity reversal area is as such not the only example of a situation where the control signal may be lost and regained utilizing the teachings of this application.

A problem solution that may arise according to the realization of the inventors will be discussed in relation to FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C. The number of sensors given in each figure and the placement of the sensors are only one example out of many and should not be construed to be limiting.

FIG. 5A shows a schematic view of an example embodiment of a robotic work tool in relation to a boundary wire 230. The robotic work tool 100 in this example is a multi-chassis robotic lawnmower 100, adapted according to the teachings herein, such as the one in FIGS. 1A and 1B. As can be seen in FIG. 5A, all the robotic lawnmower's magnetic field sensors 170 are in close proximity to the boundary cable. All sensors 170 are thus in the so-called polarity reversal area where a signal may not be reliably received or sensed. This applies to both the sensors 170-1 in the main part 140-1 and the sensors 170-2 in the trailing part 140-2.

FIG. 5B shows a schematic view of an example embodiment of a robotic work tool in relation to a boundary wire 230. The robotic work tool 100 in this example is a mono-chassis robotic lawnmower 100, adapted according to the teachings herein, such as the one in FIGS. 1A and 1C. As can be seen in FIG. 5B, all the robotic lawnmower's magnetic field sensors 170 are in close proximity to the boundary cable 230. All sensors 170 are thus in the so-called polarity reversal area where a signal may not be reliably received or sensed.

FIG. 5C shows a schematic view of an example embodiment of a robotic work tool in relation to a beacon 220. The robotic work tool 100 in this example is a mono-chassis robotic lawnmower 100, adapted according to the teachings herein, such as the one in FIGS. 1A and 1C, however, the teachings in relation to this example applies equally to a multi-chassis robotic lawnmower as in FIG. 1B. As an alternative or an additional (supplemental) navigation sensor, the robotic lawnmower 100 of FIG. 5C is arranged with a beacon navigation sensor 175. Even though only the beacon navigation sensor 175 is shown in FIG. 5C, the robotic lawnmower 100 may additionally be arranged with magnetic navigation sensors as in FIG. 5A or 5B. As can be seen in FIG. 5C, the beacon signal 225 (indicated by the dashed straight arrow) from the beacon 220 is blocked by an obstacle O. The robotic lawnmower 100 is thus—in this example—not able to receive the control signal 225 reliably and the control signal is deemed to be lost.

The three FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C illustrates different problem situations where a control signal (235, 225) is lost or note reliably received, i.e. the robotic lawnmower has failed in retaining the signal. As a consequence of not being able to receive (or synchronize to) a signal reliably, the robotic lawnmower 100 will determine that the control signal is lost, and then cease its operation by halting its movement and turning of the grass cutter 160 according to the requirements of the safety standard(s).

The situations of FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C are handled and may be solved and offer a reliable signal reception in similar manners as will be discussed in relation to FIGS. 6A, 6B and 6C below.

The inventors have realized that the meaning of the safety standards is to protect against unwanted damage caused by the robotic lawnmower escaping the work area while operational and therefore mandates that the robotic lawnmower stop moving as in propelling across the work area and deactivate the grass cutter. However, the inventors have realized that in this context to stop moving means to cease all traversing movements and especially to stop moving the grass cutter in addition to deactivating the cutter blades. A rotation, especially one that does not substantially shift the center of the grass cutter, would not go against the spirit of the safety standards. The inventors are therefore providing a robotic lawnmower 100 that in order to retain the control signal rotates at least one body part carrying a sensor 170/175. By rotating a body part carrying a sensor 170/175, the sensor will effectively be moved to another position, without moving the position of the grass cutter, and may regain and retain the control signal 225/235. Especially for a magnetic field sensor, a small movement may be sufficient to regain the control signal as the polarity reversal area is of a size measuring a few centimeters, usually 1-15 cm depending on many factors such as signal strength, depth of the cable, composition of the soil and various other factors.

