Autonomous Robotic Posts for Dynamic Access Control Barriers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing access control systems require significant manpower to reconfigure and lack efficient methods for dynamic information gathering and presentation, especially in crowd control and traffic management scenarios.
Innovation Solution
The development of smart robotic posts equipped with modular components such as power sections, structure fixation and manipulation portions, control sections, clipping areas, antenna support, and optical sensors, which can autonomously move and reconfigure to form semantic groups for enhanced crowd control and information dissemination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If traditional physical devices (posts) are used for crowd control and access control, then the system can provide physical barriers and demarcation, but significant manpower is required to continually reconfigure and reposition them
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms static physical posts into dynamic robotic devices that can autonomously move and reposition themselves. The robotic posts are equipped with mobility mechanisms (wheels, tracks, or legs) and control systems that enable them to dynamically adjust their positions and configurations without human intervention, directly resolving the contradiction between automation and ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic posts are equipped with autonomous navigation and self-reconfiguration capabilities through integrated sensors, processors, and actuators. They can independently determine their positions, communicate with other posts, and reconfigure themselves to form barriers or pathways without requiring manual repositioning, eliminating the need for continuous manpower while maintaining operational flexibility
2Loss of information
If traditional access control systems are used, then physical barriers can be established, but efficient methods for dynamic information gathering and presentation are lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic posts integrate multiple functions into single devices: physical barrier formation, optical sensing for information gathering, display modules for information presentation, and wireless communication for data exchange. This multi-functionality enables comprehensive information gathering and presentation capabilities while managing system complexity through integrated design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces display modules and communication systems as intermediaries between the robotic posts and users/other systems. These intermediaries enable efficient information gathering through optical sensors, processing through controllers, and presentation through displays and wireless communication, bridging the gap between physical barriers and information exchange without excessive complexity
3Adaptability or versatility
If robotic posts with modular components are deployed, then autonomous movement and reconfiguration are enabled, but the system requires multiple integrated components working together
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic posts are designed with modular components that can be independently manufactured, tested, and maintained. The system divides the complex functionality into discrete modules (mobility module, sensing module, processing module, actuation module, display module) that work together through standardized interfaces, enabling adaptability while managing complexity through modularity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a hierarchical structure where simple modular components are nested within more complex integrated systems. Individual modules (sensors, actuators, processors) are nested within the robotic post structure, which itself is nested within the larger access control system. This nesting allows complex adaptability at the system level while keeping individual component complexity manageable
Data Source
AI summary
A plurality of robotic posts each include at least one processor, a memory and at least one divider panel secured to the post through a securable latch controlled through the at least one processor. A robotic post may move to a divider location to enforce access control between a first region and a second region divided, at least partially, by its at least one divider panel.