The mechanical structure of mobile module for new self-configurable intelligent environment

[摘要] The intelligent space (iSpace) is a representative extensive environmental system. In the iSpace, various Distributed Intelligent Networked Devices (DINDs) are installed for the provision of useful services. Through the input device of the DIND, the iSpace recognizes a spatial situation and user’s demands and then determines the appropriate service based on the recognized information. Physical and nonphysical services are provided by the agent robots and the output devices of the DINDs. The system is designed to increase the convenience of the user’s life. However, the conventional iSpace has an unsolved problem related to a DIND’s physical location, because most DINDs are fixed to the walls and ceiling, and this constrains a DIND’s usable range. To solve this problem, a self-configurable iSpace, referred to as reconfigurable intelligent space (R+iSpace), and a mobile module (MoMo) for the R+iSpace are proposed in this paper. A MoMo is a type of wall climbing robot, and the DIND is mounted on the MoMo. The DIND’s spatial constraint problem can be solved by rearrangement of the MoMo. MoMo has several necessary conditions that must be satisfied, and we developed three prototypes that fulfilled these requirements. This paper describes the required conditions and the mechanical structures of the prototypes of MoMo. The prototype of MoMos can move within modified walls and ceilings. Experiments to verify the mobility of the latest prototype of MoMo and effectiveness of the R+iSpace were performed. The latest prototype of MoMo is found to have a mechanical structure for the implementation of the R+iSpace that is superior to the previous versions, and the R+iSpace is found to effectively solve the DIND’s spatial constraint problem.

[学科分类] 人工智能

[关键词] Intelligent space;Intelligent environment;Reconfigurable system;Climbing robot