FIG. 6A shows a schematic view of an example embodiment of a robotic work tool 100 in relation to a boundary wire 230, wherein the robotic lawnmower 100 has overcome the problem situation in FIG. 5A. As the robotic lawnmower 100 determines that the control signal (235) emanating from the boundary cable 230 is lost, the robotic lawnmower 100 rotates the trailing part 140-2. As the trailing part is rotated, the robotic lawnmower 100 is configured to stop propelling itself across the work area and/or at least discontinue all translative movement of the grass cutter 160. As the grass cutter 160 is located in the main part 140-1, the grass cutter is not moved, even if the trailing part is rotated, the robotic lawnmower 100 thereby adhering to the safety standards. The robotic lawnmower 100 may refrain from propelling itself in a translatory manner across the work area until the control signal reception is once again deemed reliable.

In the left side of FIG. 6A, the trailing part 140-2 has been rotated clockwise, whereby at least one sensor 170-2 (indicated by the arrow) is at larger distance from the boundary wire and thus probably out of the polarity reversal area. In the right side of FIG. 6A, the trailing part 140-2 has been rotated anti clockwise, whereby at least one sensor 170-2 (indicated by the arrow) is at larger distance from the boundary wire and thus probably out of the polarity reversal area.

It should be noted that even though the example shows rotating the trailing part 140-2, in one embodiment the main part 140-1 may also be arranged to be rotated, provided the center of the grass cutter is not substantially moved. The robotic lawnmower 100 is thus configured to stop and/or at least discontinue all translative movement of the grass cutter 160 and only rotate the grass cutter 160 and thereby adheres to the safety standards. As a sensor is moved out of the polarity reversal area, the signal may be regained and retained by the robotic lawnmower which may continue its operation without manual supervision.

The robotic lawnmower 100 may rotate the trailing part 140-2 utilizing the rotator 145 and/or by controlling the wheels 130-2 of the trailing part 140-2 depending on the embodiment of the robotic lawnmower 100.

In one embodiment the trailing part 140-2 is rotated by rotating around a movable connection between the trailing part 140-2 and the joining part 140-3.

In one embodiment the trailing part 140-2 is rotated or moved by rotating or moving around a movable connection between the main part 140-1 and the joining part 140-3. In such an embodiment, the trailing part may be moved in relation to the main part. As the trailing part 140-2 does not carry a grass cutter, the trailing part may be moved in any pattern, i.e. be rotated or subjected to a translative movement, without breaking the safety standards.

FIG. 6B shows a schematic view of an example embodiment of a robotic work tool 100 in relation to a boundary wire 230, wherein the robotic lawnmower 100 has overcome the problem situation in FIG. 5B. As the robotic lawnmower 100 determines that the control signal (235) emanating from the boundary cable 230 is lost, the robotic lawnmower 100 stops and then rotates the body 140. As the grass cutter 160 is located substantially in or at least close to the center of the body 140, the grass cutter 160 is not shifted (substantially), only rotated. The robotic lawnmower 100 is thus configured to stop and/or at least discontinue all translative movement of the grass cutter 160 and then only rotate the body around the grass cutter 160 and thereby adheres to the safety standards.

In the left side of FIG. 6B, the body 140 has been rotated clockwise, whereby at least one sensor 170 (indicated by the arrow) is at larger distance from the boundary wire and thus probably out of the polarity reversal area. In the right side of FIG. 6B, the body 140 has been rotated anti clockwise, whereby at least one sensor 170 (indicated by the arrow) is at larger distance from the boundary wire and thus probably out of the polarity reversal area. As a sensor is moved out of the polarity reversal area, the signal may be regained and retained by the robotic lawnmower which may continue its operation without manual supervision.

The robotic lawnmower 100 may rotate the body 140 by controlling one or more of the wheels 130.

FIG. 6C shows a schematic view of an example embodiment of a robotic work tool 100 in relation to a beacon 220, wherein the robotic lawnmower 100 has overcome the problem situation in FIG. 5C. As the robotic lawnmower 100 determines that the control signal (225) emanating from the beacon 220 is lost, the robotic lawnmower 100 rotates the body 140. As the grass cutter 160 is located substantially in or at least close to the center of the body 140, the grass cutter 160 is not shifted (substantially), only rotated. The robotic lawnmower 100 thereby adheres to the safety standards.

