Electronic apparatus, unmanned mobile apparatus and their system

Abstract

This invention discloses a technology for ensuring the safety of workers and improving work efficiency using electronic devices. The electronic device may include: a transceiver; memory; and a control unit that controls the transceiver and memory to unlock entrances and exits corresponding to the work area, and instructs the transmission of control signals. These control signals are used to control the activity of at least one unmanned mobile device within a fixed distance of the work area; the control signals are transmitted via at least two different frequencies.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This invention relates to a technique for controlling unmanned mobile devices by using electronic devices that transmit control signals via two different frequencies when fixed conditions are met in a work area within a center, thereby ensuring the safety of workers and the efficiency of the work. [Previous Technology]

[0002] Due to the development of the distribution industry, the volume of deliveries is constantly increasing. To cope with this situation, companies are building increasingly larger logistics centers. For the large logistics centers mentioned above, in order to facilitate operations, there is a trend towards automating work processes using unmanned mobile devices. In the past, when using unmanned mobile devices to automate work processes, not only was safety and reliability not guaranteed, but there were also limitations such as excessive control leading to decreased operational efficiency and high costs. Therefore, there is a need for technologies that can automate work processes using unmanned mobile devices while simultaneously ensuring both safety and reliability and operational efficiency. [Summary of the Invention]

[0003] [Problem to be Solved by the Invention] The disclosed embodiments are intended to disclose technologies related to electronic devices and unmanned mobile devices. The technical problem to be solved by these embodiments is not limited to the technical problem described above; other technical problems can be deduced from the following examples. [Technical Means for Solving the Problem]

[0004] According to the first embodiment, the electronic device may include: a transceiver; a memory; and a controller that controls the transceiver and the memory to instruct the transmission of a control signal when certain fixed conditions are met. The control signal is used to control the activity of at least one unmanned mobile device within a fixed distance in the work area. The control signal is transmitted via at least two different frequencies.

[0005] According to an embodiment, the transceiver may include: a first transmitting circuit; and a second transmitting circuit that uses a frequency different from that of the first transmitting circuit.

[0006] According to an embodiment, the control signal may include information for controlling the activity of the at least one unmanned mobile device to a safe mode, wherein the safe mode is controlled such that the moving speed of the at least one unmanned mobile device is below a reference speed.

[0007] According to the embodiment, when the electronic device worn by the operator is controlled by the operator, or when the electronic device fixed at a specific position confirms that the operator's entry and exit information or confirms that the lock in the restricted area has been released, the above-mentioned fixing conditions can be met to transmit the control signal.

[0008] According to an embodiment, the above-mentioned at least one unmanned mobile device can deactivate the above-mentioned safety mode after a fixed period of time from the moment when the control signal transmitted by the two different frequencies cannot be confirmed.

[0009] According to the embodiment, the control unit can variably control the fixed distance by controlling the transmission power of the control signal.

[0010] According to the embodiment, the above-mentioned unmanned mobile device can be divided into a plurality of types, and the control unit controls the transmission power considering the type of the unmanned mobile device.

[0011] According to the embodiment, the above-mentioned working area may correspond to any one of the plurality of areas obtained by dividing the area corresponding to the center.

[0012] According to an embodiment, the above-mentioned work area may include identification information corresponding to each location, and the above-mentioned unmanned mobile device confirms the location within the above-mentioned work area based on the above-mentioned identification information.

[0013] According to an embodiment, when at least one of the different control signals transmitted to the unmanned mobile device cannot be received again, the control unit may generate an alarm signal requesting an inspection of the electronic device.

[0014] According to the second embodiment, the unmanned mobile device may include: a transceiver; a memory; and a controller, which controls the transceiver and the memory to control the activity to a safe mode when the device receives control signals transmitted via at least two different frequencies during operation in the work area.

[0015] According to an embodiment, the transceiver may include: a first receiving circuit; and a second receiving circuit that uses a frequency different from that of the first receiving circuit.

[0016] According to the embodiment, when only one of the control signals transmitted via the two different frequencies is received, the control unit may generate an alarm signal requesting an inspection.

[0017] According to the embodiment, after the above-mentioned safety mode is operated, the control unit can deactivate the above-mentioned safety mode after a fixed time elapsed from the moment when the above-mentioned control signal cannot be received.

