Infrared Robot Communication Modules With Pulse-Width Task Messaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication systems in warehouses face challenges in enabling low-cost, low-power, and low-overhead machine-to-machine communication, particularly between mobile robots and stationary equipment, where traditional data exchange protocols create significant overhead and lack security.
Innovation Solution
A communication system utilizing pulse-length encoded messages via infrared transmitters and receivers, allowing mobile robots to identify themselves and communicate tasks without establishing traditional network connections, and can be retrofitted to existing equipment, ensuring secure line-of-sight communication with minimal power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If traditional packet-based data exchange protocols are used for machine-to-machine communication, then data exchange capability is improved, but communication overhead and system complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential communication function needed for machine-to-machine interaction, removing unnecessary protocol layers and overhead. Instead of implementing full packet-based protocols, the system uses a simplified direct communication approach where machines exchange information through basic signal transmission, eliminating complex routing, addressing, and error handling mechanisms while retaining core data exchange capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs simple, inexpensive communication modules that can be easily attached to existing machines. These modules use basic transmission protocols rather than complex persistent connections, allowing for straightforward implementation without requiring sophisticated infrastructure or long-term maintenance of communication channels
2Reliability
If continuous power is supplied to maintain communication connections, then communication reliability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements communication on-demand rather than maintaining continuous connections. Machines initiate communication only when information needs to be exchanged, using periodic or event-triggered transmission instead of persistent connections. This approach maintains reliability for actual communication needs while dramatically reducing power consumption during idle periods
Solution Approach 2:
The communication modules are designed to be activated only when needed, with machines self-managing their communication requirements. The system automatically initiates communication when tasks require coordination or status information needs exchange, eliminating the need for continuous power supply to maintain idle connections
3Reliability
If comprehensive encryption is applied to all communications, then security is improved, but processing overhead and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies security measures selectively rather than universally to all communications. Instead of encrypting every data transmission, the system implements security only where necessary based on the sensitivity and criticality of the information being exchanged. This localized approach provides adequate security for important communications while avoiding the overhead of encrypting routine status updates or non-critical data
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, low-cost, and secure communication between warehouse components, reducing power usage and eliminating the overhead of packet-based data exchange protocols, while providing a flexible solution that can be integrated with various inventory management devices.
Implementation Method 1
a communication module having at least an infrared transmitter and receiver
Data Source
AI summary
A system of exchanging information between machines is described. The system includes multiple communication modules with at least an infrared transmitter and receiver. At least one mobile robot having at least one said communication module. A receiving station communication module includes at least an opposing infrared transmitter and receiver. Each mobile robot identifies itself and communicates its intended tasks to a receiving station by sending a single pulse width encoded message. The encoding of information within the message occurs by the encoded message's timing.