Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A robotic mower launch point system includes a user interface for an operator to enter a plurality of launch point locations, durations and frequencies, and a vehicle control unit that stores the locations, durations and frequencies, determines a sequence of launches based on the launch point frequencies, and commands the robotic mower to exit a charging station and follow a boundary wire to each launch point in the sequence where the robotic mower mows for that launch point's duration before returning to the charging station. The vehicle control determines the sequence based on the frequency of each launch point relative to a total of the launch point frequencies.

Abstract: A robotic mower launch point system includes a user interface for an operator to enter a plurality of launch point locations, durations and frequencies, and a vehicle control unit that stores the locations, durations and frequencies, determines a sequence of launches based on the launch point frequencies, and commands the robotic mower to exit a charging station and follow a boundary wire to each launch point in the sequence where the robotic mower mows for that launch point's duration before returning to the charging station. The vehicle control determines the sequence based on the frequency of each launch point relative to a total of the launch point frequencies.