Wireless Network Capacity Control for Robot Access Point Congestion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Robots require efficient wireless network capacity to transmit data and receive instructions from control centers, but existing systems often face congestion issues due to limited network capacity, affecting their ability to perform assigned functions.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus and method that identify robots needing wireless network capacity, determine their locations, and obtain information about available capacity, enabling controlled management to ensure sufficient network access by limiting access points and optimizing robot placement to prevent congestion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If multiple robots use the same access point to access the wireless network, then the number of connected robots increases, but network congestion occurs and available capacity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of robots connected to wireless networkVSAvoidwireless network capacity availability

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the wireless network access by dividing robots into different groups based on their network capacity requirements. High-priority robots (those requiring wireless capacity) are separated from low-priority robots (those that do not require wireless capacity), allowing differential access control to access points and preventing congestion for critical robots.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies different access control policies to different robots based on their specific needs. Robots that require wireless network capacity are granted preferential access to access points, while robots that do not require wireless capacity are restricted or denied access. This local differentiation ensures that network resources are allocated according to actual needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Adaptability or versatility

If robots are allowed to move freely within the wireless network coverage area, then robot mobility and operational flexibility increase, but network congestion and capacity loss occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverobot mobility freedomVSAvoidwireless network capacity loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically controls robot access to wireless network based on real-time conditions. The access control policy is not static but adapts to the current network state, robot locations, and capacity requirements. This dynamic approach allows robots to move freely when network capacity is sufficient while restricting access when congestion is detected, balancing mobility with network health.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms to monitor wireless network capacity and robot locations continuously. Based on this feedback information, the control system adjusts access control decisions in real-time, allowing or restricting robot access to specific access points to maintain optimal network performance while permitting necessary robot movement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If the number of robots using a given access point is limited, then available wireless network capacity is maintained, but the number of robots that can access the network is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveavailable wireless network capacityVSAvoidnumber of robots performing functions

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system makes the wireless network access control mechanism universal by applying the same principles to all robots regardless of their specific type or function. The access control policy is based on whether robots require wireless capacity rather than on robot-specific characteristics, creating a scalable solution that can accommodate diverse robot populations while maintaining network reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11653256B2Apparatus, method and computer program for controlling wireless network capacity

Publication Date: 2023.05.16 NOKIA SOLUTIONS & NETWORKS OY

AI summary

An apparatus, methods and computer programs are provided for controlling wireless network capacity. The apparatus comprises means for: identifying one or more robots that require wireless network capacity and identifying the locations of the one or more robots that require wireless network capacity. The means may also be configured to obtain information indicative of available wireless network capacity in the locations corresponding to the locations of the one or more robots. This information could provide an indication of the likelihood of congestion within the wireless network. The means may also be configured to enable control of the location of one or more robots that require wireless network capacity so as to enable the one or more robots to maintain sufficient wireless network capacity.