[0018] According to the embodiment, the above-mentioned safety mode may be a mode in which the moving speed of the above-mentioned unmanned mobile device is controlled in such a way that it is below the reference speed.

[0019] According to the third embodiment, the system may include: a work area in which a plurality of unmanned mobile devices operate; an electronic device that transmits control signals via two different frequencies to control the operation of the unmanned mobile devices when certain conditions are met; an unmanned mobile device that operates in a safe mode when it receives the control signals transmitted via the two different frequencies; and a control unit.

[0020] Specific details of other embodiments are included in the detailed description and drawings. [Effects of the Invention]

[0021] According to the present invention, a safe mode can be controlled for an unmanned mobile device using control signals transmitted via two different frequencies. In this case, when the unmanned mobile device receives only one of the two control signals transmitted via different frequencies, it operates in safe mode but generates an alarm signal requesting inspection, thereby preventing accidents. The unmanned mobile device receiving the control signal prioritizes operation according to the safe mode over other modes, thus ensuring greater safety and reliability. Only unmanned mobile devices within a fixed distance of the electronic device operate in safe mode, while unmanned mobile devices in other areas operate normally, thereby improving the efficiency of the automated process. Furthermore, unmanned mobile devices operating in safe mode can resume normal operation after a fixed period of time from the moment they lose control signal reception. Since the equipment is installed inside the unmanned mobile device, no installation work is required at a central location, thus saving costs. Furthermore, even in the event of a malfunction, only the corresponding unmanned mobile device needs to be repaired, which improves efficiency from the perspective of the overall management center.

[0022] The effects of the invention are not limited to those mentioned above. Those skilled in the art can clearly understand other effects not mentioned based on the description in the scope of the invention application.

Implementation Method

[0024] The terminology used in the embodiments has been selected as widely used general terms as possible while considering the functions of the present invention. However, it may also differ depending on the intent of those skilled in the art, precedents, or the emergence of new technologies. In addition, in certain situations, there may be terms arbitrarily selected by the applicant. In such cases, their meanings will be described in detail in the corresponding description. Therefore, the terminology used in the present invention should be defined based on the meaning of the term and the overall content of the present invention, and not simply based on the name of the term.

[0025] When a component is mentioned throughout the specification as "including" another component, it means that, unless otherwise stated, other components are not excluded, but may be included. Furthermore, the terms "component" and "module" used in the specification refer to a unit that processes at least one function or action, which may be implemented by hardware or software, or by a combination of hardware and software.

[0026] The expression “at least one of a, b and c” as recorded throughout the specification may include “a alone”, “b alone”, “c alone”, “a and b”, “a and c”, “b and c”, or “a, b and c”.

[0027] The "terminal" mentioned below can be implemented by a computer or a portable terminal, which can be connected to a server or other terminal via a network. Here, the computer includes, for example, a laptop computer, a desktop computer, or a laptop computer equipped with a web browser. The portable terminal is a wireless communication device that ensures portability and mobility, and may include, for example, IMT (International Mobile Telecommunication), CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access), W-CDMA (W-Code Division Multiple Access), LTE (Long Term Evolution) and other communication terminals, such as smartphones, tablets and all types of handheld wireless communication devices.

[0028] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the invention. However, the present invention can be implemented in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments shown herein.

[0029] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0030] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating a system according to an embodiment.

[0031] Referring to FIG1, the system of the management center only illustrates the components related to this embodiment. Therefore, those skilled in the art related to this embodiment will understand that, in addition to the components shown in FIG1, other general components may be included.

[0032] The control unit of the control system can communicate with unmanned mobile devices and electronic devices on the Internet. The Internet can be a comprehensive data communication network that includes Local Area Networks (LANs), Wide Area Networks (WANs), Value Added Networks (VANs), mobile radio communication networks, satellite communication networks, and combinations thereof, and enables smooth communication between them. It can include wired Internet networks, wireless Internet networks, and mobile wireless communication networks. Wireless communication may include, for example, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy, Zigbee, WFD (Wi-Fi Direct), UWB (ultra-wideband), IrDA (infrared data association), NFC (Near Field Communication), etc., but is not limited to these.

