Wireless Signal Dead Zone Detection for Mobile Robots
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems face challenges in efficiently detecting and managing dead zones in wireless communication environments for moving bodies, such as mobile robots, due to obstacles, which affect signal propagation and hinder efficient movement and control.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus that acquires and compares the periodicity of reception power at different points to determine the presence of obstacles, using a processor to generate maps and calculate spatial frequency spectra to assess signal propagation environments and adjust routes accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a moving body avoids dead zones by selecting alternative routes, then signal reception reliability is improved, but movement efficiency and productivity deteriorate due to longer paths and extended operation time
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of dead zones by having the moving body measure reception power at multiple points before actual movement operations. This advance information allows the route planning to account for dead zones from the start, preventing the need for reactive route changes and maintaining movement efficiency while ensuring reliable signal reception throughout the operation.
2Measurement precision
If the moving body moves to detect signal propagation environment in dead zones, then measurement accuracy is improved, but operation time and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The moving body utilizes its own movement and reception power measurements during normal operation to detect dead zones, rather than requiring separate dedicated detection operations. The system self-generates the necessary measurement data through its regular movement and signal reception activities, eliminating additional time and energy costs while maintaining accurate dead zone detection.
3Measurement precision
If multiple reception power measurements are taken at different points to detect obstacles, then obstacle detection accuracy is improved, but system complexity and measurement processing burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The detection space is divided into multiple discrete measurement points, and reception power is measured at each point independently. This segmentation allows the system to process measurements in a structured manner, comparing reception power across segmented locations to identify dead zones and obstacles without overwhelming complexity in the overall measurement system.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enables efficient detection of obstacles and improvement of signal propagation environments, allowing for stable and optimized movement of moving bodies by selecting routes that avoid or adapt to dead zones, thereby ensuring continuous control and operation.
Implementation Method 1
a control signal for controlling the moving body is radiated from an antenna by a radio wave
Implementation Method 2
there is a possibility that a propagation environment of a signal in a space (that is, a space behind the obstacle when viewed from the antenna) facing the antenna with the obstacle interposed therebetween deteriorates (that is, a dead zone in which reception power decreases is generated) by the obstacle
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, an information processing apparatus includes a processor configured to acquire first reception power of a first signal radiated from an antenna when the first signal is received at a first point, acquire second reception power of a second signal radiated from the antenna, the second signal being different from the first signal, when the second signal is received at a second point, and determine, based on a difference between periodicity of the acquired first reception power and periodicity of the acquired second reception power, presence or absence of an object in a space facing the antenna with the second point interposed between the antenna and the space.