Abstract: A smart lawnmower and system and method for use of the same are disclosed. In one embodiment of the smart lawnmower, in a real world-to-simulated world (“real-to-sim”) training phase, the smart lawnmower constructs a simulated environment corresponding to a mowing-relevant portion of a real-world environment relative to semantic information, which may include received location signalization at an antenna In a simulated world-to-real world (“sim-to-real”) mowing phase, a mowing policy is applied to control the cutting subsystem and the drive subsystem in response to the semantic information, which may include the location signalization. In each of the real-to-sim training phase and the sim-to-real mowing phase, the smart lawnmower may provide a user interface including the simulated environment. Further, in the sim-to-real mowing phase, the smart lawnmower may synchronize the real world and the simulated world.

Abstract: Access control for an autonomous vehicle through a door in a doorway. A magnet is attached to the autonomous vehicle and a magnetometer is located some distance from the doorway. The magnetometer outputs a magnetometer signal in response to detecting the magnet, which causes the transmitter to transmit a detection signal. A doorway device is fixed about the doorway, and includes a receiver, and a locking mechanism with a locking pin. The doorway device retracts the pin to unlock the door for a predetermined period of time in response to receipt of the detection signal, and extents the pin to lock the door after the predetermined period of time ends.

Abstract: A buried perimeter loop wire break detector with a base unit and probe unit. The base unit injects different frequencies into the two ends of the loop wire and the probe unit detects the frequencies at a test location along the wire. If a signal is not detected, that indicates the direction toward the break. By halving the distance along the wire toward the break and retesting, the location is quickly determined. Both frequencies and amplitude are measured, sometimes with amplification, both earth and wired grounds may be employed, and a micro-ohmmeter measures resistance of the loop wire to indicate satisfactory operation.

Abstract: A buried perimeter loop wire break detector with a base unit and probe unit. The base unit injects different frequencies into the two ends of the loop wire and the probe unit detects the frequencies at a test location along the wire. If a signal is not detected, that indicates the direction toward the break. By halving the distance along the wire toward the break and retesting, the location is quickly determined. Both frequencies and amplitude are measured, sometimes with amplification, both earth and wired grounds may be employed, and a micro-ohmmeter measures resistance of the loop wire to indicate satisfactory operation.

Abstract: A ground wire guidance system for guiding a robotic vehicle through a doorway in a barrier. The system includes a ground wire loop arranged to pass though the doorway in two directions. Plural wires are switched as the loop passes through the doorway such that the pairs of wires conducting are spaced apart, or shielded, such that the robotic vehicle can reliably navigate through a relatively narrow doorway, while one of the wires passes through a central portion of the doorway.

Abstract: A ground wire guidance system for guiding a robotic vehicle through a doorway in a barrier. The system includes a ground wire loop arranged to pass though the doorway in two directions. Plural wires are switched as the loop passes through the doorway such that the pairs of wires conducting are spaced apart, or shielded, such that the robotic vehicle can reliably navigate through a relatively narrow doorway, while one of the wires passes through a central portion of the doorway.

Abstract: Access control for an autonomous vehicle through a door in a doorway. A magnet is attached to the autonomous vehicle and a magnetometer is located some distance from the doorway. The magnetometer outputs a magnetometer signal in response to detecting the magnet, which causes the transmitter to transmit a detection signal. A doorway device is fixed about the doorway, and includes a receiver, and a locking mechanism with a locking pin. The doorway device retracts the pin to unlock the door for a predetermined period of time in response to receipt of the detection signal, and extents the pin to lock the door after the predetermined period of time ends.

Abstract: A doorway system for a robotic vehicle that accesses a separated area through a barrier that has a doorway formed through it. The system includes a wireless transmitter that transmits an electronic signal from the robotic vehicle, and a door movably disposed within the doorway, between a closed position and an open position. A doorway device with a wireless receiver that is coupled to a locking mechanism is configured to selectively engage and lock the door at the closed position, and unlock the door upon receipt of the electronic signal by the wireless receiver. Movement of the robotic vehicle toward the doorway device enables communication of the electronic signal from the wireless transmitter to the wireless receiver. Upon passage of the robotic vehicle through the doorway to the separated area, and return of the door to the closed position, the controller controls the locking mechanism to engage and lock the door.

Abstract: A doorway system for a robotic vehicle that accesses a separated area through a barrier that has a doorway formed through it. The system includes a wireless transmitter that transmits an electronic signal from the robotic vehicle, and a door movably disposed within the doorway, between a closed position and an open position. A doorway device with a wireless receiver that is coupled to a locking mechanism is configured to selectively engage and lock the door at the closed position, and unlock the door upon receipt of the electronic signal by the wireless receiver. Movement of the robotic vehicle toward the doorway device enables communication of the electronic signal from the wireless transmitter to the wireless receiver. Upon passage of the robotic vehicle through the doorway to the separated area, and return of the door to the closed position, the controller controls the locking mechanism to engage and lock the door.

Abstract: An electronic object locator apparatus and method for operation in conjunction with other functionally compliant locators. The locator includes a controller with an actuator and indicator. A transmitter is coupled to transmit search signals and found signals output from the controller, and, a receiver is coupled to output received search signals and found signals to the controller. In operation the controller outputs a first search signal upon actuation of the actuator, and activates the indicator upon receipt of a first found signal responsive to the first search signal. In addition, the controller outputs a second found signal and activates the indicator in response to receipt of a second search signal. Multiple actuators are provided to address multiple functionally compliant locators. Radio signaling is employed, and may be operated under FCC Part 15. The search signals may include both a unit identity and a series identity. Braille symbols and icons can be applied to the actuators.