Smart Home Robot Coordination With Policy-Based Task Reprogramming
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing smart home and smart business systems lack efficient methods for inter-networking and collaboration among devices, leading to inefficiencies in task performance and resource utilization.
Innovation Solution
A system is described that includes a controller to manage robots and IoT devices, assigning privileges and priorities based on user preferences and policies, enabling peer-to-peer communication and dynamic reprogramming to optimize task performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If devices operate independently without centralized management, then device autonomy is maintained, but task performance efficiency and resource utilization deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a controller as an intermediary device that manages robots and IoT devices in smart homes and smart communities. The controller receives task requests, assigns them to appropriate devices based on their capabilities and current state, and coordinates their actions. This mediator approach resolves the contradiction by enabling efficient centralized management without requiring direct complex interconnections between all devices, thus improving task performance efficiency while maintaining manageable system complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If devices use fixed programming, then system stability is maintained, but adaptability to new situations and dynamic task requirements deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic reprogramming capabilities where robot controllers can load and execute different task programs based on real-time situations. The system includes a task database with multiple programs for each robot type, and the controller dynamically selects and loads appropriate programs based on current task requirements and robot capabilities. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt to new situations while maintaining stability through proven task programs, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by modifying robot controller behavior through loading different task programs with varying parameters and instructions. The system can change operational parameters such as task priorities, movement patterns, interaction protocols, and resource allocation based on situational requirements. This allows the same physical robot to adapt its behavior dynamically while maintaining system stability through controlled parameter modification rather than structural changes.
3Productivity
If multiple devices perform tasks simultaneously without coordination, then task completion speed increases, but conflict and resource contention increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the controller continuously monitors the state of robots and IoT devices, including their current tasks, availability, and performance. Based on this feedback, the controller dynamically adjusts task assignment and coordination to optimize parallel execution while preventing conflicts. The system uses feedback loops to detect resource contention and resolve conflicts by reassigning tasks or adjusting execution timing, thereby maintaining high productivity while ensuring reliable conflict resolution.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a method in which a processing system configures one or more robots to perform tasks in an establishment, and assigns to the robots privileges and/or priorities in accordance with a policy. The method also includes detecting a situation in the establishment requiring performance of a task; facilitating the performance of the task by at least one of the robots; and dynamically reprogramming at least one of the robots in response to the situation to perform a specialized task to address the situation. Other embodiments are disclosed.