Autonomous Route Guidance Using Line Markers for Easy Reconfiguration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing autonomous travel systems require complex operation programs to be recreated each time the travel route is changed, making it cumbersome for users to adjust the route for an autonomous travel device.
Innovation Solution
An autonomous travel system that includes a line for guiding travel, a marker with operation control information, and a detection unit to acquire and control the device's operations, allowing for easy route changes by modifying or adding markers along the route.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a complex operation program is used to control the autonomous travel device along a predetermined route, then the device can perform various operations in sequence, but the program needs to be recreated each time the travel route is changed, making it troublesome for users
Solution Approach 1:
The operation program is segmented into discrete operation control information stored in individual markers placed at specific positions along the travel route. Instead of using a single complex program, the system divides the control information into multiple small units distributed throughout the route, allowing flexible route changes by simply adding, removing, or repositioning markers without recreating the entire program.
Solution Approach 2:
Operation control information is preliminarily stored in markers at predetermined positions along the travel route before the autonomous travel device begins its journey. This preliminary placement of control information allows the device to automatically acquire and execute operations as it passes each marker, eliminating the need for users to recreate programs when routes change.
2Ease of operation
If operation control information is stored in markers placed along the travel route, then route changes become easier, but the system requires additional components (markers with storage capability)
Solution Approach 1:
Markers serve as intermediary elements between the route definition and the autonomous travel device. These markers contain operation control information and are placed at specific positions along the travel route. The autonomous travel device acquires control information from markers as it passes them, enabling easy route changes without requiring complex system modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of storing the entire operation program in the autonomous travel device, the system creates simplified copies of operation control information in markers placed along the route. Each marker contains only the specific control information needed at that position, reducing the complexity burden on the main device while enabling flexible route configuration.
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
Enables easy setting and modification of travel routes for autonomous devices by simplifying the process of updating operation programs, reducing the need for complex data storage and allowing accurate detection and execution of operations.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic tape for guiding travel is affixed on a route that is traveled by an autonomous travel device and the autonomous travel device moves along the magnetic tape while detecting the magnetic tape
Implementation Method 2
a marker that is placed on the travel route. To the marker, operation control information related to an operation of the autonomous travel device is recorded so as to be readable
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided an autonomous travel system with which a travel route of an autonomous travel device can be easily set.The autonomous travel system includes an autonomous travel device (2), a line (1) for guiding travel that is placed on a travel route traveled by the autonomous travel device (2), and a marker (3) that is placed on the travel route. To the marker (3), operation control information related to an operation of the autonomous travel device (2) is recorded so as to be readable. The autonomous travel device (2) includes a detection unit (line sensor (21)) that detects the line (1), an acquisition unit (detection sensor (22)) that acquires the operation control information from the marker (3), and a control unit (23) that controls an operation of the autonomous travel device (2) on the basis of a detection result from the detection unit and the operation control information acquired by the acquisition unit.