Real-time Facility Asset Mapping Using ToF Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional automated warehouse management tools lack granularity in real-time information on moving assets such as forklifts, personnel, and goods, and utilize separate systems for effective warehouse management.
Innovation Solution
A system that determines the location of assets using Time-of-Flight (ToF) signals between tags and base stations, generating real-time maps and verifying asset movements, integrating Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) and Computer-Aided Design (CAD) drawings for accurate asset management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional automated warehouse mapping and management tools are used, then warehouse management can be performed, but the granularity of real-time information on moving assets is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate systems (personnel management, inventory management, autonomous vehicle control) into a single integrated facility asset management system. This merging enables unified real-time tracking of all assets with granular location information while managing system complexity through integration rather than multiple separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs universal base stations that can track multiple types of assets (personnel, inventory, forklifts, autonomous vehicles) simultaneously using the same infrastructure. This multi-functionality achieves granular tracking across all asset types without requiring separate specialized systems for each asset category.
2Productivity
If multiple different systems and software platforms are used separately, then effective warehouse management can be achieved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates multiple separate management systems into a single integrated facility asset management system that handles personnel, inventory, and autonomous vehicle operations together. This reduces the number of separate systems while maintaining comprehensive warehouse management capabilities, thereby improving efficiency without proportionally increasing complexity.
3Measurement precision
If real-time location tracking of moving assets is implemented, then granular information is obtained, but measurement and detection difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses base stations as intermediary devices that facilitate location detection of moving assets. These base stations act as mediators between the moving assets and the central management system, simplifying the detection process by providing fixed reference points for tracking mobile objects throughout the facility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical tracking systems with electromagnetic signal-based detection using base stations and tags. This substitution enables accurate real-time location tracking of moving assets through signal processing rather than mechanical detection methods, reducing the difficulty of measuring moving object positions.
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
Provides granular, real-time location tracking and movement verification of assets within the warehouse, enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of warehouse operations by integrating SLAM and CAD maps for improved asset management.
Implementation Method 1
determining a first location of a first asset based on a first distance between a first tag and each of two or more base stations determined using a location of each of the two or more base stations and first Time-of-Flight (ToF) of a first signal communicated between the first tag and each of the two or more base stations
Data Source
AI summary
The arrangements of the present disclosure are directed to systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable media for generating a first map, determining that a distance between the first location and the second location is within a first predetermined range, determining that the first asset is located on or adjacent to the second asset in response to determining that the distance between the first location and the second location is within the first predetermined range, in response to determining from a records database that the first asset is assigned to be moved by the second asset and that the first asset is located on or adjacent to the second asset, verifying that the first asset is being moved by the second asset, and updating a second map and a third map based on the first map, the second map being a Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) map, and the third map being a Computer-Aided Design (CAD) drawing.