[0033] The area corresponding to the center 100 can be divided into a plurality of working areas 110 and 130 according to a fixed reference. The two working areas 110 and 130 shown in Figure 1 are just one example, and can be divided into different numbers of working areas according to the size of the center or the dividing reference. The scope of this specification is not limited thereto.

[0034] In each work area 110 and 130, multiple unmanned mobile devices can perform operations according to preset modes. For example, in work area 110, multiple unmanned mobile devices can perform storage operations by moving items according to a standard, and in work area 130, multiple unmanned mobile devices can perform handling operations by identifying items to be delivered. In addition, in each work area 110 and 130, multiple unmanned mobile devices can perform various operations such as storage, management, and handling of items according to set modes.

[0035] According to the embodiment, the work area 110 and the work area 130 are areas that are not physically divided. The unmanned mobile device can move from the work area 130 to the work area 110 according to the instructions, and the unmanned mobile device can also move from the work area 110 to the work area 130 in the opposite way.

[0036] Each work area 110 and 130 has a corresponding entrance / exit gate 111 and 131, through which personnel can enter the work area 110 and 130 when necessary. For example, personnel can enter the work area 110 through entrance / exit gate 111 to retrieve a malfunctioning unmanned mobile device. At this time, personnel can use electronic devices to unlock entrance / exit gates 111 and 131 and enter the work area 110 and 130. The electronic devices can then be operated by personnel to transmit control signals via two different frequencies, causing the unmanned mobile device to operate in a safe mode, thereby preventing accidents.

[0037] Alternatively, when workers enter the work area through physically locked doors, there is a possibility of an accident in relation to the unmanned mobile device in operation, therefore accident prevention is necessary. Alternatively, when using electronically controlled protective devices to sense workers' entry and exit, there is also a possibility of an accident in relation to the unmanned mobile device in operation, therefore accident prevention is necessary. In such cases, to prevent accidents, the unmanned mobile device receiving control signals transmitted via two different frequencies can operate in a safe mode over other modes. For reference, the electronic device can be worn by the worker or attached to a specific location. When the electronic device worn by the worker can be operated by the worker to transmit control signals via two different frequencies, or when an electronic device fixed to a specific location unlocks a physically locked door or senses workers' entry and exit via an electronically controlled protective device (e.g., a sensor), control signals can be transmitted via two different frequencies. At this time, the safety mode is a mode that controls the movement speed of the unmanned mobile device to a reference speed (e.g., 0.1 m / s or below), ensuring the safety of the operator when the speed is below the reference speed. For example, an electronic device worn or fixed in a specific location by the operator can transmit control signals via two different frequencies. The unmanned mobile device within the work area 110 receiving the control signal is controlled to move at a speed of 0.1 m / s or below, prioritizing the safety mode. Preferably, the unmanned mobile device receiving the control signal can stop moving.

[0038] At this time, only unmanned mobile devices within a fixed distance can receive control signals transmitted by the electronic device. Unmanned mobile devices outside the fixed distance cannot receive control signals and will not operate in safety mode, but can continue to perform operations according to the originally set mode. Therefore, even if operators enter the work area, the safety of the operators can be guaranteed, and the unmanned mobile devices outside the fixed distance can also be ensured to operate smoothly, thereby ensuring the efficiency of the operation.

[0039] According to an embodiment, when an unmanned mobile device operates in a safe mode within a work area under fixed conditions, the control unit of the management system can temporarily restrict the movement of the unmanned mobile device from different work areas to the corresponding work area. For example, when an unmanned mobile device within work area 110 operates in a safe mode due to control signals transmitted by the electronic device using different frequencies, the control unit of the management system can temporarily restrict the movement of the unmanned mobile device from different work areas 130 to work area 110.

[0040] Each work area may include a collaborative area that serves as a pre-defined area for interaction between the operator and the unmanned mobile device. For example, instructions may be given as follows: the operator may retrieve items brought from collaborative areas 112, 113, 114, 132, and 133 by the unmanned mobile device, or may load items brought by the operator onto the unmanned mobile device for safekeeping. That is, work areas 110 and 130 are areas where the unmanned mobile device operates, and operator access is restricted. Therefore, the operator can interact with the unmanned mobile device through collaborative areas 112, 113, 114, 132, and 133. At this time, the collaborative area restricts operator access, and relevant sensors can detect when the collaborative area is unlocked. Alternatively, the entry and exit of the operator can be detected by sensors.