In the left side of FIG. 6C, the body 140 has been rotated clockwise, whereby at least one sensor 175 (indicated by the arrow) is no longer blocked by the obstacle O. In the right side of FIG. 6B, the body 140 has been rotated anti clockwise, whereby at least one sensor 175 (indicated by the arrow) is no longer blocked by the obstacle. As a sensor is no longer blocked by the obstacle O, the signal 225 may be regained and retained by the robotic lawnmower 100 which may continue its operation without manual supervision.

As for the robotic lawnmower of FIG. 5C, the teachings relating to FIG. 6C apply also to multi-chassis robotic lawnmowers, rotating the trailing part 140-2 instead of the body 140.

The robotic lawnmower 100 may rotate the trailing part 140-2 utilizing the rotator 145 and/or by controlling the wheels 130-2 of the trailing part 140-2 or alternatively the robotic lawnmower 100 may rotate the body 140 by controlling one or more of the wheels 130 depending on the embodiment of the robotic lawnmower 100.

The FIGS. 6A, 6B and 6C shows that the robotic lawnmower 100 may be able to rotate in more than one direction to attempt regain reliable reception of the control signal. In one embodiment, the robotic lawnmower is configured to rotate in a first direction to attempt regain reliable reception of the control signal. If the control signal is not successfully regained within a time period and/or an angle of rotation, the robotic lawnmower may be arranged to rotate in a second direction to attempt regain reliable reception of the control signal.

In one embodiment, the robotic lawnmower is arranged to wait a time period before rotating to enable internal interference to die off.

Either time period is in one embodiment 5, 10 or 15 seconds. The time period is in one embodiment 1-5, 5-10, 10-15, or 1-20 seconds

The rotation angle is in one embodiment 15, 20 or 25 degrees. The rotation angle is in one embodiment 1-15, 15-20, 20-25, or 1-30 degrees.

If the control signal is not successfully regained, the robotic lawnmower 100 may reattempt the rotation and increasing the time period for rotating and/or the angle of rotation.

The time period is in one embodiment increased by 1-5, 5-10 or 10-15 seconds.

The rotation angle is in one embodiment increased by 1-15, 15-20 or 20-25 degrees.

The reattempt may be in the first direction and/or in the second direction. In one embodiment the first direction is clock wise. In one embodiment the first direction is anti-clock wise. In one embodiment, the second direction is a direction opposite the first direction.

For a robotic lawnmower having several body parts that are movable relative one another, the robotic lawnmower 100 is, in one embodiment, configured to reattempt to regain the control signal by rotating a different body part than the one first rotated. The number of body parts that can be rotated, depends on the driving mechanism of the robotic lawnmower, and in particular for the body part. In one embodiment a rotator, such as the rotator 145 is needed to rotate a body part. In another or additional embodiment at least one wheel is driven in such a manner as the body part is rotated. A rotation may for example be achieved by driving opposing wheels in opposite directions.

In one embodiment the first direction is selected based on a current angle of the body part relative a maximum angle. For example if the current angle is close to a maximum angle, the robotic lawnmower 100 selects the first direction to be away from the maximum angle. One such example is when the trailing part is almost rotated as much s possible in one direction, whereby the robotic lawnmower selects to rotate the trailing part in the other direction.

In one direction the robotic lawnmower 100 selects the first direction to be in a direction which allows for the maximum rotation.

For an robotic lawnmower operating with a coded control signal (such as a CDMA signal) to which the synchronization is lost, even though the control signal itself can be sensed, the robotic lawnmower 100 is in one embodiment configured to establish the synchronization using the sensor 170/175 that regains the control signal, and communicates information regarding the synchronization to one or more of the other sensors 170/175. In one embodiment, such information regarding the synchronization comprises an indication of the timing of the synchronization. This enables also the other sensors to regain the control signal and retain it even without having to be moved also in cases where the signal may be faint. As more than one sensor may then be used, more advanced navigation of the robotic lawnmower 100 is thus enabled. This is particularly useful for navigation based on magnetic field sensors 170.

