Method for establishing a map of a parameter in an area based on a sensor mounted on an autonomous robot

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for mapping signal strengths, such as WiFi, heating, or ventilation systems, require frequent technician visits and the use of multiple specialized tools, making them inefficient and labor-intensive.

Innovation Solution

A method utilizing a sensor-equipped autonomous robot to measure and map parameters like WiFi signal strength, temperature, humidity, or light intensity while performing its primary function, eliminating the need for technician involvement and specialized tools by leveraging existing devices like vacuum cleaners or drones.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a technician uses specialized tools to map signal strength, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to requiring multiple specialized tools and technician knowledge

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal strength measurement precisionVSAvoidnumber of specialized tools required
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The autonomous robot is designed to perform multiple functions: it can map different types of signals (WiFi, heating, ventilation) using the same platform and sensor suite. The robot integrates navigation, environmental sensing, and data mapping capabilities into a single multi-functional device, eliminating the need for multiple specialized tools while maintaining measurement precision through its equipped sensors

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an autonomous robot as an intermediary device between the signal source and the user. The robot equipped with sensors acts as a mediator that collects signal strength data throughout the area and delivers comprehensive mapping results, replacing the direct technician-tool interaction model while maintaining measurement accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If a technician performs regular service calls to update maps, then measurement precision is maintained, but productivity deteriorates due to frequent human intervention

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemap accuracyVSAvoidfrequency of service calls
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The autonomous robot performs self-service by autonomously navigating the area, collecting signal strength data, and updating maps without human intervention. The robot can be deployed regularly to refresh and update environmental maps automatically, maintaining measurement precision through consistent data collection while eliminating the need for repeated technician service calls

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements periodic action by scheduling regular autonomous robot deployments to update signal strength maps at predetermined intervals. This periodic autonomous operation maintains map accuracy over time while significantly improving productivity by replacing frequent manual technician visits with automated periodic updates

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Measurement precision

If multiple specialized tools are used for different signal types, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to requiring specific knowledge

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal mapping accuracyVSAvoidtechnician knowledge requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The autonomous robot serves as a universal platform capable of mapping multiple signal types (WiFi, heating, ventilation) using the same device and sensor suite. This multi-functionality maintains measurement precision for different signal types while dramatically improving ease of operation, as the robot requires no specialized knowledge to operate and can be deployed by anyone

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The autonomous robot acts as an intermediary that handles the complexity of multi-signal-type mapping internally. The robot's integrated sensors and processing capabilities manage different signal types automatically, shielding the user from technical complexity while delivering accurate multi-parameter mapping results

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS20240176356A1Method for establishing a map of a parameter in an area based on a sensor mounted on an autonomous robot
Publication Date: 2024.05.30 ORANGE SA
  • US20240176356A1 patent drawing
  • US20240176356A1 patent drawing
  • US20240176356A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A method of obtaining measurement data for at least one parameter, based on at least one sensor, where the sensor is mounted on a robot type of device capable of moving about within an area in order to carry out a first function. The method includes: activating the sensor in order to measure the parameter at least during a movement of the device within the area, and acquiring data, in a second function of the device that is distinct from the first function, in order to establish a map of the parameter in the area.