[0041] According to the embodiment, unlike the situation where workers use electronic devices to unlock entrances 111 and 131 and enter the work area, the electronic devices can be fixedly installed near the collaborative area. If workers enter the work area through the collaborative area, the electronic devices can sense the workers and identify them as an emergency, transmitting control signals using different frequencies. At this time, unmanned mobile devices operating within a distance adjacent to the collaborative area can receive the control signals and operate in a safe mode. Therefore, even in an emergency where workers enter the work area through the collaborative area, worker safety can be ensured, and the operation of unmanned mobile devices outside a distance adjacent to the collaborative area can be ensured, thus improving work efficiency. At this time, the control unit of the management system can identify workers who enter the work area through the collaborative area and impose penalties for violations.

[0042] The following describes the operation of electronic devices and unmanned mobile devices in more detail.

[0043] Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating the process of an unmanned mobile device receiving a control signal at a fixed distance from an electronic device in one embodiment.

[0044] Referring to Figure 2, the electronic device 210 is a wearable machine for the operator. The electronic device 210 can be controlled by the operator and transmits two control signals with different frequencies. Alternatively, when the operator enters the work area through the collaborative area or when the electronic sensing protective device senses the operator's entry or exit, the electronic device 210 fixed near the collaborative area can identify it as an emergency and transmit a control signal.

[0045] At this time, the control signal may be a signal transmitted via at least two different frequencies. For example, the control signal may be a signal transmitted via two different frequencies or a signal transmitted via three different frequencies.

[0046] Unmanned mobile devices 220, 230, and 240, located within a fixed distance R from the electronic device, can operate in a safety mode upon receiving a control signal. The safety mode controls the movement speed of the unmanned mobile devices to a speed below a reference speed; for example, it can control the movement speed of unmanned mobile devices 220, 230, and 240 to below 0.1 m / s. That is, the reference speed is a speed used to ensure the safety of personnel entering the work area and can be a preset speed.

[0047] Unmanned mobile devices 220, 230, and 240 can be classified into multiple types according to the type of operation performed. For example, an unmanned mobile device can be type A, such as a forklift that moves, lifts, or lowers heavy items; type B, which simply moves items; or type C, which stores or retrieves items from a storage rack. In addition, they can also be classified into multiple types according to the various types of operations.

[0048] At this time, in order to achieve the best function for each type, the size of the unmanned mobile device may be different. For example, type A unmanned mobile device, type B unmanned mobile device, and type C unmanned mobile device perform different operations, so their sizes will be different.

[0049] According to the embodiment, the electronic device 210 can control the transmission power based on the type of the unmanned mobile devices 220, 230, and 240, and variably adjust the fixed distance R. Each type can have different sizes, therefore the electronic device 210 can control the transmission power based on the type of the unmanned mobile device to ensure the safety of the operator. In this case, the electronic device can control the transmission power based on the largest size of the unmanned mobile device. The larger the size of the unmanned mobile device, the greater the transmission power; the smaller the size, the less the transmission power. Therefore, the electronic device 210, by communicating with the system to confirm the type of the unmanned mobile devices 220, 230, and 240, can control the transmission power of the control signal based on the type. In this case, the greater the transmission power, the greater the fixed distance R; the greater the transmission power, the less the fixed distance R.

[0050] According to an embodiment, when it is confirmed that there are many buildings obstructing signal transmission at a location adjacent to the electronic device, the electronic device can control the signal transmission by increasing the transmission power. For example, as shown in FIG4b, the electronic device can confirm the location, and when multiple buildings are located in adjacent positions and obstruct signal transmission, the electronic device can control the signal transmission by increasing the transmission power.

[0051] According to an embodiment, the electronic device 210 can increase its transmission power when it senses a reference number or more unmanned mobile devices within a fixed distance. When a reference number (e.g., 10) or more unmanned mobile devices are sensed within a fixed distance, the risk of an accident increases. Therefore, the electronic device 210 can increase its transmission power to ensure safety.