Returning to FIG. 1B showing a multi-chassis robotic lawnmower 100. In an embodiment where the robotic lawnmower 100 is arranged to determine a rotation angle of the trailing part 140-2 relative the main part 140-1 (possibly via an angle relative the joint part 140-3) using the angle determining unit 147, the robotic lawnmower 100 is further arranged to determine a first angle and based on the first angle determine a current pose of the robotic lawnmower 100, and based on the pose of the robotic lawnmower 100 determine a movement pattern for escaping the position where the sensor(s) 170 is not able to receive the control signal reliably, i.e. to remove the robotic lawnmower 100 from the boundary cable 230 without ending up in a position where the control signal is again lost. In one such embodiment, the first angle is the angle of the pose held by the robotic lawnmower 100 when the robotic lawnmower 100 lost the control signal. In this embodiment, the robotic lawnmower 100 is also configured to determine a second angle being the angle of the pose held by the robotic lawnmower 100 when the robotic lawnmower 100 the control signal is regained. By comparing the first and the second angles, the robotic lawnmower 100 is able to determine at least a portion of the boundary cable's location and/or extension. The robotic lawnmower 100 may thus determine where the polarity reversal area is and thereby determine how to manoeuvre the robotic lawnmower 100 so that the/all sensor(/s) do not end up in the polarity reversal area again, thereby enabling the robotic lawnmower to remove itself from the boundary cable.

The first and second angles are marked in FIGS. 5A and 6A and referenced ‘A’ and ‘13’ respectively.

FIG. 7 shows a schematic view of an example where the robotic lawnmower 100 is configured to determine angles for the trailing part 140-2 relative the main part 140-1 and based on this determine a manner for how to manoeuvre away from the polarity reversal area and the boundary cable 230. As part of determining the manner of maneuvering, the extent and/or location of the polarity reversal area is determined based on the angle (such as the first angle A) and the knowledge that the robotic lawnmower has about the arrangement of its sensor(s) 170.

As can be seen in the left side of FIG. 7, an estimated polarity reversal area may be determined simply on the angle A and the knowledge of the sensor arrangement. In the left side of FIG. 7, the estimation of the polarity reversal area is indicated by a centreline for the polarity reversal area referenced S.

As a second angle B is determined, it is possible to determine the extent of the polarity reversal area S (as indicated by border lines for the polarity reversal area in the right side of FIG. 7) based on the knowledge of the arrangement of the sensor(s), the second angle B and which sensor(s) that regains the control signal (indicated by the black arrows in right side of FIG. 7).

Based on the knowledge of the location and possibly also the extent of the polarity reversal area S, a manner of maneuvering away from the boundary cable 230 without all sensors ending up in the polarity reversal area again, thereby losing the signal, may be determined. As indicated in the right side of FIG. 7 by a dashed bold arrow, the robotic lawnmower 100 may reverse keeping the current angle B which will remove the robotic lawnmower 100 from the boundary cable, without at least the upper sensor referenced 170′ ending up in the polarity reversal area S. The angle B should be decreased as the robotic lawnmower 100 reverses. The exact manner of determining the manner of maneuvering depends on the capabilities of the robotic lawnmower and as there are many variations possible it is beyond the scope of the application to present details in this regard and it should be noted that a person skilled in robotic maneuvering would realize how to implement such a determination for a specific robotic lawnmower 100.

With regards to rotating the robotic lawnmower in such a manner that the grass cutter is not substantially shifted or moved, this is achieved if the center of the grass cutter 160 (coinciding with the location of the motor 165 in FIGS. 1B and 1C) substantially coincides or overlaps with the rotational center of the body part rotating. In one embodiment the center of rotation and the center of the grass cutter are said to overlap if they are within a distance ratio of one another. The distance ratio is in one embodiment based on the size of the corresponding body part. In one such embodiment the distance ratio is 5, 10 or 5-10% of the size of the body part. The distance ratio is in one embodiment based on the size of the grass cutter. In one such embodiment the distance ratio is 5, 10, 15, 20, 5-10, 10-15 or 15-20% of the size of the grass cutter.

As a skilled person would understand the center of rotation of a robotic lawnmower depends on the driving mechanism of the robotic lawnmower and will vary depending on for example location of the wheels, which wheels are driven, and how the wheels are driven with respect to one another to name a few factors.

