PATH RECORDING AND NAVIGATION

• US 20130238130A1
• Filed: 08/18/2012
• Published: 09/12/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 03/06/2012
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Travis Dorschel
• Original Assignee: Travis Dorschel
• Inventors: Dorschel, Travis
• Granted Patent: US 9,594,380 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 700/259
• CPC Class Codes: A01D 34/008 for automated or remotely controlled operation
• CPC Class Codes: G05D 1/0221 involving a learning process
• CPC Class Codes: G05D 1/0246 using a video camera in combination with image processing means
• CPC Class Codes: G05D 1/0274 using mapping information stored in a memory device navigation using map-matching G01C21/30

Abstract

The instant application discloses, among other things, path recording and automatic navigation that may be applicable to various applications, including, but not limited to, lawn mowing.

Claims

1. A system, comprising:

a processor;

a memory coupled to the processor;

a camera coupled to the processor;

an image recognition component, configured to recognize images obtained from the camera;

the images containing at least one environmental feature;

a location determining component, configured to determine a location relative to recognized images;

a navigation path storage component, configured to store a navigation path based upon an order of determined locations and associated recognized images; and

an action tracking component, configured to an action associated with the determined location.

2. The system of claim 1, further comprising:

a motor;

a playback component, configured to control the motor to reproduce the stored navigation path.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the camera comprises an omnidirectional camera.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the camera comprises a wide angle lens.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the system comprises a factory robot.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the system comprises a lawnmower.

7. The system of claim 6, further comprising an activity selected from a group comprising engaging a cutting blade, disengaging a cutting blade, changing the cutting height of a cutting blade, beginning to distribute fertilizer, ceasing a distribution of fertilizer, beginning to water an area, and ending a watering of an area.

8. A method, comprising:

receiving an image;

comparing the image to previously stored images to identify a location;

adjusting an input on at least one motor driving a means of propulsion to move the device along a previously determined path.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the image is received from a camera.

10. The method of claim 8, wherein the identifying a location comprises using at least one environmental feature.

11. The method of claim 8, wherein the means of propulsion comprises a wheel.

12. The method of claim 8, wherein the means of propulsion comprises a track.

13. The method of claim 8, wherein the means of propulsion comprises a propeller.

14. A computer readable storage medium containing instructions thereon which, when executed, perform a method comprising:

receiving an image;

comparing the image to previously stored images to identify a location;

adjusting an input on at least one motor driving a means of propulsion to move the device along a previously determined path.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the image is received from a camera.

16. The method of claim 14, wherein the identifying a location comprises using at least one environmental feature.

17. method of claim 14, wherein the means of propulsion comprises a wheel.

18. method of claim 14, wherein the means of propulsion comprises a track.

19. method of claim 14, wherein the means of propulsion comprises a propeller.