Self-propelled device and method for orienting such a device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automatically movable devices, such as cleaning robots, face challenges in distinguishing between authorized and unauthorized wireless transmission devices, leading to inefficient operation and potential misuse without explicit user commands.
Innovation Solution
The device stores individualizing identifiers in non-volatile memory and compares received signals to trigger specific actions based on known or unknown identifiers, enabling it to react to the presence of authorized devices without explicit user commands, using wireless signal reception and evaluation software to differentiate and manage device behavior.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the device receives wireless signals from any transmission device, then it can respond to user commands, but it cannot distinguish between authorized and unauthorized devices leading to potential misuse
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs preliminary identification by checking the identifier of the transmitting device against stored authorized identifiers before executing commands. This preliminary verification step ensures that only authorized devices can control the robot, preventing misuse while maintaining responsiveness to legitimate user commands.
2Reliability
If the device requires explicit user commands for each action, then it maintains security, but it reduces operational efficiency and user convenience
Solution Approach 1:
The device dynamically adjusts its operational mode based on the presence and authorization of transmitting devices. When an authorized device is detected, the system transitions from a restrictive command-only mode to a more autonomous mode where pre-programmed tasks can execute automatically, thereby improving productivity while maintaining security through the authorized device context.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the device stores multiple individualizing identifiers in memory, then it can recognize authorized users, but it increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The device stores simplified identifier representations (such as truncated or hashed versions of full device identifiers) rather than complete authentication data. This copying approach allows the system to recognize multiple authorized users and devices while minimizing memory requirements and processing complexity, as the full authentication burden remains on the transmitting devices themselves.
Data Source
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AI summary
The method involves receiving wireless signals using wireless transmission methods e.g. Bluetooth, Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) and Zig-bee according to mobile phone standards universal mobile telecommunications system (UMTS), digital enhanced cordless telecommunications (DECT) or global system for mobile communications (GSM). A stored or non-stored identifier of different actions of an automatic movable apparatus (1) are triggered based on reception of the signals, where the identifier individuals a transmitter (8). The transmitter is designed as a mobile radio telephone. An independent claim is also included for an automatic movable apparatus.