AGV Control Augmentation Using Simulated Sensor Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated guided vehicles (AGVs) require costly and time-consuming deployment of physical infrastructure for navigation, are prone to interruptions due to wear and tear, and can only execute a limited set of instructions, making them unsuitable for complex spatial and process requirements.
Innovation Solution
An augmented AGV system that includes an augmentation module capable of generating simulated sensor data to control the vehicle's movement, allowing it to navigate without physical infrastructure and execute a broader range of operational commands by converting control data into simulated sensor data and sending it to the control module.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If physical infrastructure (magnetic tape, reflectors, RFID tags) is deployed for AGV navigation, then the AGV can execute basic navigation instructions, but the deployment becomes costly and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the physical infrastructure through simulated sensor data. Instead of deploying actual magnetic tape or RFID tags, the system generates synthetic sensor readings that mimic what the AGV would detect from physical infrastructure, eliminating the need for costly and time-consuming physical deployment while maintaining navigation functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical navigation infrastructure system with a software-based simulated sensor data system. The augmentation module substitutes physical sensors and infrastructure with virtual sensor models that generate synthetic data, eliminating the need for physical deployment and reducing both cost and time
2Reliability
If physical infrastructure is used for AGV guidance, then navigation can be achieved, but the infrastructure is subject to wear and tear and accidental damage causing interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
By using virtual copies of sensor data instead of physical infrastructure, the system eliminates wear and tear on physical components. The simulated sensor data can be regenerated indefinitely without degradation, and the virtual infrastructure can be modified or updated without physical repair or replacement
Solution Approach 2:
The system makes the navigation infrastructure self-healing by using simulated sensor data that can be regenerated on-demand. If the virtual infrastructure is compromised or needs updating, the augmentation module can regenerate the simulated data without requiring physical intervention or repair
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional AGV control systems are used, then basic instructions can be executed, but complex spatial and process requirements cannot be handled
Solution Approach 1:
The augmentation module acts as an intermediary layer between the simple existing AGV control system and the complex spatial/process requirements. It translates complex navigation tasks into simulated sensor data that the basic control system can process, enabling complex functionality without requiring complex hardware or control architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The simulated sensor data approach provides universal applicability - the same augmentation module can handle various complex spatial and process requirements by generating different simulated sensor scenarios, making the system versatile without requiring multiple specialized control systems
Data Source
AI summary
An augmentation module is described for an automated guided vehicle (AGV) deployed in a facility and including a control module for controlling a drive mechanism based on navigational data received from a navigation sensor. The module includes a inter-module communications interface connected to the control module; a memory; and a processor connected to the communications interface and the memory. The processor is configured to: obtain an operational command; generate control data to execute the operational command; convert the control data to simulated sensor data; and send the simulated sensor data to the control module.