Image-Based Warehouse Interface for Conveyance Coordination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated systems in warehouses face challenges in efficiently coordinating the operations of multiple autonomous mobile robots and other conveyance devices, leading to inefficiencies and potential system failures during article processing.
Innovation Solution
An automated interface apparatus uses image recognition and analysis to control the operations of multiple conveyance devices, such as AMRs and RPTs, by generating and outputting API commands based on image analysis results, allowing these devices to operate in coordination without requiring modifications to existing control systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple autonomous mobile robots and conveyance devices operate independently in a warehouse, then each device can perform its designated function, but coordination between devices becomes complex and prone to failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary coordination system that acts as a mediator between multiple autonomous mobile robots and conveyance devices. This intermediary receives status information from all devices, performs centralized recognition and analysis, and generates coordinated control commands. By inserting this intermediary layer, the system transforms complex peer-to-peer coordination into simplified device-to-intermediary communication, thereby improving coordination reliability without significantly increasing individual device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the coordination function into a unified centralized system that consolidates status recognition, analysis, and command generation for all conveyance devices. Instead of each device having independent coordination capabilities, the system combines these functions into a single integrated coordination mechanism that manages all devices collectively, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliable coordination.
2Productivity
If existing control systems are modified to improve coordination among conveyance devices, then operational efficiency can be enhanced, but system maintenance and repair become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the coordination system into independent modular components: status information acquisition modules, recognition modules, analysis modules, and command generation modules. Each module performs a specific function and can be independently maintained or replaced. This segmentation allows operational efficiency to be improved through optimized coordination while maintaining ease of repair, as faulty modules can be isolated and replaced without affecting the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal coordination system that can manage multiple types of conveyance devices (AMRs, RPTs, CTUs, conveyors) through a single standardized interface. This multi-functional coordination apparatus uses common protocols and data structures to interact with diverse devices, improving operational efficiency across the entire warehouse while simplifying maintenance, as the same coordination logic applies to all device types.
3Productivity
If centralized control is implemented to coordinate conveyance devices, then operational efficiency improves, but the system becomes more vulnerable to single points of failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic coordination system where the centralized control apparatus can adapt its operation mode based on system conditions. When all devices are functioning normally, centralized control optimizes coordination efficiency. When failures are detected, the system dynamically adjusts by redistributing coordination tasks or isolating failed components, thereby maintaining both high productivity and fault tolerance through flexible, condition-based control strategies.
Data Source
AI summary
An input and output method according to an embodiment includes: inputting an image captured by a camera; performing a recognition process of recognizing a state of at least one of a first or second apparatus configured to process an object of conveyance or a state of the object of conveyance based on a result of an analysis of the image; and outputting a signal for controlling the first or second apparatus based on the recognition process.