[0052] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating the process of transmitting control signals using different frequencies in one embodiment.

[0053] Referring to FIG3, the electronic device 310 may use at least two different frequencies to transmit control signals to the unmanned mobile device 320. Specifically, the electronic device 310 may include a transceiver, which may include: a first transmitting circuit that transmits a first signal; and a second transmitting circuit that transmits a second signal using a frequency different from the first signal. That is, the electronic device 310 may use the first transmitting circuit to transmit the first signal and use the second transmitting circuit to transmit the second signal different from the first signal. On the other hand, in an embodiment, at least a portion of the information included in the first signal and the second signal may be the same. As an example, at least one of the information indicating that the unmanned mobile device 320 should operate in a safe mode, or the identification information of the electronic device 310 transmitting the corresponding signal, may be included in the first signal and the second signal. In an embodiment, the unmanned mobile device 320 may operate in a safe mode based on the information included in the first signal and the second signal. In one example, the information instructing the unmanned mobile device 320 to operate in a safe mode may include information setting the operation mode of a specific unmanned mobile device 320 corresponding to the safe mode. According to one example, when operating in a safe mode, at least one of the following information may be included in the information setting the aforementioned operation mode: the speed of the unmanned mobile device 320's activity or the type of the unmanned mobile device 320 about to operate in a safe mode. Furthermore, in an embodiment, the operation of the unmanned mobile device 320 about to operate in the corresponding safe mode can be determined based on the identification information of the electronic device 310. As an example, the type of electronic device 310 equipped by the operator may vary depending on the central work area; the operation mode of the unmanned mobile device 320 receiving the signal transmitted by the corresponding electronic device 310 can be determined based on the identification information of the corresponding operator's electronic device 310.

[0054] Furthermore, the unmanned mobile device 320 may include a transceiver, which may include: a first receiving circuit that receives a first signal; and a second receiving circuit that receives a second signal using a frequency different from the first signal. That is, the unmanned mobile device 320 may use the first receiving circuit to receive the first signal and use the second receiving circuit to receive the second signal different from the first signal.

[0055] At this time, even if only one of the two different control signals is received, the unmanned mobile device 320 can operate in safety mode to ensure safety. However, even if only one of the two control signals is received, the unmanned mobile device 320 will generate an alarm signal requesting an inspection while operating in safety mode. That is, if neither of the two control signals can be received, the unmanned mobile device 320 can generate an alarm signal to proactively address any malfunctions. The management center's system or electronic devices can receive the alarm signal and instruct the operators to inspect the corresponding unmanned mobile device.

[0056] Furthermore, the electronic device 310 can determine whether it is malfunctioning by self-monitoring the retransmission of the first or second signal to the unmanned mobile device 320. Specifically, if it is unable to retransmit at least one of the different first or second signals transmitted from the electronic device 310 to the unmanned mobile device 320, it can be determined that at least one of the first or second signals is not being transmitted, and an error message, an LED (Light Emitting Diode), or an alarm sound will be output. Therefore, the administrator of the electronic device 310 can use this to determine that a problem has occurred in the electronic device 310.

[0057] Furthermore, the unmanned mobile device 320, which operates in safety mode upon receiving control signals, can deactivate the safety mode after a fixed time elapsed from the moment when two different control signals are no longer received, and then perform the set operation. For example, if the unmanned mobile device 320, which operates in safety mode while the operator is moving, is located beyond a fixed distance R, the unmanned mobile device 320 will be unable to receive control signals. In this case, after a fixed time elapsed (e.g., 3 seconds) from the moment the control signals are no longer received, the unmanned mobile device 320 can confirm that there are no operators in the vicinity, thus deactivating the safety mode and performing the set operation.

[0058] Figure 4a is a diagram illustrating the process of confirming location based on a wireless network in one embodiment, and Figure 4b is a diagram illustrating the process of confirming location based on an identification number.

