Patent Issued for Systems And Methods For Allocating Tasks To A Plurality Of Robotic Devices (USPTO 10,500,718)

2019 DEC 25 (NewsRx) -- By a News Reporter-Staff News Editor at Insurance Daily News -- A patent by the inventors Kuffner, Jr., James J. (Mountain View, CA); Hickman, Ryan (Mountain View, CA), filed on December 1, 2017, was published online on December 23, 2019, according to news reporting originating from Alexandria, Virginia, by NewsRx correspondents.

Patent number 10,500,718 is assigned to X Development LLC (Mountain View, California, United States).

The following quote was obtained by the news editors from the background information supplied by the inventors: “Cloud computing refers to provision of computational resources via a computer network. In a traditional model of computing, both data and software are fully contained on a user’s computer. In cloud computing, however, the user’s computer may contain relatively little software or data (perhaps a minimal operating system and web browser, for example), and may serve as a display terminal for processes occurring on a network of computers. A common shorthand provided for a cloud computing service (or even an aggregation of existing cloud services) is ‘the cloud’.

“Cloud computing has been referred to as ‘client-server computing’, however, there may be distinctions between general cloud computing and client-server computing. For example, client-server computing may include a distributed application structure that partitions tasks or workloads between providers of a resource or service (e.g., servers), and service requesters (e.g., clients). Client-server computing generally involves a one-to-one relationship between the server and the client, whereas cloud computing includes generic services that can be accessed by generic clients (e.g., a one-to-one relationship or connection may not be required). Thus, cloud computing generally includes client-server computing, and additional services and functionality.

“Cloud computing may free users from certain hardware and software installation and maintenance tasks through use of simpler hardware on the user’s computer that accesses a vast network of computing resources (e.g., processors, hard drives, etc.). Sharing of resources may reduce cost to individuals. Thus, any computer connected to the cloud may be connected to the same pool of computing power, applications, and files. Users can store and access personal files such as music, pictures, videos, and bookmarks or play games or use productivity applications on a remote server rather than physically carrying around a storage medium, such as a DVD or thumb drive.

“In one example, a client device may be a robotic device configured to perform one or more tasks. In some cases, a computer connected to the cloud may receive information from a pool of robotic devices performing various functions”

In addition to the background information obtained for this patent, NewsRx journalists also obtained the inventors’ summary information for this patent: “This disclosure discloses, inter alia, systems and methods for allocating tasks to robotic devices in a robot-cloud interaction.

“In one example, a method is provided that comprises receiving information associated with task logs for a plurality of robotic devices. The task logs may include information associated with tasks performed by the plurality of robotic devices. The method may also include, in a computing system configured to access a processor and a memory, determining information associated with a health level for the plurality of robotic devices based on the information associated with the task logs. In some examples, a health level for a given robotic device may be proportional to a current level of ability of the given robotic device to perform a function and may change over a lifespan of the given robotic device. The method may further include determining information associated with a plurality of tasks to be performed by one or more of the plurality of robotic devices. A first task may be associated with a first amount of precision that is greater than a second amount of precision associated with a second task. According to the method, the computing system may optimize an allocation of the plurality of tasks to one or more robotic devices of the plurality of robotic devices based on the information associated with respective health levels for the plurality of robotic devices. For example, the first task may be allocated to a first robotic device having a first health level that is greater than a second health level of a second robotic device.

“Any of the methods described herein may be provided in a form of instructions stored on a non-transitory, computer readable medium, that when executed by a computing device, cause the computing device to perform functions of the method. Further examples may also include articles of manufacture including tangible computer-readable media that have computer-readable instructions encoded thereon, and the instructions may comprise instructions to perform functions of the methods described herein.

“In another example, a computer-readable memory having stored thereon instructions executable by a computing device to cause the computing device to perform functions is provided. The functions may comprise receiving information associated with task logs for a plurality of robotic devices. The task logs may include information associated with tasks performed by the plurality of robotic devices. The functions may also include determining information associated with a health level for the plurality of robotic devices based on the information associated with the task logs. In some examples, a health level for a given robotic device may be proportional to a current level of ability of the given robotic device to perform a function and may change over a lifespan of the given robotic device. The functions may further include determining information associated with a plurality of tasks to be performed by one or more of the plurality of robotic devices. A first task may be associated with a first amount of precision that is greater than a second amount of precision associated with a second task. In addition, the functions may include optimizing an allocation of the plurality of tasks to one or more robotic devices of the plurality of robotic devices based on the information associated with respective health levels for the plurality of robotic devices. For example, the first task may be allocated to a first robotic device having a first health level that is greater than a second health level of a second robotic device.

