Autonomous Mobile Device Network Switching via Predictive Map
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile devices, such as autonomous robots, face connectivity issues when disconnected from communications networks, leading to reduced video stream quality and interrupted communications, as they typically rely on a single network connection and lack efficient strategies for switching between multiple networks.
Innovation Solution
An autonomous mobile device is designed to connect to multiple communications networks simultaneously, using a stored map to predict and switch between networks based on signal strength, usage, and path planning, ensuring continuous communication and minimizing network disconnections by adjusting movement speed and selecting networks that provide longer connection times.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mobile device connects to a single communications network, then the device maintains simple network management and low device complexity, but the device experiences network disconnections and interrupted communications when moving between coverage areas
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by storing a map of available communications networks and their coverage areas before disconnection occurs. When the current network connection deteriorates, the mobile device uses this pre-stored map to predictively switch to a suitable network, avoiding disconnection. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining communication continuity through advance preparation while keeping the switching logic relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring signal strength and connection quality of the current network. Based on this feedback, the device determines when to switch networks using the stored map information. This feedback loop ensures reliable communication by dynamically adapting to changing network conditions while managing complexity through automated decision-making based on predefined criteria.
2Reliability
If a mobile device switches networks when disconnected, then the device maintains communication continuity, but the device experiences reduced video stream quality and increased latency during network switching
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by storing a map of available communications networks and their coverage areas before disconnection occurs. When the current network connection deteriorates, the mobile device uses this pre-stored map to predictively switch to a suitable network, avoiding disconnection. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining communication continuity through advance preparation while keeping the switching logic relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The system minimizes network switching latency by directly switching to a predicted suitable network based on the stored map, rather than performing extensive real-time network searching or scanning. This approach 'skips' the time-consuming network discovery process by having network information pre-available, thus maintaining communication continuity while reducing switching delay.
3Reliability
If a mobile device searches for another communications network when disconnected, then the device attempts to restore connectivity, but the device experiences interrupted communications and reduced productivity during the search process
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by storing a map of available communications networks and their coverage areas before disconnection occurs. When the current network connection deteriorates, the mobile device uses this pre-stored map to predictively switch to a suitable network, avoiding disconnection. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining communication continuity through advance preparation while keeping the switching logic relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The system minimizes network switching latency by directly switching to a predicted suitable network based on the stored map, rather than performing extensive real-time network searching or scanning. This approach 'skips' the time-consuming network discovery process by having network information pre-available, thus maintaining communication continuity while reducing switching delay.
Data Source
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AI summary
Implementations of the disclosed subject matter provide a method of connecting, via a communications interface of an autonomous mobile device, to both a first communication network and a second communication network. A third communication network may be connected to when the communications interface is disconnected. A map may be stored that includes a first one or more locations of the autonomous mobile device where the plurality of communications networks are accessible, and includes a second one or more locations of the autonomous mobile device where one or more of the plurality of communications networks have been disconnected. At a different time, when the autonomous mobile device is within a predetermined distance of one of the locations that the communications networks have been disconnected, the third communications network or another one of the plurality of communications networks may be switched to based on the map.