Robot Cleaner AP Location Recommendation via Signal Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robot cleaners and IoT systems face challenges in recommending optimal locations for access point (AP) installation, especially in areas with limited wireless signal coverage, making it inconvenient for users to ensure smooth wireless communication with all electronic devices.
Innovation Solution
A robot cleaner equipped with a driving device, communication interface, memory, and processor that can move to multiple measurement locations, output a wireless signal, and measure signal strength with electronic devices, recommending an optimal AP installation location based on threshold values and user-defined conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the AP device is installed at a fixed location in the home, then the device complexity is reduced, but the wireless signal coverage may be insufficient in shadow areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by using a mobile robot cleaner instead of a fixed AP device. The robot moves autonomously throughout the home space, dynamically changing its position to measure wireless signal strength at multiple locations. This transforms the static AP installation problem into a dynamic measurement process, allowing the system to identify optimal locations without requiring multiple fixed AP devices or complex network infrastructure.
2Measurement precision
If the user manually moves the AP device to find optimal locations, then the measurement precision can be achieved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the robot cleaner to autonomously perform the AP location measurement task without requiring user intervention. The robot independently navigates to multiple measurement locations, collects signal strength data from electronic devices, processes the information, and generates location recommendations. This eliminates the need for users to manually move equipment while maintaining high measurement precision through systematic multi-point assessment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical operation of moving AP devices with an automated robotic system. The robot cleaner uses its mobility to physically move through the space and collect measurements, substituting the user's manual handling with an automated platform. This mechanical substitution maintains measurement accuracy while dramatically improving ease of operation.
3Reliability
If multiple measurement locations are assessed to find optimal AP location, then the reliability of wireless communication is improved, but the loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by having the robot cleaner systematically visit multiple predetermined measurement locations in sequence. Instead of continuous or random movement, the robot follows a structured periodic measurement schedule, stopping at each location to collect signal strength data. This periodic approach ensures comprehensive coverage of the space while optimizing the measurement process efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-planning the measurement locations and paths before the robot begins its assessment. The system determines in advance where measurements will be taken, allowing the robot to efficiently navigate to predetermined points. This preliminary planning reduces unnecessary movement and optimizes the time required to complete comprehensive signal strength assessments across the home.
Data Source
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AI summary
A robot cleaner includes: a communication interface configured to operate in an AP mode in which the communication interface outputs a wireless signal corresponding to a wireless signal output value of an AP device; and a processor configured to: control to sequentially move the robot cleaner to measurement locations, output the wireless signal output through the AP mode of communication interface and, with respect to the wireless signal, obtain signal strength information related to a connection strength between the robot cleaner and electronic devices disposed in the space, respectively, at the measurement locations; and based on the signal strength information, identify a measurement location at which a signal strength of the electronic devices is a threshold value or more, as a recommended AP location of the AP device, among the measurement locations.