Optical Code Service Mode Activation for Autonomous Robots
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for activating the service mode in automatically moving robots, such as cleaning robots, are inconvenient as they require direct key input or physical connection to a storage medium, and do not effectively separate user and service technician access rights.
Innovation Solution
A method where an optical code containing control commands is displayed on an external terminal, readable by the robot's image acquisition device, allowing switching to service mode without direct input on the robot, with integrated identifiers for verification and encryption to separate access rights, enabling secure service operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If service mode is activated by key input on the robot or physical connection to storage medium, then service mode can be activated, but the operation becomes inconvenient and requires direct handling of the robot
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical interaction (key input on robot or physical connection to storage medium) with an optical communication system. An external terminal displays an optical code that the robot's image acquisition device reads, allowing service mode activation without direct mechanical handling of the robot. This substitution improves ease of operation while reducing the complexity of the activation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary optical code as a mediator between the external terminal and the robot. The optical code contains encoded control commands that transmit the service mode activation request without requiring direct interaction between the user and the robot. This intermediary simplifies the activation process and improves operational convenience.
2Ease of operation
If optical code is used for service mode activation, then operation convenience is improved, but security risks may arise without proper verification
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the robot's control unit verifies the optical code against stored verification data before activating service mode. This feedback loop ensures that only authenticated optical codes can trigger service mode, maintaining security while preserving the convenience of optical code-based activation. The verification process provides confirmation that the command is authorized before execution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary verification of the optical code's authenticity before activating service mode. The control unit checks whether the decoded control command matches the verification data stored in memory before executing the service mode activation. This preliminary action ensures security is maintained while allowing convenient optical code-based operation.
3Device complexity
If user and service technician access rights are not separated, then system simplicity is maintained, but unauthorized access to user data may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments access rights into distinct categories: user mode and service mode. The optical code verification mechanism determines which segment applies based on the code's authentication status. Service mode optical codes are verified against service-specific verification data, while user operations use different authentication. This segmentation prevents unauthorized access while maintaining system simplicity through clear separation of access paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different access control qualities to different operational contexts. User operations maintain standard access controls, while service mode operations require enhanced verification through service-specific optical codes. This local differentiation of access rights ensures that service technicians cannot access user data without proper authorization, while keeping the overall system structure simple and manageable.
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
Enables convenient activation of service mode without physical handling of the robot, ensures secure access by separating user and service technician rights, and allows for secure execution of predefined service activities like firmware updates and diagnostic operations.
Implementation Method 1
an optical code is displayed on an external terminal device, wherein the optical code is detected by means of an image acquisition device of the robot
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for operating a self-propelled robot (1), wherein a control command to open a service mode is transmitted to the robot (1), and a service is provided for the robot (1) in the service mode. To enable the robot (1) to be switched into a service mode safely and conveniently, it is proposed that an optical code (2) containing the control command be displayed on an external terminal (3), wherein the optical code (2) is detected by means of an image acquisition device (4) of the robot (1), and wherein a control unit of the robot (1) extracts the control command from the optical code (2) and opens the corresponding service mode.