“The computer readable memory may include a non-transitory computer readable medium, for example, such as computer-readable media that stores data for short periods of time like register memory, processor cache and Random Access Memory (RAM). The computer readable memory may also include non-transitory media, such as secondary or persistent long term storage, like read only memory (ROM), optical or magnetic disks, compact-disc read only memory (CD-ROM), for example. The computer readable memory may also be any other volatile or non-volatile storage systems. The computer readable memory may be considered a computer readable storage medium, for example, or a tangible storage medium.

“In addition, circuitry may be provided that is configured to perform logical functions in any processes or methods described herein.

“In still further examples, any type of devices may be used or configured to perform logical functions in any processes or methods described herein.

“In another example, a system is provided that comprises a computing component, a plurality of robotic devices, and a maintenance component. The computing component may comprise a processor and a memory coupled to the processor and capable of communicating with the plurality of robotic devices over a network. The computing component may be configured to receive information associated with task logs and maintenance logs for the plurality of robotic devices. The task logs may include information associated with tasks performed by the plurality of robotic devices. The computing component may be further configured to determine information associated with a health level for the plurality of robotic devices based on the information associated with the task logs and the maintenance logs. In some examples, a health level for a given robotic device may be proportional to a current level of ability of the given robotic device to perform a function and may change over a lifespan of the given robotic device. The computing component may also be configured to receive information associated with a plurality of tasks to be performed by one or more the plurality of robotic devices. A first task may be associated with a first amount of precision that is greater than a second amount of precision associated with a second task. In addition the computing component may be configured to optimize an allocation of the plurality of tasks to one or more robotic devices of the plurality of robotic devices based on the information associated with respective health levels for the plurality of robotic devices. For example, the first task may be allocated to a first robotic device having a first health level that is greater than a second health level of a second robotic device.

“The plurality of robotic devices of the system may be configured to receive information from the computing component via the network associated with instructions for performing one or more tasks. The plurality of robotic devices may also be configured to transmit information associated with a status of the one or more tasks to the computing component via the network. In one instance, the status may indicate whether the one or more tasks are completed. In addition, the maintenance component of the system may be configured to transmit information associated with repairs of the plurality of robotic device to the computing component via the network.

“The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the figures and the following detailed description.”

The claims supplied by the inventors are:

“What is claimed is:

“1. A method comprising: determining, for a plurality of tasks to be performed by a plurality of robotic devices, a first task associated with a first amount of precision that is greater than a second amount of precision associated with a second task, wherein the first amount of precision specifies a force range for the first task; based on a health level and a capability for each of the plurality of robotic devices and the determined first and second amount of precision for the first and second task, a computing system configured to access a processor and a memory allocating the first task associated with the more precise first amount of precision to a first robotic device of the plurality of robotic devices having a first health level that is greater than a second health level of a second robotic device of the plurality of robotic devices, wherein the health level for each of the plurality of robotic devices comprises an estimate of an expected remaining amount of time until maintenance of the robotic device, and wherein the capability for each of the plurality of robotic devices is based on the determined health level; and the computing system communicating instructions to the first robotic device to perform the allocated first task.

“2. The method of claim 1, further comprising allocating the second task to the second robotic device.

“3. The method of claim 1, further comprising: modifying robotic device capability information for the plurality of robotic devices such that respective robotic device capability information for the plurality of robotic devices is demoted over time.

“4. The method of claim 1, further comprising: allocating the plurality of tasks to the plurality of robotic devices based on amounts of time associated with performance of the plurality of tasks and the respective health levels for the plurality of robotic devices.

“5. The method of claim 1, further comprising: receiving maintenance log information for the plurality of robotic devices; and scheduling maintenance appointments for the plurality of robotic devices based on the respective health levels for the plurality of robotic devices and the maintenance log information.

“6. The method of claim 1, further comprising: the computing system receiving real-time information from the plurality of robotic devices indicating a status of the plurality of robotic devices, wherein the status of a given robotic device indicates an availability to perform a task; and the computing system allocating the plurality of tasks to the plurality of robotic devices based on the real-time information and the respective health levels for the plurality of robotic devices.

“7. The method of claim 1, further comprising: sending information to the first robotic device instructing the first robotic device to perform the first task; receiving from the first robotic device an indication of the first robotic device performing the first task; and receiving a task status of the first task, wherein the task status indicates whether the first task is completed.

