Multi-Robot Communication Control Using Relay Robots
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robot control systems face challenges in maintaining smooth communication connections between multiple robots in a serving place due to spatial obstacles, leading to frequent communication failures.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that dynamically determine and adjust the communication scheme between robots based on the status of communication connections, using at least one relay robot to improve communication reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single communication scheme (e.g., Bluetooth or Wi-Fi) is used to control multiple robots, then the system structure is simple, but communication failures occur frequently due to spatial obstacles
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between different communication schemes (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, cellular) based on real-time connection status and environmental conditions. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain reliable communication by selecting the most appropriate scheme at any given moment, resolving the contradiction between system simplicity and communication reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes communication parameters by selecting different communication schemes (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, cellular) depending on the situation. This parameter change enables the system to overcome spatial obstacles and maintain stable communication connections, addressing the reliability issue while keeping the overall system architecture relatively simple.
2Reliability
If multiple communication schemes are used to improve communication reliability, then communication stability improves, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The server acts as an intermediary that manages multiple communication schemes. It receives data from robots via various schemes (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, cellular) and coordinates the switching between them. This intermediary approach allows the system to utilize multiple communication schemes for improved reliability while centralizing the complexity management at the server level.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed with multi-functionality by incorporating multiple communication schemes (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, cellular) that can serve different purposes and conditions. This universal communication capability allows the system to maintain reliability across various environments while managing complexity through a unified server-based architecture.
3Reliability
If relay robots are introduced to improve communication in obstructed areas, then communication coverage improves, but the number of robots and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Relay robots function as mobile intermediaries that establish communication bridges between robots in obstructed areas and the server. These relay robots carry communication devices and forward data packets, extending communication coverage to areas that would otherwise be inaccessible, thereby improving reliability without requiring a complete redesign of the system architecture.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for controlling a robot is provided. The method includes acquiring information on status of communication connections between a plurality of robots located in a serving place, wherein the status of communication connections between the plurality of robots is specified with respect to at least one relay robot among the plurality of robots, and determining a communication scheme to be used between the plurality of robots, with reference to the information on the status of communication connections between the plurality of robots. In the acquiring step, the at least one relay robot is determined with reference to first assessment information on status of communication connections specified with respect to a first robot among the plurality of robots, and second assessment information on status of communication connections specified with respect to a second robot among the plurality of robots.