Wireless Signal Mapping for Mobile Robot IoT Guidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Integrating the autonomous behavior of household mobile robots with IoT connectivity poses challenges due to their unpredictable and variable environment conditions and the need for autonomous decision-making based on numerous sensor inputs.
Innovation Solution
A mobile robot equipped with localization sensors and wireless receivers acquires wireless communication signal data while navigating, generating maps of signal coverage patterns and device locations, enabling integration with IoT devices and improving navigation and network functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If household mobile robots are integrated with IoT connectivity to enable autonomous decision-making based on sensor inputs, then the robot's autonomy and network connectivity are enhanced, but the complexity of integrating unpredictable environment conditions with numerous sensor inputs increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a gateway device as an intermediary between the mobile robot and the IoT network. The gateway receives sensor data from the robot, processes it, and communicates with IoT devices, thereby reducing the integration complexity while maintaining enhanced autonomy and network connectivity
2Measurement precision
If the robot navigates and acquires wireless communication signal data throughout the environment, then precise localization and mapping of IoT devices are achieved, but the time and computational resources required increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary mapping of wireless signal coverage patterns during periods when the robot is stationary or performing other tasks. Pre-computed signal maps are stored and used for rapid localization, reducing the time required during active navigation while maintaining precision
3Reliability
If the robot collects and processes numerous sensor inputs for autonomous decision-making, then the quality of autonomous behavior improves, but the computational resources and processing time required increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the autonomous decision-making process into multiple stages: sensor data collection, preliminary processing at the sensor level, selective transmission to the robot's processor, and final decision-making. This segmentation reduces the computational burden and energy consumption while maintaining decision quality
Data Source
AI summary
A method of operating a computing device includes receiving occupancy data for an operating environment of a mobile robot based on localization data detected by at least one localization sensor of the mobile robot responsive to navigation thereof in the operating environment, and receiving signal coverage data for the operating environment based on wireless communication signals acquired by at least one wireless receiver of the mobile robot responsive to navigation thereof in the operating environment. The wireless communication signals are transmitted by at least one electronic device that is local to the operating environment. The method further includes generating a map indicating coverage patterns of the wireless communication signals at respective locations in the operating environment by correlating the occupancy data and the signal coverage data. Related methods, mobile robots, and user terminals are also discussed.