Autonomous Vehicle WiFi Signal Mapping in Industrial Facilities
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for continuously updating the strength of wireless communications signals in industrial facilities are costly and cumbersome, as they require frequent surveys due to changes in the facility and IT infrastructure.
Innovation Solution
A self-driving vehicle equipped with a WiFi transceiver and autonomous navigation system that continuously measures and updates WiFi signal strength indications at various locations within the facility, allowing for real-time mapping and recording of environmental characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional survey methods are used to determine WiFi signal strength, then measurement accuracy is achieved, but the process becomes costly and cumbersome requiring frequent manual surveys
Solution Approach 1:
The autonomous vehicle performs WiFi signal strength measurements independently during its normal operations without requiring external survey teams. The vehicle's onboard WiFi transceiver continuously monitors and records signal strength data at multiple locations, enabling the system to self-update the facility WiFi map automatically.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical survey processes with automated electronic measurements. Instead of human operators physically moving through the facility with measurement equipment, an autonomous vehicle equipped with WiFi transceivers performs continuous electronic signal strength assessments, eliminating the need for repeated manual surveys.
2Reliability
If manual surveys are performed frequently to update WiFi signal maps, then signal strength accuracy is maintained, but time and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The autonomous vehicle continuously collects WiFi signal strength data during its regular material transport operations. Rather than performing discrete periodic surveys, the system maintains continuous monitoring as the vehicle moves through the facility, ensuring up-to-date signal maps without interrupting normal operations or requiring dedicated survey time.
Solution Approach 2:
The autonomous vehicle serves dual purposes: it performs its primary material transport function while simultaneously conducting WiFi signal strength measurements. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate survey activities, as the same vehicle that moves materials also maps the wireless environment, saving both time and resources.
3Ease of operation
If autonomous vehicles rely on existing IT infrastructure, then vehicle operation is enabled, but signal strength variations due to facility changes can cause communication problems
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors WiFi signal strength at multiple locations using the autonomous vehicle and feeds this data back to update the facility WiFi map. This feedback mechanism allows the system to detect signal strength variations caused by facility changes and adapt accordingly, ensuring reliable communication for autonomous vehicle operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The WiFi signal map is transformed from a static document created during manual surveys to a dynamic, continuously updated representation of the wireless environment. The system adapts to facility changes in real-time by collecting new measurement data from the autonomous vehicle and updating signal strength values, ensuring the map reflects current conditions.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables efficient and cost-effective continuous monitoring of WiFi signal strength, reducing the need for frequent surveys and improving the reliability of wireless communications for autonomous vehicles and IT infrastructure within industrial facilities.
Implementation Method 1
receive a WiFi received signal strength indication via the WiFi transceiver associated with the measurement location
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for WiFi mapping an industrial facility are disclosed. The system comprises a self-driving vehicle having a WiFi transceiver. The self-driving vehicle communicates with a fleet-management using the WiFi transceiver, via a WiFi access point. The self-driving vehicle receives a mission from the fleet-management system, and moves to a destination location based on the mission, using autonomous navigation. While executing the mission, the self-driving vehicle simultaneously measures the received signal strength indication of the WiFi access point and other WiFi access points in the facility, and stores the received signal strength indication in association with the location at which the received signal strength indication was measured.