Corner Module Optical Mesh Communication for Mobile Parts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional systems for mobile parts in intralogistics, such as driverless transport systems, face challenges in establishing efficient and economical communication, especially when line of sight between mobile parts is obstructed, limiting data transmission rates and reliability.
Innovation Solution
The system employs corner modules with integrated transmitters and receivers using modulated light, allowing for multipoint-to-multipoint communication by positioning these modules at the outer corners of mobile parts, enabling data transmission between parts without direct line of sight through a mesh network, utilizing LEDs for transmitters and photodetectors for receivers, and utilizing a mirror to direct light efficiently within the movement plane.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional communication systems are used between mobile parts, then communication can be established, but the system becomes expensive and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional radio frequency communication systems with an optical communication system using light-emitting diodes (LEDs) as transmitters and photodetectors as receivers. This substitution uses optical fields instead of electromagnetic radio fields, achieving cost-effective communication while maintaining reliability through direct line-of-sight light transmission between mobile parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses light as a carrier to copy and transmit data signals between mobile parts. The optical communication system creates light-based copies of data that can be transmitted through the air, providing a simple and economical alternative to complex wired or radio frequency communication systems.
2Productivity
If direct line of sight communication is required between mobile parts, then data transmission rate is high, but communication fails when obstacles block the path
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communication function by placing multiple corner modules (each with transmitters and receivers) at the corners of mobile parts. This segmentation allows data to be transmitted through multiple potential paths, and when one path is blocked by obstacles, other paths can be used to maintain communication and data transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate mobile parts as mediators in the communication path. When direct line-of-sight communication between two mobile parts is blocked by obstacles, data can be transmitted through intermediate mobile parts that relay the optical signals, enabling communication around obstacles while maintaining high data transmission rates.
3Reliability
If multiple transmitters and receivers are added to improve communication coverage, then communication reliability increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the communication functions of multiple corner modules into a unified optical communication network. Each corner module integrates both transmitters and receivers, and all modules communicate through a common optical medium (light), simplifying the overall system architecture while improving reliability through multiple communication paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes each corner module universal by equipping it with both transmitting and receiving capabilities. This multi-functionality allows any corner module to act as either a transmitter or receiver depending on the communication needs, reducing the need for specialized components and simplifying the overall system while maintaining high reliability.
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 solution enables cost-effective, high-data-rate communication across multiple mobile parts, even when no direct line of sight exists, allowing for reliable data transmission around obstacles and efficient use of components, with interchangeable corner modules and optional camera integration for image recording.
Implementation Method 1
light-emitting illumination sources such as LEDs may be used as transmitters
Implementation Method 2
Photosensitive semiconductors may be used as receivers
Implementation Method 3
A mirror, fixed in place on the cover part of the respective corner module, deflects the light radiated by the transmitters
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a first mobile part and a second mobile part, each being able to be moved in a movement plane of an installation. The first mobile part has corner modules at its outer corner areas, and the second mobile part also has corner modules at its outer corner areas. Each corner module has an electronic circuit together with transmitters and receivers such that modulated light is able to be emitted with the aid of the transmitters, and modulated light is able to be detected and demodulated with the aid of the receivers. The receivers have different sensitivities for light from different directions in space, in particular, the receivers of the respective corner module being situated in one plane with respect to this respective corner module.