AGV Vision Guidance System Using Image Capture for Flexible Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional automated guided vehicles (AGVs) have limited routing flexibility due to fixed guidance paths and are prone to environmental interference, especially in laser-guided systems which are costly and unreliable.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for guiding AGVs using a guidance path, an image capturing apparatus, and an operation unit that captures vision guidance region images to determine if the AGV has departed from the path, allowing it to navigate in a vision guidance region and perform route planning to prevent collisions and adapt to changing environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional guidance path system is used, then the AGV can be guided along a fixed route, but the routing flexibility is reduced and the system cannot adapt to changing environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional mechanical guidance path system with a vision-based guidance system using an image capturing apparatus. The AGV is guided by capturing images of the environment and processing visual information to determine navigation paths, eliminating the need for fixed physical guidance paths and thereby improving routing flexibility while reducing environmental interference
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses visual copying of the environment through image capture to create a digital representation of the navigation space. The operation unit processes these visual copies to determine AGV position and plan routes, allowing the system to adapt to changing environments without physical modifications to the guidance infrastructure
2Reliability
If a laser-guided mechanism is used, then the AGV can be positioned and navigated through reflector maps, but the system becomes costly and prone to environmental effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive laser-guided mechanisms with a more economical image capturing apparatus. Instead of using costly laser reflectors and specialized navigation equipment, the system uses standard vision technology that is less susceptible to environmental interference and more cost-effective, while maintaining reliable navigation capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the laser-based optical guidance system with a vision-based system using cameras and image processing. This replacement eliminates the need for laser reflectors and reduces sensitivity to environmental factors such as dust, humidity, and ambient light conditions that affect laser systems
3Productivity
If operating stations have independent routes, then each station can operate autonomously, but direct transit between stations becomes infeasible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal vision-based guidance system that can serve multiple operating stations and enable various transit paths. The image capturing apparatus and operation unit work together to provide a common navigation infrastructure that supports both autonomous station operations and direct transit between stations, eliminating the limitations of independent routing systems
Data Source
AI summary
A system for guiding an automated guided vehicle (AGV) is provided. The system includes a guidance path, an AGV, an image capturing apparatus and an operation unit. The guidance path guides the AGV. The AGV moves on the guidance path and is guided by the guidance path. The AGV moves in a vision guidance region after departing from the guidance path. The image capturing apparatus captures a vision guidance region associated image. The vision guidance region associated image at least includes an image of the vision guidance region. The operation unit determines whether the AGV departs from the guidance path, and calculates position information of the AGV in the vision guidance region. When the AGV departs from the guidance path, the operation unit guides the AGV according to the vision guidance region associated image.