Mobile Wireless Coverage Control for Layout Changes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in maintaining consistent radio wave coverage indoors due to layout changes, requiring frequent site surveys and adjustments of access points to avoid coverage holes and interferences.

Innovation Solution

A traveling apparatus equipped with radio wave transmitter-receivers and a travel controller that determines and adjusts its route based on radio wave intensity thresholds and a layout map to maintain optimal wireless communication, allowing for automatic adaptation to layout changes without the need for site surveys.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If wired LAN cables are used for communication, then communication quality is maintained, but layout flexibility is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication qualityVSAvoidlayout flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical wired connection system with a wireless radio wave communication system. The traveling apparatus uses radio wave transmitter-receivers to communicate with access points, eliminating the need for physical LAN cables and enabling flexible movement throughout the facility while maintaining communication capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a traveling apparatus that can dynamically change its position and communication partners. The apparatus automatically selects access points based on radio wave intensity and travels to maintain optimal communication, providing adaptability to layout changes without requiring fixed wired connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If access points are added to maintain coverage after layout change, then wireless coverage is improved, but site survey and adjustment work is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewireless coverageVSAvoidsite survey and adjustment time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The traveling apparatus performs self-service by automatically measuring radio wave intensity from multiple access points and independently determining its own travel route to maintain optimal communication. This eliminates the need for external site surveys and manual adjustments when layout changes occur.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The apparatus continuously monitors radio wave intensity as feedback and uses this information to automatically adjust its position and communication partner selection. This closed-loop control enables the system to adapt to layout changes without external intervention or manual site surveys.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If the traveling apparatus moves to maintain radio wave intensity, then wireless communication reliability is improved, but travel control complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewireless communication reliabilityVSAvoidtravel control complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The traveling apparatus integrates multiple functions into a single system: radio wave transmission/reception, intensity measurement, access point selection, and travel route determination. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity by consolidating control logic within the apparatus itself rather than requiring separate external control systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-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 apparatus ensures continuous and reliable wireless coverage by dynamically adjusting its position to maintain desired radio wave intensities, reducing the need for manual adjustments and site surveys, thus enhancing flexibility and reducing labor costs.

Implementation Method 1

a first radio wave transmitter-receptor that transmits and receives a radio wave to and from a first device, a second radio wave transmitter-receptor that transmits and receives a radio wave to and from a second device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRadio wave transmission and reception: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

The travel controller determines a travel route of the travel unit based on a first radio wave intensity being an intensity of the radio wave transmitted and received between the first radio wave transmitter-receptor and the first device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRadio wave intensity detection: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP4227753A1Traveling apparatus
Publication Date: 2023.08.16 OMRON CORP
  • EP4227753A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4227753A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4227753A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A technique provides a coverage in response to any layout change. A travel controller (16) in a traveling apparatus (1) determines a travel route of a travel unit (18) based on a first radio wave intensity being an intensity of a radio wave transmitted and received between a first radio wave transmitter-receptor (12) and a first device (2), a first threshold, a second radio wave intensity being an intensity of a radio wave transmitted and received between a second radio wave transmitter-receptor (14) and a second device (3), a second threshold, and a layout map showing a location of the first device and a location of the second device to maintain the first radio wave intensity at the first threshold or higher and to maintain the second radio wave intensity at the second threshold or higher. The travel controller (16) controls travel of the travel unit (18) based on the determined travel route.