AGV Sensor Fusion Control for Accurate Pick and Drop Routing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for controlling automated guided vehicles (AGVs) lack efficient methods to determine if items are present at pick locations and to accurately direct AGVs for item transport, especially in environments like warehouse or mail processing centers, leading to inefficiencies and potential errors.
Innovation Solution
A system incorporating ultrasonic and camera sensor systems to detect items at pick locations, read computer-readable codes, and communicate with a facility management database to determine drop locations, ensuring accurate AGV operations and efficient item transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If automated guided vehicle control systems are implemented, then item transport efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical item transport with automated guided vehicles controlled by computer systems. The AGVs use sensor systems (optical, ultrasonic, laser) and computer vision to detect items and navigate autonomously, substituting human-operated mechanical systems with automated electro-mechanical systems that improve efficiency while managing complexity through software control
Solution Approach 2:
The AGV system performs self-service through autonomous operation. The vehicles independently detect items using sensor systems, determine pick and drop locations through computer vision and code reading, navigate to destinations using onboard navigation systems, and execute transport tasks without continuous human intervention, thereby improving productivity while the self-managing nature helps control operational complexity
2Measurement precision
If sensor systems are used to detect items at pick locations, then detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensor types (optical sensors, ultrasonic sensors, laser sensors, camera systems) into an integrated sensor system on the AGV. This merging of detection technologies allows the system to achieve high measurement precision for item detection at pick locations while managing complexity through unified sensor integration and coordinated operation of multiple sensor modalities
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system on the AGV performs multiple functions: detecting items at pick locations, reading computer-readable codes, determining drop locations, and navigating. This multi-functionality allows a single integrated sensor system to achieve various detection and measurement tasks, improving accuracy across multiple operations while avoiding the need for separate specialized systems for each function
3Measurement precision
If computer readable codes are read to determine drop locations, then location accuracy is improved, but measurement difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses optical sensor systems and camera systems with computer vision capabilities to read computer-readable codes (barcodes, QR codes, RFID tags) on items and at locations. This replaces manual code reading with automated optical detection systems, achieving high location accuracy while the automated nature of the reading process reduces operational difficulty through software-based recognition and interpretation
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system effectively determines item presence and destination, optimizing AGV operations by reducing errors and improving efficiency in item movement within facilities.
Implementation Method 1
The ultrasonic sensor system determines that a pick location is occupied if an echo indicative of an occupied status is received for at least a predetermined duration of time
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for commanding, controlling, and guiding automated guided vehicles (“AGVs”). Automated systems translate AGV commands according to AGV manufacturers. AGVs can be summoned and destinations be determined automatically.