Forklift Load State Detection via Distance Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing forklift systems face challenges in accurately identifying transport platforms and loads due to difficulties in distinguishing them from surrounding objects using image processing, leading to potential collisions and unsafe transport operations.
Innovation Solution
A transport possibility determination device equipped with a distance information acquisition unit and a determination unit that uses electromagnetic wave reflection to accurately identify transport platforms and loads, determining their state and transportability by analyzing distance, position, orientation, shape, and height, thereby enhancing the accuracy of load identification and transport control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If image processing is used to detect objects, then collision avoidance can be achieved, but transport object identification accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is segmented into two independent parts: an object detection device for collision avoidance and a transport object identification device for accurate identification. The object detection device processes images to detect obstacles and walls, while the transport object identification device uses multiple cameras to capture images of transport platforms and loads, allowing each subsystem to optimize its function without interfering with the other
Solution Approach 2:
A transport object identification device acts as an intermediary between the object detection device and the transport control system. This intermediary device captures images of transport platforms and loads, determines their positions and states, and provides this information to the transport control system, thereby enabling accurate transport object identification without compromising the collision avoidance functionality
2Measurement precision
If multiple cameras are used to capture images, then transport object identification accuracy improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The multiple cameras in the transport object identification device serve multiple functions: capturing images of transport platforms, capturing images of loads, determining positions, and determining states. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve high transport object identification accuracy using a single integrated device rather than multiple separate systems
Solution Approach 2:
The transport object identification device merges image capture, position determination, and state determination functions into a single integrated system. By combining these functions that use image data from multiple cameras, the system achieves accurate transport object identification while avoiding the complexity of having separate independent systems for each function
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 solution significantly improves the accuracy of load identification and transport control, reducing the likelihood of load collapse during transport and eliminating the need for manual monitoring of load position, orientation, and shape, ensuring safe and stable transport operations.
Implementation Method 1
information about a distance to an object according to an amount of reflection of electromagnetic waves emitted from a lighting device at the object
Data Source
AI summary
A transport possibility determination device comprises a distance measurement unit and a control unit. The distance measurement unit acquires information about the distance to an object. The control unit determines the state of a load when the object is a transport platform on which the load has been placed, on the basis of the information about the distance to the object acquired by the distance measurement unit. The control unit determines whether or not a transportable condition, which is a condition for permitting a forklift to transport the load, is met on the basis of the determined state of the load.