Service Robot Spatial Data Repurposing for 3D Mapping and Cataloging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Service robots generate significant temporal-spatial information while performing tasks but previously fail to utilize or repurpose this information effectively, leading to its wastage.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that enable service robots to collect, store, and repurpose temporal-spatial information for secondary service functions, including communication via wireless networks, analysis, and creation of 3D models, allowing for improved service efficiency and object recognition and cataloging.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If service robots perform service functions and collect temporal-spatial information, then a large fund of information is generated, but the information is ignored and wasted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemporal-spatial informationVSAvoidinformation utilization
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling the service robot to use the same collected temporal-spatial information for multiple different service functions. The robot initially collects information while performing a first service function, then repurposes this same information for a second different service function, making the information collection system universal and applicable to diverse tasks without requiring separate specialized systems for each function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the functional parameter of the collected temporal-spatial information from being discarded data to being repurposed actionable information. By altering how the information is utilized (from waste to asset) and enabling access through wireless networks and control systems, the patent transforms the status and application of the information parameter, allowing it to serve multiple purposes including environmental mapping, object localization, and coordination with other robots.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If service robots collect and store temporal-spatial information for multiple functions, then information utilization improves, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation repurposingVSAvoidsystem architecture
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces wireless networks and control systems as intermediary layers between the service robot and the temporal-spatial information. Instead of requiring complex direct integration of multiple service functions within the robot itself, the intermediary network infrastructure handles information distribution, storage, and access coordination, thereby reducing the complexity burden on the robot's onboard systems while still enabling multi-functional information utilization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP2249999B1Methods for repurposing temporal-spatial information collected by service robots
Publication Date: 2013.03.27 SEEGRID CORP
  • EP2249999B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2249999B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

Robots and methods implemented therein implement an active repurposing of temporal-spatial information. A robot can be configured to analyze the information to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the primary service function that generated the information originally. A robot can be configured to use the information to create a three dimensional (3D) model of the facility, which can be used for a number of functions such as creating virtual tours of the environment, or porting the environment into video games. A robot can be configured to use the information to recognize and classify objects in the facility so that the ensuing catalog can be used to locate selected objects later, or to provide a global catalog of all items, such as is needed for insurance documentation of facility effects.