“8. A non-transitory computer readable memory having stored therein instructions executable by a computing device to cause the computing device to perform functions comprising: determining, for a plurality of tasks to be performed by a plurality of robotic devices, a first task associated with a first amount of precision that is greater than a second amount of precision associated with a second task, wherein the first amount of precision specifies a force range for the first task; based on a health level and a capability for each of the plurality of robotic devices and the determined first and second amount of precision for the first and second task, allocating the first task associated with the more precise first amount of precision to a first robotic device of the plurality of robotic devices having a first health level that is greater than a second health level of a second robotic device of the plurality of robotic devices, wherein the health level for each of the plurality of robotic devices comprises an estimate of an expected remaining amount of time until maintenance of the robotic device and the capability for each of the plurality of robotic devices is based on the determined health level; and communicating instructions to the first robotic device to perform the allocated first task.

“9. The non-transitory computer readable memory of claim 8, wherein the second task is allocated to the second robotic device.

“10. The non-transitory computer readable memory of claim 8, further comprising instructions executable by the computing device to perform functions comprising: modifying robotic device capability information for the plurality of robotic devices such that the robotic device capability information for the plurality of robotic devices is demoted over time.

“11. The non-transitory computer readable memory of claim 8, further comprising instructions executable by the computing device to perform functions comprising: allocating the plurality of tasks to the plurality of robotic devices based on amounts of time associated with performance of the plurality of tasks and the respective health levels for the plurality of robotic devices.

“12. The non-transitory computer readable memory of claim 8, further comprising instructions executable by the computing device to perform functions comprising: receiving maintenance log information for the plurality of robotic devices; and scheduling maintenance appointments for the plurality of robotic devices based on the respective health levels for the plurality of robotic devices and the maintenance log information.

“13. The non-transitory computer readable memory of claim 8, further comprising instructions executable by the computing device to perform functions comprising: receiving real-time information from the plurality of robotic devices indicating a status of the plurality of robotic devices, wherein the status of a given robotic device indicates an availability to perform a task; and allocating the plurality of tasks to the plurality of robotic devices based on the real-time information and the respective health levels for the plurality of robotic devices.

“14. The non-transitory computer readable memory of claim 8, further comprising instructions executable by the computing device to perform functions comprising: sending information to the first robotic device instructing the first robotic device to perform the first task; receiving from the first robotic device an indication of the first robotic device performing the first task; and receiving a task status of the first task, wherein the task status indicates whether the first task is completed.

“15. A system comprising: a processor and a memory coupled to the processor, wherein the processor is capable of communicating with a plurality of robotic devices over a network, the processor configured to: determine, for a plurality of tasks to be performed by a plurality of robotic devices, a first task associated with a first amount of precision that is greater than a second amount of precision associated with a second task, wherein the first amount of precision specifies a force range for the first task; based on a health level and a capability for each of the plurality of robotic devices and the determined first and second amount of precision for the first and second task, allocate the first task associated with the more precise first amount of precision to a first robotic device of the plurality of robotic devices having a first health level that is greater than a second health level of a second robotic device of the plurality of robotic devices, wherein the health level for each of the plurality of robotic devices comprises an estimate of an expected remaining amount of time until maintenance of the robotic device and the capability for each of the plurality of robotic devices is based on the determined health level; and communicate instructions to the first robotic device to perform the allocated first task.

“16. The system of claim 15, wherein the processor is further configured to allocate the plurality of tasks to the plurality of robotic devices based on amounts of time associated with performance of the plurality of tasks and the respective health levels for the plurality of robotic devices.

“17. The system of claim 15, wherein the processor is further configured to: schedule maintenance appointments for the plurality of robotic devices based on the respective health levels for the plurality of robotic devices and maintenance log information.

“18. The system of claim 15, wherein the processor is further configured to: determine robotic device capability information for the plurality of robotic devices; and allocate the plurality of tasks to the plurality of robotic devices based on the robotic device capability information and the respective health levels for the plurality of robotic devices.

“19. The system of claim 15, wherein the processor is further configured to: modify robotic device capability information for the plurality of robotic devices such that the robotic device capability information for the plurality of robotic devices is demoted over time.”

URL and more information on this patent, see: Kuffner, Jr., James J.; Hickman, Ryan. Systems And Methods For Allocating Tasks To A Plurality Of Robotic Devices. U.S. Patent Number 10,500,718, filed December 1, 2017, and published online on December 23, 2019. Patent URL: http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PALL&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.htm&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=10,500,718.PN.&OS=PN/10,500,718RS=PN/10,500,718

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