Navigation for a robotic work tool system

Patent metadata

Field	Value
Publication number	US-2025130588-A1
Application number	US-202418924259-A
Country	US
Kind code	A1
Filing date	Oct 23, 2024
Priority date	Oct 23, 2023
Publication date	Apr 24, 2025
Grant date	—

Abstract

A method for use in a robotic work tool arranged to operate in an operational area housing a charging station, the robotic work tool comprising a navigation sensor and a memory storing a map application of the operational area, the method comprising: detecting that there has been a change in a location of the charging station, and in response thereto determining that the change is below a threshold acceptance level, and if so, automatically updating the location of the charging station in the map application of the operational area.

First claim

1 . A robotic work tool arranged to operate in an operational area housing a service station, the robotic work tool comprising a navigation sensor, a memory storing a map application of the operational area and a controller, wherein the controller is configured to
detect that there has been a change in a location of the service station, and in response thereto determine that the change is below a threshold acceptance level, and if so, updating the location of the service station in the map application of the operational area.

2 . The robotic work tool according to claim 1 , wherein the controller is further configured to determine that the accuracy of the navigation sensor used is above an accuracy threshold level, and if so update the location of the service station.

3 . The robotic work tool according to claim 1 , wherein the controller is further configured to
update a docking point for the service station in response to detecting that the location of the service station has been changed.

4 . The robotic work tool according to claim 3 , wherein the controller is further configured to
determine that the change is below a second threshold acceptance level, and if so, update the docking point for the service station in response to detecting that the location of the service station has been changed.

5 . The robotic work tool according to claim 3 , wherein the controller is further configured to
receive a confirmation of a proposed docking point and in response thereto update the docking point to the proposed docking point.

6 . The robotic work tool according to claim 5 , wherein the controller is further configured to
receive an alternative docking point from a user and in response thereto update the docking point to the alternative docking point.

7 . The robotic work tool according to claim 1 , wherein the controller is further configured to
maintain the docking point for the service station and updating a path from the docking position to the service station in response to detecting that the location of the service station has been changed.

8 . The robotic work tool according to claim 7 , wherein the controller is further configured to
update the path by indicating a direction of a new location of the service station.

9 . The robotic work tool according to claim 8 , wherein the controller is further configured to
update the path by indicating a turning point and a turning degree to the new location of the service station.

10 . The robotic work tool according to claim 1 , wherein the threshold acceptance level relates to an angle.

11 . The robotic work tool according to claim 1 , wherein the threshold acceptance level relates to a distance.

12 . The robotic work tool according to claim 1 , wherein the robotic work tool is a robotic lawnmower.

13 . The robotic work tool according to claim 1 , wherein the navigation sensor includes a deduced reckoning sensor.

14 . The robotic work tool according to claim 1 , wherein the navigation sensor includes a satellite navigation sensor.

15 . The robotic work tool according to claim 1 , wherein the navigation sensor includes a visual navigation sensor.

16 . The robotic work tool according to claim 1 , wherein the navigation sensor includes a magnetic sensor arranged to sense a magnetic field emanating from the service station.

17 . A robotic work tool system comprising the robotic work tool according to claim 1 , and a service station.

18 . The robotic work tool system according to claim 17 further comprising a server.

19 . A method for use in a robotic work tool arranged to operate in an operational area housing a service station, the robotic work tool comprising a navigation sensor and a memory storing a map application of the operational area, the method comprising:
detecting that there has been a change in a location of the service station, and in response thereto determining that the change is below a threshold acceptance level, and if so, automatically updating the location of the service station in the map application of the operational area.

Assignees

• Husqvarna Ab

Inventors

• Svensson Tommy
• Martensson Anton
• Hellsin Beppe
• Blom Robert
• Gazrawi Sarkan

Classifications

• G05D1/661 Primary

  Docking at a base station (delivering or retrieving payloads G05D1/667) · CPC title

• G05D1/648

  Performing a task within a working area or space, e.g. cleaning · CPC title

• G05D1/248

  generated by satellites, e.g. GPS · CPC title

• G05D1/246

  using environment maps, e.g. simultaneous localisation and mapping [SLAM] · CPC title

• A01D34/008 Primary

  for automated or remotely controlled operation · CPC title