[0059] Referring to Figure 4a, within the center 400, there are entrance / exit 410, coordination areas 420, and 430 corresponding to the work area, where the above-described content can be applied. Within the work area, the machine can determine its location based on a wireless network router. At this time, the machine may include an electronic device or an unmanned mobile device. Specifically, the machine's location can be determined based on the interaction between the wireless network router set up corresponding to the work area and the machine. When determining the machine's location in the manner described above, a large amount of investment is required due to the deployment of numerous wireless network routers and the development of corresponding applications. Furthermore, when using wireless network routers, it is difficult to apply methods utilizing signals with different frequencies, and there are limitations in addressing the battery issues of electronic devices.

[0060] Referring to Figure 4b, within the center 400, the working area contains identification numbers corresponding to each location. For example, the locations corresponding to identification number 1, identification number 2, identification number 3, and identification number 4 may be different from each other. The machine 440 can determine its current location by confirming the identification number. For example, the machine 440 can determine its own location by confirming identification number X based on its current location. The method of determining location using identification numbers as shown in Figure 4b can be applied to the content described in this specification, rather than the method using a wireless network router as shown in Figure 4a.

[0061] Figure 5 is a block diagram showing an electronic device according to an embodiment.

[0062] According to one embodiment, the electronic device 500 may include a transceiver 510, a memory 520, and a controller 530. FIG. 5 only illustrates the components relevant to this embodiment. Therefore, those skilled in the art related to this embodiment will understand that, in addition to the components shown in FIG. 5, other common components may be included. The electronic device 500 may include the aforementioned content related to the electronic device; descriptions of repeated content are omitted.

[0063] The transceiver 510 can send and receive related information with unmanned mobile devices or systems via the Internet. The transceiver 510 may include a first transmitting circuit 511 for transmitting a first signal and a second transmitting circuit 512 for transmitting a second signal using a frequency different from that of the first transmitting circuit.

[0064] The control unit 530 can control the overall operation of the electronic device 500 and process data and signals. The control unit 530 may include at least one hardware unit. Furthermore, the control unit 530 can operate by executing one or more software modules generated from the program code stored in the memory 520. The control unit 530 can control the overall operation of the electronic device 500 and process data and signals by executing the program code stored in the memory 520. In this embodiment, the control unit 530 may include at least one control unit.

[0065] The control unit 530 can control the transceiver 510 and the memory 520 to instruct the transmission of control signals. These control signals are used to control the activity of at least one unmanned mobile device within a fixed distance in the work area when certain fixed conditions are met. In this case, the control signals can be signals transmitted via at least two different frequencies. The fixed conditions may include situations where an electronic device 500 fixed at a specific location senses the entry of a worker into the work area via a cooperative area, or where an electronically sensed protective device senses the entry and exit of a worker. Alternatively, the fixed conditions may include situations where an electronic device 500 worn by a worker is controlled by the worker's operation.

[0066] The control signal may include information to control the activity of at least one unmanned mobile device to a safe mode, the safe mode being a mode that limits the movement speed of at least one unmanned mobile device to below a reference speed.

[0067] At this time, the unmanned mobile device that receives the control signal and operates in the safe mode can deactivate the safe mode after a fixed time has elapsed from the moment when it is impossible to confirm the control signal transmitted by two different frequencies.

[0068] The control unit 530 can control the transmission power of the control signal according to the type of unmanned mobile device, thereby variably controlling the fixed distance.

[0069] The operating area for the unmanned mobile device is any one of a plurality of areas divided into regions corresponding to a center, and may include identification information corresponding to each location. Therefore, the electronic device or the unmanned mobile device can confirm the location within the operating area based on the identification information.

[0070] Furthermore, the control unit 530 can self-monitor whether the electronic device is malfunctioning by re-receiving the different control signals transmitted to the unmanned mobile device (i.e., the first signal or the second signal). If at least one of the different control signals transmitted from the electronic device to the unmanned mobile device cannot be re-received, the control unit 530 can determine that the electronic device has not transmitted at least one of the different control signals, and generate and output an alarm signal requesting inspection (e.g., error message, LED, alarm sound). The administrator of the electronic device can determine that a problem has occurred in the electronic device by using the alarm signal.

[0071] Figure 6 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of an unmanned mobile device.

[0072] According to one embodiment, the unmanned mobile device 600 may include a transceiver 610, a memory 620, and a controller 630. FIG6 only illustrates the components relevant to this embodiment of the unmanned mobile device 600. Therefore, those skilled in the art related to this embodiment will understand that, in addition to the components shown in FIG6, other common components may be included. The unmanned mobile device 600 may include the above-described content related to unmanned mobile devices; descriptions of repeated content are omitted.