The teaching of determining a manner of maneuvering may also be applied to a mono-chassis robotic lawnmower where the angle(s) corresponds to rotation angle(s) for the body 140. The teaching of determining the angle(s) based on the rotation of the relevant body part, may also be applied to multi-chassis robotic lawnmowers 100 not equipped with specific rotation determining units 147. In such embodiments, the rotation determining unit 147, may be seen to be a sensor for deduced reckoning thereby enabling the robotic lawnmower 100 to determine a rotation angle by for example counting wheel turns, querying a compass or an accelerometer.

FIG. 8 shows a flowchart of a general method according to the teachings herein. The robotic lawnmower 100 determining 810 that said control signal 225, 235 is not reliably received and in response thereto rotating (or moving) 820 at least one of the at least one body part 140, 140-1, 140-2, 140-3 comprising at least one of the at least one navigation sensor 170, 175 in a first direction for attempting 830 to regain reliable reception of the control signal 225, 235.

Claims

1. A robotic work tool system (200) comprising a robotic work tool (100) comprising at least one body part (140, 140-1, 140-2, 140-3) and at least one navigation sensor (170, 175) being configured to receive a control signal (225, 235), wherein at least one of the at least one navigation sensor (170, 175) is arranged on the at least one body part (140, 140-1, 140-2, 140-3), the robotic work tool (100) being configured to determine that said control signal (225, 235) is not reliably received and in response theretorotate at least one of the at least one body part (140, 140-1, 140-2, 140-3) comprising at least one of the at least one navigation sensor (170, 175) in a first direction toattempt to regain reliable reception of the control signal (225, 235).

2. The robotic work tool system according to claim 1, wherein the robotic work tool (100) is further configured to rotate the at least one of the at least one body part (140, 140-1, 140-2, 140-3) comprising at least one of the at least one navigation sensor (170, 175) in a first direction;determine that reliable reception is not regained and in response theretorotate the least one of the at least one body part (140, 140-1, 140-2, 140-3) comprising at least one of the at least one navigation sensor (170, 175) in a second direction to attempt to regain reliable reception of the control signal (225, 235).

3. The robotic work tool system according to any preceding claim, wherein the robotic work tool (100) is further configured to stop propelling itself prior to rotating the at least one body part (140, 140-1, 140-2, 140-3).

4. The robotic work tool system according to any preceding claim, wherein the robotic work tool (100) is further configured to refrain from propelling itself in a translatory manner until reliable reception of the control signal (225, 235) has been regained.

5. The robotic work tool system according to any preceding claim, wherein the robotic work tool (100) comprises a cutting device (160) and wherein the robotic lawnmower is further configured to discontinue all translative movement of the cutting device (160) prior to rotating the at least one body part (140, 140-1, 140-2, 140-3).

6. The robotic work tool system according to any preceding claim, wherein the robotic work tool (100) comprises at least a first and a second body parts (140-1, 140-2, 140-3), and wherein the robotic work tool is configured to rotate the first body part (140-1, 140-2) in relation to the second body part (140-1, 140-2).

7. The robotic work tool system according to claim 6, wherein the robotic work tool (100) is further configured to determine that reliable reception is not regained and in response theretorotate the second body part (140, 140-1, 140-2, 140-3) comprising at least one of the at least one navigation sensor (170, 175) to attempt to regain reliable reception of the control signal (225, 235).

8. The robotic work tool system (200) according to any preceding claim, wherein the robotic work tool (100) is further configured to determine that reliable reception is not regained within a time period and/or a rotation angle and in response theretorotate the one of the at least one body part (140, 140-1, 140-2, 140-3) comprising at least one of the at least one navigation sensor (170, 175) for an extended time period and/or angle to attempt to regain reliable reception of the control signal (225, 235).

9. The robotic work tool system (200) according to any preceding claim, wherein the robotic work tool (100) is further configured to determine that reliable reception is regained for one of the at least one navigation sensor (170, 175) and in response thereto communicate synchronization information to the other of the at least one navigation sensor (170, 175).

