Dynamic Sensing Boundary for AGV Collision Avoidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing collision avoidance systems for automated guided vehicles (AGVs) in indoor environments are inadequate due to limitations in sensing capabilities, leading to potential collisions between AGVs and other objects, with ultrasonic and infrared sensors providing limited conical sensing areas and vision-based systems requiring significant computational power and having slower response times.
Innovation Solution
A collision avoidance apparatus for AGVs that includes an object detection sensor assembly and a controller to dynamically adjust a sensing region's size and shape, using optical, acoustic, or laser signals to detect objects and prevent collisions by generating control signals to stop the AGV or alert operators, with the ability to be retrofitted onto existing vehicles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If ultrasonic or infrared sensors are used for collision avoidance, then the system can detect objects, but the sensing area is limited to a conical region which reduces detection coverage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the boundary of the sensing region dynamically adjustable. The controller modifies the boundary's size and shape based on the AGV's operational state, such as extending the boundary when the AGV is stationary or moving slowly, and retracting it when moving quickly. This dynamic adjustment optimizes both the sensing coverage area and the reliability of collision avoidance by adapting to real-time operational conditions.
2Area of stationary object
If vision-based systems are used for object detection, then detection coverage is improved, but computational power requirements increase and response time decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the sensing region into multiple zones with different boundary characteristics. The sensing region is segmented into a first region with a first boundary and a second region with a second boundary, allowing different detection strategies or sensitivity levels in different areas. This segmentation reduces the computational burden compared to processing the entire field of view while maintaining adequate detection coverage in critical areas.
3Device complexity
If a fixed sensing boundary is used, then the system is simpler to implement, but false positives increase when AGV position varies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic boundary that adjusts based on the AGV's position and operational state. When the AGV is near a destination or operating in specific zones, the boundary is repositioned or resized to match the actual risk area. This dynamic approach maintains high detection accuracy by adapting to contextual factors while avoiding false positives that would occur with a fixed boundary, and the controller manages this dynamically without requiring overly complex hardware.
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
Enhances safety and efficiency by accurately detecting objects within the AGV's path, reducing false positives through dynamic boundary adjustments, and enabling multiple AGVs to operate safely in confined indoor environments.
Implementation Method 1
the object detection sensor assembly is configured to generate a detection signal to define a sensing region and receive a reflected detection signal
Implementation Method 2
the at least one transmitter is configured to transmit the detection signal and the one or more receivers is configured to receive the reflected signal, the reflected signal being reflected off one or more objects
Data Source
AI summary
A collision avoidance apparatus for use with an automated guided vehicle (AGV) includes: an object detection sensor assembly; a controller in electronic communication with the sensor assembly; the object detection sensor assembly configured to generate a detection signal to define a sensing region and receive a reflected detection signal; the controller configured to: process the reflected signal to detect presence of an object based on a parameter of the reflected signal, define a boundary within the sensing region, dynamically adjust the size and/or shape of the boundary, and determine if the detected object is located within the boundary.