Mobile Robot Ranging Device for IoT Device Localization and Mapping
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Integrating the autonomous behavior of household mobile robots with IoT device functionality is challenging due to their unpredictable and variable environment interactions and the need for precise localization and mapping of connected devices within these environments.
Innovation Solution
A mobile robot equipped with a drive system, ranging device, and controller to navigate and map connected devices in an environment, transmitting data to create a visual representation of device locations and distances, enabling remote users to view and control these devices based on their spatial context.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If household mobile robots are integrated with IoT device functionality, then the robot can autonomously navigate and map connected devices in the environment, but the complexity of the system increases due to the need for precise localization and mapping of multiple devices
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile robot is designed to perform multiple functions: autonomous navigation, environmental mapping, connected device detection, and data transmission to remote user devices. This multi-functionality allows a single device to replace multiple separate systems, achieving versatility while managing complexity through integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller acts as an intermediary that receives data from the ranging device about connected devices, processes this information to determine locations and distances, and then transmits processed data to remote user devices. This intermediary role simplifies the system architecture by centralizing data processing and coordination.
2Loss of information
If the robot uses a ranging device to detect and map multiple connected devices, then the user gains comprehensive awareness of device locations, but the time and computational resources required for processing increase
Solution Approach 1:
The robot performs preliminary mapping and detection of connected devices during its autonomous navigation through the environment. By collecting and processing ranging data during regular operation rather than on-demand, the system prepares location information in advance, reducing future processing time when users need device location data.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller continuously receives ranging data from the ranging device and updates the map of connected devices in real-time as the robot moves through the environment. This feedback mechanism allows the system to maintain current location information without requiring repeated full-scans, optimizing the balance between information accuracy and processing time.
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
This solution allows for a comprehensive 'whole-home' snapshot of device locations and operations, enabling effective control and management of connected devices, enhancing user awareness and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a ranging device to detect a plurality of connected devices located in the environment... determine, using data from the ranging device, locations of the plurality of connected devices
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A
AI summary
A mobile cleaning robot that includes a drive system configured to navigate around an operational environment, a ranging device configured to communicate with other ranging devices of respective electronic devices that are in the operational environment, and processors in communication with the ranging device that are configured to receive a distance measurement from the respective electronic devices present in the operational environment, each distance measurement representing a distance between the mobile cleaning robot and a respective electronic device, tag each of the distance measurements with location data indicative of a spatial location of the mobile cleaning robot in the operational environment, determine spatial locations of each of the electronic devices in the operational environment, and populate a visual representation of the operating environment with visual indications of the electronic devices in the operating environment.