10. The robotic work tool system (200) according to any preceding claim, wherein the robotic work tool (100) is further configured to determine an angle of rotation (A,B) for at least one body part (140, 140-1, 140-2, 140-3) and based on the angle of rotation (A,B) determine a manner of maneuvering the robotic work tool (100).

11. The robotic work tool system (200) according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one of the at least one navigation sensor is a magnetic field sensor (170).

12. The robotic work tool system (200) according to preceding claim 11, wherein the robotic work tool system (200) further comprises a boundary cable (230) and a signal generator (215) for transmitting the control signal (235) through said boundary cable (230) and said control signal is not reliably received in a polarity reversal area for the boundary cable (230).

13. The robotic work tool system (200) according to claims 10 and 12, wherein the robotic work tool (100) is further configured to determine an estimate of the polarity reversal area (S) and determine the manner of maneuvering the robotic work tool (100) so that the at least one magnetic field sensor regaining the control signal does not enter the estimated polarity reversal area (S).

14. The robotic work tool system (200) according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one of the at least one navigation sensor is a beacon receiver (175) and wherein the robotic work tool system (200) further comprises a beacon (220) for transmitting the control signal (225) to said beacon receiver (175).

15. The robotic work tool system according to any preceding claim, wherein the robotic work tool (100) is a multi-chassis robotic work tool (100) and the at least one body part comprises a main part (140-1) and a trailing part (140-2).

16. The robotic work tool system (200) according to claim 15, wherein the robotic work tool (100) is further configured to rotate the trailing part (140-2) in the attempt to regain the control signal (225, 235).

17. The robotic work tool system according to any preceding claim, wherein the robotic work tool (100) is a mono-chassis robotic work tool (100) comprising a main body part (140) and wherein the robotic work tool (100) is further configured to stop and then rotate the main body part (140) in the attempt to regain the control signal (225, 235).

18. The robotic work tool system according to any preceding claim, wherein the robotic work tool is a robotic lawnmower (100).

19. A method for use in a robotic work tool system (200) comprising a robotic work tool (100) comprising at least one body part (140, 140-1, 140-2, 140-3) and at least one navigation sensor (170, 175) being configured to receive a control signal (225, 235), wherein at least one of the at least one navigation sensor (170, 175) is arranged on the at least one body part (140, 140-1, 140-2, 140-3), the method comprising determining that said control signal (225, 235) is not reliably received and in response theretorotating at least one of the at least one body part (140, 140-1, 140-2, 140-3) comprising at least one of the at least one navigation sensor (170, 175) in a first direction forattempting to regain reliable reception of the control signal (225, 235).

20. A robotic work tool system (200) comprising a robotic work tool (100) comprising at least one body part (140, 140-1, 140-2, 140-3) comprising a first body part (140, 140-1, 140-2, 140-3) and a second body part (140, 140-1, 140-2, 140-3), the first body part (140, 140-1, 140-2, 140-3) comprising at least one navigation sensor (170, 175) being configured to receive a control signal (225, 235), the robotic work tool (100) being configured to determine that said control signal (225, 235) is not reliably received and in response theretomove the first body part (140, 140-1, 140-2, 140-3) comprising the at least one of the at least one navigation sensor (170, 175) in relation to the second body part (140, 140-1, 140-2, 140-3) in a first direction toattempt to regain reliable reception of the control signal (225, 235).

21. A method for use in a robotic work tool system (200) comprising a robotic work tool (100) comprising at least one body part (140, 140-1, 140-2, 140-3) comprising a first body part (140, 140-1, 140-2, 140-3) and a second body part (140, 140-1, 140-2, 140-3), the first body part (140, 140-1, 140-2, 140-3) comprising at least one navigation sensor (170, 175) being configured to receive a control signal (225, 235), the method comprising determining that said control signal (225, 235) is not reliably received and in response theretomoving the first body part (140, 140-1, 140-2, 140-3) comprising the at least one of the at least one navigation sensor (170, 175) in relation to the second body part (140, 140-1, 140-2, 140-3) in a first direction toattempting to regain reliable reception of the control signal (225, 235).