Deployable Sensors for Dynamic Workspace Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
In complex environments like material handling facilities, the cost of continuous monitoring with fixed cameras becomes prohibitive due to the size and complexity of the space, leading to gaps in coverage and outdated visual information, which can hinder efficient navigation and inventory management.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system that combines fixed sensors with on-demand sensors, such as cameras connected to unmanned aerial vehicles or mobile drive units, to supplement monitoring in high-traffic areas or areas outside fixed camera coverage, allowing for real-time, high-resolution visual information collection and updating of global view maps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If fixed cameras are deployed throughout the facility to provide continuous monitoring coverage, then monitoring coverage is improved, but the cost becomes prohibitive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from static fixed cameras to dynamic mobile robots that can move throughout the facility. The mobile robots are equipped with cameras and navigation systems, allowing them to dynamically reposition to capture images of different locations. This dynamic approach provides comprehensive coverage without requiring a dense network of fixed cameras, thereby reducing system cost while maintaining or improving coverage quality.
2Measurement precision
If the number of fixed cameras is increased to cover complex interior areas, then monitoring accuracy is improved, but the number of devices required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile robots serve multiple functions: they navigate autonomously, capture high-resolution images, store data, and can be deployed to various locations within the facility. A single mobile robot can replace multiple fixed cameras by moving to different positions and orientations, providing comprehensive visual monitoring with fewer devices. The robot's ability to adapt its position and capture images from multiple angles ensures high measurement precision without requiring a large quantity of cameras.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If fixed cameras are used to monitor areas outside their coverage range, then monitoring continuity is maintained, but the visual information becomes outdated
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile robots continuously navigate to different locations within the facility, capturing updated images of areas that were previously outside fixed camera coverage. This dynamic movement ensures that visual information remains current and relevant, eliminating the outdated information problem associated with static cameras. The robots can revisit locations as needed, maintaining monitoring continuity while ensuring information currency.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for maintaining a current map of a workspace using on-demand sensors and fixed sensors are described herein. For example, a system may include a fixed sensor positioned within the workspace, an on-demand sensor available for selective deployment in the workspace, and a computing device. The computing device may maintain a digital map of the workspace, identify a region in the workspace for collection of additional sensor information, and cause the on-demand sensor to gather the additional sensor information for updating the digital map.