Mobile Robot Docking Station Communication via Near-Field Intermediary
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing docking stations for mobile robots lack an effective interface for users to determine their operational state, leading to increased complexity and cost due to the inclusion of various wireless communication modules.
Innovation Solution
A mobile robot management method that uses a near-field communicator, processor, and memory in both the docking station and mobile robot to transmit information about dust discharge operations, including component status, to a user terminal device, optimizing components and reducing costs while maintaining interface convenience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If various wireless communication modules or output modules are included in the docking station to improve the interface with users, then the user can smoothly determine the state of the docking station, but the device complexity increases and the price increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile robot serves as an intermediary device between the docking station and the user terminal. The docking station transmits state information to the mobile robot via near-field communication, and the mobile robot forwards this information to the user terminal through wireless communication modules it already possesses. This approach allows the docking station to maintain a simple interface while still providing users with comprehensive state information through the mobile robot's existing communication capabilities.
2Ease of operation
If various wireless communication modules or output modules are included in the docking station to improve the interface with users, then the user can smoothly determine the state of the docking station, but the price increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile robot acts as a cost-effective intermediary that leverages its existing wireless communication modules (such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth) to transmit docking station state information to user terminals. This eliminates the need for the docking station to include expensive wireless communication modules, as the mobile robot's existing communication infrastructure is utilized instead, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining interface convenience.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile robot performs multiple functions: it serves as both the autonomous cleaning device and the communication interface between the docking station and the user terminal. By utilizing the mobile robot's existing wireless communication capabilities for dual purposes (its own operation and docking station communication), the system avoids duplicating communication infrastructure, thereby reducing overall system cost while maintaining full functionality.
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
The solution enables users to efficiently monitor the state of docking stations and mobile robots, reducing complexity and costs by minimizing unnecessary components while providing real-time information on operations like dust discharge and charging.
Implementation Method 1
a near-field communicator to communicate with the mobile robot
Data Source
AI summary
A docking station, a mobile robot, and a mobile robot management method for controlling a docking station and a mobile robot are provided. The mobile robot includes a management method wherein, in order to display information associated with a docking station to an output device of a mobile robot or transmit the information to a user terminal device connected to the mobile robot, the mobile robot transmits, to the user terminal device, information received from the docking station.