[0073] The transceiver 610 can send and receive related information with electronic devices or systems via the Internet. The transceiver 610 may include a first receiving circuit 611 for receiving a first signal and a second receiving circuit 612 for receiving a second signal using a frequency different from that of the first receiving circuit.

[0074] The control unit 630 can control the overall operation of the unmanned mobile device 600 and process data and signals. The control unit 630 may include at least one hardware unit. Furthermore, the control unit 630 can perform operations by executing one or more software modules generated from the program code stored in the memory 620. The control unit 630 can control the overall operation of the unmanned mobile device 600 and process data and signals by executing the program code stored in the memory 620. In this embodiment, the control unit 630 may include at least one control unit.

[0075] The control unit 630 can control the transceiver 610 and the memory 620 to switch the activity control to a safe mode when it receives control signals transmitted via at least two different frequencies during operation within the work area. At this time, the safe mode can be a mode that controls the movement speed of the unmanned mobile device 600 to a speed below the reference speed.

[0076] When only one of the two control signals transmitted via different frequencies is received, the control unit 630 operates in safety mode but generates an alarm signal requesting an inspection. When neither of the two different control signals can be received after operating in safety mode, the control unit 630 may deactivate safety mode after a fixed time elapsed from the moment the control signal is no longer received.

[0077] Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating an electronic device implementing one embodiment. The above description can be applied to the details related to Figure 7.

[0078] Referring to Figure 7, in step S710, the electronic device can confirm whether the fixing conditions are met. At this time, when the operator is wearing the electronic device, the fixing conditions can be met by the operator's operation. For example, the fixing conditions can be met when the operator operates the button displayed on the electronic device's screen. Alternatively, when the electronic device is fixed in a specific location, if information is received and confirmed that the lock in the restricted area has been released, or information is received and confirmed that the operator's entry and exit are sensed in the work area, the fixing conditions can be met.

[0079] In step S720, the electronic device may use different frequencies to transmit control signals for controlling the activities of the unmanned mobile device. Specifically, the electronic device may use different frequencies to transmit control signals for controlling the activities of the unmanned mobile device only when certain fixed conditions are met. More specifically, the electronic device may use a first transmitting circuit to transmit a first signal, and may use a second transmitting circuit to transmit a second signal having a different frequency than the first signal.

[0080] At this time, the unmanned mobile device can operate according to the preset mode among multiple modes, but the unmanned mobile device that receives any of the different control signals can take priority to operate in the safety mode. Therefore, the safety of the operators can be ensured.

[0081] Figure 8 is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of an unmanned mobile device. The above description can be applied to the details related to Figure 8.

[0082] Referring to Figure 8, in step S810, the unmanned mobile device can receive control signals transmitted using different frequencies. Furthermore, in step S820, the unmanned mobile device can control its operating mode to a safety mode. The unmanned mobile device can operate within the central operating area according to the set mode. However, the unmanned mobile device that receives either of the two different control signals may preferentially operate in the safety mode.

[0083] If a fixed time has elapsed since the moment control signals are no longer received, the unmanned mobile device can deactivate the safety mode and resume operation according to the baseline mode. Therefore, not only is the safety of the operators ensured, but also the efficiency of the operation is guaranteed.

[0084] The electronic device or unmanned mobile device of the above embodiments may include a control unit, memory for storing and executing program data, permanent storage such as a magnetic disk drive, a communication port for communicating with external devices, and a purchase interface device such as a touch panel, key, or button. Computer-readable code or program commands that can be executed on the control unit, implemented by a software module or algorithm, can be stored on a computer-readable recording medium. Here, computer-readable recording media include magnetic storage media (e.g., ROM (read-only memory), RAM (random-access memory), floppy disks, hard disks, etc.) and optical reading media (e.g., CD-ROM, DVD). The computer-readable recording medium is distributed across a computer system connected to a network, thereby enabling the distributed storage and execution of computer-readable code. The medium can be read by a computer, stored in memory, and executed in the control unit.

