Surveillance Robotics: Using mobile phones to control robots for household security
U0307641 Low Youliang Freddy
In the present day, using mobile phones has become the norm. While people are out at work, they may be constantly worried about the condition of their household; be it thieves breaking in or an accidental fire being set. By combining these two pressing issues together, the idea of a mobile phone controlled robot is being explored upon. In fact, companies such as Fujitsu Laboratories Ltd has developed such a robot known as MARON-1. This kind of robot can be remotely controlledby mobile phone to operate home electronic devices and monitor home security.
This robot is equipped with a wide range of functions, including telephone, camera, remote control, timer and surveillance equipment. With these features, it is forseen that MARON-1 could be used for monitoring homes or even offices at night or for checking up on persons requiring special care and monitoring.
Maron-1 consists of a drive mechanism, a camera that can rotate left, right, up, and down, a programmable remote to control home electronic appliances, and a PHS communication card that, together with specially designed i-appli (*1) software, enables the robot to be operated remotely by mobile phone.
With this special feature to be operated by a mobile phone, the robot can take pictures and relay them to the phone's screen, such that the owner can check conditions at home. In addition to this, the robot is not static. The owner can give precise commands for moving the robot forward, backward or turning in a desired direction. Also, by storing the home's layout in the robot's memory, the owner can give the robot a destination, and it will automatically navigate to that point, avoiding obstacles and maneuvering over door saddles and other surface gradations along the way. Alternatively, a pattern may be established for it to patrol a designated course.
Images sent by the Maron-1 can also be used for specifying a destination. The robot's infrared remote control capability can be used to operate appliances such as air conditioners, televisions and VCRs. With today's technology, i believe that it is also possible for the robot to control devices using "bluetooth" technology, giving it a wider range of operation.
By positioning the robot one or two meters from a spot the owner would like to monitor (for example, the front hall or a window) and turned appropriately, MARON-1 is able to detect anyone or anything entering its field of view. If it does detect an intrusion, it can sound an alarm and call a pre-set number.
The robot can also be scripted to take specific actions at specific times. For example, it can be used as an alarm clock or timer, or it can be programmed to take pictures around the house at pre-set times.
With its built-in PHS capability, the robot can be used as a hands-free telephone. Frequently dialed numbers can be stored in its memory for one-touch dialing. Other commonly performed actions may also be assigned to function buttons.
References:
[1] http://www.fujitsu.com/global/news/pr/archives/month/2003/20030313-03.html
[2] http://www.vimicro.com/english/whatsnews/newes/3/November82002.htm
In the present day, using mobile phones has become the norm. While people are out at work, they may be constantly worried about the condition of their household; be it thieves breaking in or an accidental fire being set. By combining these two pressing issues together, the idea of a mobile phone controlled robot is being explored upon. In fact, companies such as Fujitsu Laboratories Ltd has developed such a robot known as MARON-1. This kind of robot can be remotely controlledby mobile phone to operate home electronic devices and monitor home security.
This robot is equipped with a wide range of functions, including telephone, camera, remote control, timer and surveillance equipment. With these features, it is forseen that MARON-1 could be used for monitoring homes or even offices at night or for checking up on persons requiring special care and monitoring.
Maron-1 consists of a drive mechanism, a camera that can rotate left, right, up, and down, a programmable remote to control home electronic appliances, and a PHS communication card that, together with specially designed i-appli (*1) software, enables the robot to be operated remotely by mobile phone.
With this special feature to be operated by a mobile phone, the robot can take pictures and relay them to the phone's screen, such that the owner can check conditions at home. In addition to this, the robot is not static. The owner can give precise commands for moving the robot forward, backward or turning in a desired direction. Also, by storing the home's layout in the robot's memory, the owner can give the robot a destination, and it will automatically navigate to that point, avoiding obstacles and maneuvering over door saddles and other surface gradations along the way. Alternatively, a pattern may be established for it to patrol a designated course.
Images sent by the Maron-1 can also be used for specifying a destination. The robot's infrared remote control capability can be used to operate appliances such as air conditioners, televisions and VCRs. With today's technology, i believe that it is also possible for the robot to control devices using "bluetooth" technology, giving it a wider range of operation.
By positioning the robot one or two meters from a spot the owner would like to monitor (for example, the front hall or a window) and turned appropriately, MARON-1 is able to detect anyone or anything entering its field of view. If it does detect an intrusion, it can sound an alarm and call a pre-set number.
The robot can also be scripted to take specific actions at specific times. For example, it can be used as an alarm clock or timer, or it can be programmed to take pictures around the house at pre-set times.
With its built-in PHS capability, the robot can be used as a hands-free telephone. Frequently dialed numbers can be stored in its memory for one-touch dialing. Other commonly performed actions may also be assigned to function buttons.
References:
[1] http://www.fujitsu.com/global/news/pr/archives/month/2003/20030313-03.html
[2] http://www.vimicro.com/english/whatsnews/newes/3/November82002.htm
