AGV Obstacle Detection Using Vector Distance Path Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automated guided vehicles (AGVs) face inefficiencies and safety risks due to their inability to accurately detect obstacles in chaotic environments, leading to frequent stops and potential collisions during cargo transportation into elevators.
Innovation Solution
An obstacle detection method using a vector distance method to determine the shortest distance from an obstacle to a connecting line between the AGV and a target position, establishing a detection region and performing laser scanning to identify obstacles within this region, thereby guiding the AGV to avoid them.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the AGV uses traditional obstacle detection methods, then the system complexity is low, but the measurement precision of obstacle detection is poor leading to inaccurate identification
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical or simple sensor-based obstacle detection with a laser scanning system that uses optical principles. The laser scanner emits laser beams and measures the reflected light to calculate distances and detect obstacles with high precision, substituting mechanical detection methods with optical measurement technology.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the obstacle detection problem from simple distance measurement to a two-dimensional planar region analysis. By establishing a detection planar region with width and depth dimensions, and calculating the shortest distance from obstacles to the connecting line between AGV and target position, the system achieves more accurate spatial understanding and obstacle identification.
2Productivity
If the AGV stops and waits for obstacles to clear, then collision safety is improved, but the productivity of transportation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary obstacle detection by establishing a detection planar region before the AGV reaches the obstacle. The laser scanner continuously scans this region ahead of the AGV's path, allowing the system to identify obstacles in advance and plan avoidance maneuvers proactively rather than reactively stopping when obstacles are detected.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the detection planar region using laser scanning and provides real-time feedback about obstacle positions. This feedback loop allows the AGV's control system to dynamically adjust its path and speed to avoid obstacles while maintaining efficient transportation, rather than simply stopping and waiting.
3Measurement precision
If the AGV uses simple detection methods, then the device complexity is low, but the detection precision is insufficient leading to frequent false negatives
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection space into a specific planar region defined by the AGV's position, target position, and detection width. By dividing the three-dimensional space into a two-dimensional detection plane, the system simplifies the computational problem while maintaining accurate obstacle detection within the relevant area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent reduces the obstacle detection problem from three-dimensional space to a two-dimensional planar region by projecting obstacles onto a plane perpendicular to the AGV's motion. This dimensional reduction simplifies the detection algorithm while maintaining precision by focusing computational resources on the relevant detection area.
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
This method enhances the efficiency and safety of AGV operations by enabling accurate obstacle detection and avoidance, reducing the likelihood of collisions and improving transportation efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
perform laser scanning detection in the region
Implementation Method 2
laser scanning detection is performed in the region and the minimum distance of an obstacle from the region is calculated
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are an obstacle detection method and apparatus, a device and a storage medium. The obstacle detection method may include: determining a detection planar region according to a mobile robot and a target position, wherein a distance from a point in the detection planar region to a connecting line between the mobile robot and the target position does not exceed a detection fixed value; determining a shortest distance from an obstacle to the connecting line between the mobile robot and the target position based on a vector distance method; and determining whether the obstacle is present in the detection planar region according to a result of comparison of the shortest distance with the detection fixed value.