Robot Service Control Using Distance-Based External Apparatus Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robot systems face challenges in installing large display apparatus due to size and shape constraints, and require efficient methods to select and control external apparatuses for providing services like customer guidance, considering distance and availability.
Innovation Solution
A server device with a distance calculator and availability determiner is used to select and coordinate with external apparatuses, ensuring smooth service provision by calculating distances and determining available apparatuses based on positional information and usage states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a large display apparatus is installed in a robot, then the display function is improved, but the robot size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The display apparatus is extracted from the robot body and installed as an external apparatus. The robot controller selects and controls external apparatuses outside the robot to provide display functions, eliminating the need to increase robot size while maintaining display capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
A robot controller acts as an intermediary between the robot and external apparatuses. The controller selects available external apparatuses based on distance and usage state, enabling the robot to utilize external resources without physical expansion.
2Adaptability or versatility
If external apparatuses are selected based on software resources only, then resource compatibility is improved, but service provision speed deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The robot controller preliminarily determines the usage state of external apparatuses in advance. By checking whether apparatuses are currently being used before selection, the system avoids time-consuming checks during service provision and enables faster response.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring the usage state of external apparatuses. This real-time information allows the robot controller to make informed selection decisions that balance compatibility requirements with service provision speed.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the robot body size is increased to install more apparatuses, then the service capability is improved, but the mobility and space efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The robot controller provides universal control over multiple external apparatuses with different functions. By selecting from various external devices based on service requirements, the robot achieves multi-functionality without increasing its own body volume.
Solution Approach 2:
Various service-providing apparatuses are extracted from the robot body and installed externally. This allows the robot to access diverse functionality through external devices while maintaining a compact, mobile form factor.
Data Source
AI summary
A distance between an autonomously mobile information processing device and an apparatus is calculated based on positional information of the information processing device and positional information of the apparatus installed in a service provision site and necessary for a service to be provided by the information processing device, and the apparatus that is available is determined based on the distance between the information processing device and the apparatus in a case where the information processing device coordinates with the apparatus to provide the service.