Autonomous Inventory Platform Using RFID Feedback Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inventory systems require significant manual input and external control, leading to reduced accuracy and increased time for inventory taking, especially in densely populated storage spaces.
Innovation Solution
A moveable platform equipped with a navigation system and sensor system, including RFID antennas, cameras, and other sensors, that autonomously navigates and identifies objects using a control unit to adjust movement speed and path based on sensor data, ensuring high accuracy and efficiency in inventory taking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual inventory taking methods are used, then system complexity is reduced, but accuracy and productivity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The inventory system performs self-service by autonomously navigating through the storage space, automatically detecting RFID tags on objects, and independently making navigation decisions based on detection results without requiring manual operation or external control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical inventory taking with an automated system using RFID electromagnetic field detection, substituting human operators with electronic sensors and automated navigation control
2Productivity
If traditional inventory systems are used, then ease of operation is maintained, but productivity and time efficiency worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The navigation system autonomously controls the platform's movement based on RFID detection results, automatically adjusting navigation parameters without requiring manual intervention or external control system input
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback control by using RFID detection results to dynamically adjust navigation parameters, creating a closed-loop system where detection information directly influences movement control decisions
3Measurement precision
If the platform moves quickly through storage space, then productivity is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit continuously monitors RFID detection results and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust navigation parameters, optimizing the balance between movement speed and detection accuracy in real-time
Solution Approach 2:
The navigation system dynamically adjusts its operation based on detection results, changing movement parameters adaptively rather than following a fixed predetermined pattern, allowing optimization of both speed and accuracy
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
The platform achieves high accuracy and reduces inventory time by prioritizing the identification of new or previously identified objects, maximizing identification efficiency, and minimizing travel distance and time, while requiring minimal manual input.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor system, adapted to identify objects to which RFID tags are attached in the storage space, wherein the sensor system comprises at least one antenna
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2c
AI summary
Moveable platform for taking inventory of objects comprising RFID tags in a storage space, wherein the platform comprises a navigation system, adapted to automatically navigate the platform, and a sensor system, adapted to identify objects to which RFID tags are attached in the storage space, wherein the sensor system comprises at least one antenna, wherein the sensor system is adapted to identify objects in the storage space while the platform moves through the storage space and wherein a control unit is provided that is adapted to control the navigation system in response to information obtained by the sensor system.