AGV Safety Scanner Authentication at Security Area Entry

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Solution Overview

Problem

Infrastructure systems with driverless transport vehicles face challenges in managing different safety scenarios, particularly in security areas where personnel access is restricted, as existing systems lack efficient methods to differentiate between authorized and unauthorized vehicles and ensure safe operation.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a sensor in the entrance area of the security zone to detect and authenticate the scanning signals from driverless transport vehicles, allowing authorized vehicles to pass while preventing unauthorized access by controlling passage gates, and using the scanning signal's characteristics to determine vehicle proximity and authorization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a sensor detects scanning signals to authenticate authorized vehicles, then access control safety is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess control safetyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The scanning signal originally designed for obstacle detection is repurposed to serve dual functions: navigation and authentication. The sensor detects these existing scanning signals to determine vehicle authorization, eliminating the need for separate authentication hardware and reducing overall system complexity while improving access control safety

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The scanning signal acts as an intermediary carrier that conveys authorization information. Instead of direct communication between vehicles and control systems, the laser scanning signals serve as a medium to transmit authentication data, simplifying the interaction protocol while maintaining security

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the system stops unauthorized vehicles at passage gates, then safety is improved, but productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesafetyVSAvoidtransport efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary authentication by detecting scanning signals before vehicles reach passage gates. Authorized vehicles are identified in advance and can proceed without stopping, while unauthorized vehicles are stopped only after authentication failure, thereby maintaining safety while minimizing disruptions to transport efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor provides real-time feedback about vehicle authorization status based on detected scanning signals. This feedback enables the control system to make immediate decisions about gate operation, allowing authorized vehicles to pass smoothly while blocking unauthorized ones, thus balancing safety requirements with productivity maintenance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 safe and efficient operation by ensuring only authorized vehicles enter security areas, reducing the need for unnecessary stops and enhancing safety by automating the access control process.

Implementation Method 1

One common type is the laser scanner, which projects a laser beam at a specific frequency onto the ground in front of the AGV at an angle. The laser beam is moved back and forth to detect not just a point in space, but an entire area.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser beam detection: Laser

Implementation Method 2

If an obstacle enters the path, the laser scanner, which uses sensors or detection devices, can detect the laser light reflected from the obstacle and generate a signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP3710905B1Infrastructure system
Publication Date: 2023.02.15 IMA SCHELLING DEUT GMBH
  • EP3710905B1 patent drawingFigure 1~4
  • EP3710905B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The infrastructure system comprises a driverless transportation system (PTS) with at least one driverless transportation vehicle (X) and a control system. The infrastructure system also comprises at least one safety area with an entry area (4, 6) through which the driverless transportation vehicle (1) can travel, wherein the at least one driverless transportation vehicle (1) has a safety scanner which emits a scanning signal. The safety scanner is configured to detect objects and obstacles located in the driving area of the driverless transportation vehicle (1) independently of a navigation system for controlling and determining the position of the driverless transportation vehicle (1). A sensor (5) which can detect the scanning signal (2) emitted by the at least one driverless transportation vehicle (1) is arranged in the entry area (4, 6). The control system is configured to determine, in response to a predefined scanning signal detected by the sensor (5), the presence and/or authorization, necessary to drive in the safety area, of the driverless transportation vehicle (1) in the entry area (4, 6).