Mobile Robot Boundary Crossing with Temporary Security Deactivation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing home robotic systems are limited to remaining within designated areas and lack the ability to seamlessly integrate with smart home systems for tasks that require ingress and egress, such as transporting objects across boundaries without triggering alarms or security systems.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that enable a mobile robotic device to determine the availability of an object to cross a boundary of a home automation system, temporarily deactivate security systems, retrieve the object, transport it across the boundary, and reactivate the system, using sensors and communication with the home automation system to manage these actions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a mobile robotic device is allowed to cross boundaries of a home automation system, then the robot can transport objects in and out of the home, but the security system may be triggered or compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The home automation system temporarily deactivates security measures (such as door locks or alarm systems) before the robot crosses the boundary, and reactivates them after the robot returns. This preliminary deactivation prevents security triggers while allowing the robot to perform its transport function, resolving the contradiction between mobility and security.
2Ease of operation
If the home automation system deactivates security measures to allow robot egress, then the robot can exit and enter the home, but security protection is reduced during the process
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary deactivation of security measures only for the specific duration and scope needed for robot boundary crossing, then immediately reactivates them. This minimizes the window of security vulnerability while enabling the robot to cross boundaries smoothly.
Solution Approach 2:
The system monitors the robot's location and status in real-time, providing feedback to determine when to deactivate and reactivate security measures. This ensures security protection is maintained as much as possible while allowing necessary robot operations.
3Productivity
If the robot operates autonomously to transport objects, then efficiency is improved, but control and authorization management becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile robotic device autonomously detects objects available for transport, determines their locations, and executes transport operations without continuous human intervention. This self-service capability improves productivity while the authorization system manages complexity by only requiring initial permission grants rather than continuous control.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems are described for robot transportation of objects into or out of a home automation system. One example may include determining, by a mobile robotic device, that an object is available to cross a boundary of the home automation system. The method may include deactivating at least a portion of the home automation system. The method also include retrieving, by the mobile robotic device, the object and transporting, by the mobile robotic device, the object across the boundary. The method further includes leaving, by the mobile robotic device, the object at a drop-off location. The method may also include reactivating at least the portion of the home automation system.