AGV Position Calculation Using Other Vehicles' Reflection Sources
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automated guided vehicles (AGVs) face challenges in calculating their position when stationary reflection sources cannot be detected due to obstacles, leading to failed unmanned travel, as existing solutions like rearranging reflection sources or using higher/larger numbers of them are laborious and costly.
Innovation Solution
A position calculation system that utilizes a managing unit to manage current positions of AGVs and a position calculating unit to calculate the AGV's position based on detected reflection light from both stationary and mounted reflection sources, including assistance from other AGVs when necessary, allowing position calculation even when stationary sources are undetectable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If stationary reflection sources are arranged at high positions or in large numbers to avoid obstacles, then position calculation reliability is improved, but device complexity and installation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the reflection sources movable rather than stationary. Each AGV carries its own reflection source, which dynamically changes position based on the vehicle's movement. This transforms the static reflection source arrangement into a dynamic system where the reflection sources move with the AGVs, eliminating the need for fixed high-position installations and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining position calculation reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service by having each AGV carry its own reflection source that serves as a detectable target for other AGVs' laser measuring devices. The AGV's own position and the positions of other AGVs can be calculated using these self-carried reflection sources, eliminating the need for external stationary reflection sources and reducing installation complexity
2Measurement precision
If stationary reflection sources are rearranged to improve detection, then position calculation accuracy is improved, but loss of time and labor increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static to dynamic reflection sources that automatically adjust their positions based on AGV movement. The reflection sources move with the AGVs, continuously maintaining optimal detection configurations without requiring manual rearrangement, thus preserving measurement precision while eliminating time loss associated with repositioning
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses real-time position feedback from the managing unit to track AGV locations and adjust detection strategies accordingly. The laser measuring devices continuously scan for reflection sources based on current position information, automatically adapting to changing environmental conditions without manual intervention, thereby maintaining accuracy while avoiding the time cost of manual rearrangement
3Reliability
If stationary reflection sources are increased in number to ensure detection, then position calculation reliability is improved, but device complexity and installation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by making each AGV serve multiple functions: it is both a moving platform and a carrier of a reflection source. Each AGV's reflection source can be detected by any other AGV's laser measuring device, creating a multi-functional system where the same component serves multiple detection purposes, reducing the total number of reflection sources needed while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
Each AGV carries its own reflection source that serves the entire fleet's position calculation needs. The reflection sources on AGVs provide detection targets for all other AGVs, eliminating the need for numerous stationary reflection sources and reducing both quantity and installation complexity while maintaining position calculation reliability
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
Enables accurate position calculation of AGVs by using mounted reflection sources from other vehicles, ensuring continuous operation even in obstructed environments without the need for costly rearrangements or increased reflection source installations.
Implementation Method 1
a position calculating unit configured to calculate a position of the target automated guided vehicle based on a detection result, detected by the laser measuring device mounted on the target automated guided vehicle, of detecting each reflection light reflected from a specific number being two or more of reflection sources
Data Source
AI summary
A position calculation system includes a managing unit managing a current position of a plurality of automated guided vehicles; and a position calculating unit calculating a position of the target automated guided vehicle based on a detection result, detected by the laser measuring device mounted on the target automated guided vehicle, of detecting each reflection light reflected from a specific number being two or more of reflection sources, position information of which is obtainable, existing at positions on mutually different directions viewing from the target automated guided vehicle. Here, when the reflection sources with the reflection light therefrom detected include a mounted reflection source mounted on another automated guided vehicle other than the target automated guided vehicle, the position calculating unit obtains the position information of the mounted reflection source based on the current position managed by the managing unit, and calculates a position of the target automated guided vehicle.