[0085] This embodiment can be represented by functional blocks and various processing steps. These functional blocks can be implemented by different numbers of hardware and / or software components performing specific functions. For example, the embodiment can employ integrated circuits capable of performing various functions via control by one or more microcontroller units or other control devices, such as memory, processing, logic, lookup tables, etc. The constituent elements can be executed by software programs or software components. Similarly, this embodiment includes algorithms implemented by combinations of data structures, programs, routines, or other programs, and therefore can be implemented using programming or scripting languages ​​such as C, C++, Java, and assemblers. Functionally, it can be implemented by algorithms executed in one or more control units. Furthermore, this embodiment can employ prior art for electronic environment setting, signal processing, and / or data processing. Terms such as "mechanism," "element," "means," and "construction" are widely used and are not limited to mechanical or physical construction. The above terms may be associated with control units and include the meaning of a series of processes in software.

[0086] The above embodiment is only an example, and other embodiments can be implemented within the scope of the invention application described below. [Simplified Explanation of the Diagram]

[0023] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating a system according to an embodiment. Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating the process of an unmanned mobile device receiving control signals within a fixed distance from an electronic device according to an embodiment. Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating the process of transmitting control signals using different frequencies according to an embodiment. Figure 4a is a diagram illustrating the process of confirming location based on a wireless network according to an embodiment, and Figure 4b is a diagram illustrating the process of confirming location based on an identification number. Figure 5 is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device according to an embodiment. Figure 6 is a block diagram illustrating an unmanned mobile device according to an embodiment. Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating the implementation of an electronic device according to an embodiment. Figure 8 is a flowchart illustrating the implementation of an unmanned mobile device according to an embodiment.

Claims

1. A system for an unmanned mobile device, comprising: An electronic device configured to transmit different control signals at two different frequencies when fixed conditions are met, to control the operating mode of at least one unmanned mobile device moving in a first work area; the at least one unmanned mobile device, upon receiving the different control signals transmitted at the two different frequencies, sets its operating mode to a safety mode for operation; and a control unit, wherein when the operating mode of the unmanned mobile device is set to the safety mode in the first work area, the control unit is configured to control the movement of another unmanned mobile device, different from the unmanned mobile device and moving in a second work area adjacent to the first work area, thereby preventing the other unmanned mobile device from moving from the second work area to the first work area.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the electronic device is configured to generate a notification signal to request an inspection of the electronic device when at least one of the different control signals transmitted at the two different frequencies to the at least one unmanned mobile device in the first operating area is not received.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the electronic device is configured to identify the size corresponding to the at least one unmanned mobile device in the first operating area, and determines the transmission power of the different control signals based on the size corresponding to the at least one unmanned mobile device.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein the electronic device is configured to transmit the different control signals using a transmission power determined to correspond to the largest size among the sizes of the at least one unmanned mobile device.

5. The system of request item 1, wherein the safety mode corresponds to a mode in which the movement speed of the unmanned mobile device is controlled to be less than or equal to a reference speed.

6. In the system of request item 1, if no different control signals transmitted at the two different frequencies are received within a fixed period after the security mode is set, the security mode is deactivated.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the electronic device is configured to identify a type corresponding to the at least one unmanned mobile device from a plurality of types, and uses a transmission power determined based on the type to transmit the different control signals.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein when the electronic device is configured to detect at least a fixed number of unmanned mobile devices within a fixed distance, the transmission power used to transmit the different control signals is increased.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the first work area and the second work area correspond to a central work area among a plurality of separate work areas.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein the unmanned mobile device is configured to determine its position in the center based on identification information corresponding to each of the first and second operating areas.

11. A method for controlling an unmanned mobile device, comprising: Identify at least one unmanned mobile device moving within the first operational area of ​​the center; The system detects that the lock device corresponding to the first work area has been unlocked by an electronic device. The electronic device uses different control signals transmitted at two different frequencies to determine whether the operating mode of at least one unmanned mobile device in the first work area is set to a safety mode; and when the safety mode is set, the movement of another unmanned mobile device that is different from the at least one unmanned mobile device and moves in a second work area adjacent to the first work area is controlled, thereby preventing the other unmanned mobile device from moving from the second work area to the first work area.

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