Millimeter Wave Imaging for Warehouse Storage Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing warehouse automation systems face challenges in accurately tracking the contents and location of storage units due to limitations in optical sensors, such as occlusion and the need for RFID tags, which are costly and not suitable for all items.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a millimeter wave (mmWave) imaging system that uses arrays of transmitting and receiving antennas to generate 2D or 3D images of storage unit contents, even through opaque materials, and updates database records with information on item presence, damage, and leaks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If optical sensors are used to track storage unit contents, then the system can detect items visually, but the sensors fail when items are occluded or hidden behind opaque materials
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces optical sensors with millimeter wave sensors that use electromagnetic radiation in the millimeter wave spectrum. This substitution allows the system to penetrate opaque materials like plastic, wood, and fabric that block visible light, enabling detection of storage unit contents regardless of material opacity or item occlusion
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the wavelength parameter of the detection signal from optical frequencies (visible light) to millimeter wave frequencies (1-300 GHz). This parameter change allows the detection waves to interact differently with materials, penetrating rather than being blocked by opaque substances, thereby improving measurement precision for hidden or occluded items
2Measurement precision
If RFID tags are used to track items, then the system can identify items through opaque materials, but the cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The millimeter wave imaging system provides intrinsic identification capabilities without requiring external tags or labels on items. The system naturally detects and characterizes items based on their electromagnetic properties, physical dimensions, and spatial position, eliminating the need for costly RFID tags while maintaining accurate item identification
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using physical RFID tags attached to items, the system creates electromagnetic field maps and images that serve as digital copies or representations of item locations and characteristics. These millimeter wave images capture item presence and properties without requiring physical tagging infrastructure
3Device complexity
If millimeter wave sensors are mounted at fixed locations, then the system structure is simplified, but the sensors cannot track storage units throughout the entire facility volume
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from static fixed-location sensors to dynamic mobile sensors mounted on transport units that move throughout the facility. This dynamic deployment allows a single sensor to cover the entire facility volume by physically relocating to different positions, achieving comprehensive coverage without multiplying the number of sensors
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile millimeter wave sensor system serves multiple functions: it acts as both a transportation element (carried by transport units) and a detection element (scanning storage units). This multi-functionality allows the same sensor to be deployed throughout the entire facility volume, providing comprehensive coverage while maintaining simple system structure
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 mmWave imaging system provides accurate and efficient tracking of storage unit contents and location, improving storage efficiency, reducing errors, and enabling real-time updates to warehouse management systems.
Implementation Method 1
a millimeter wave sensor providing millimeter wave data, the sensor including: an array of millimeter wave transmitting antennas; and an array of millimeter wave receiving antennas
Implementation Method 2
a storage unit including a material at least partially transparent to millimeter waves and configured to contain the object
Data Source
AI summary
A system for producing a millimeter wave image of an object, the system including: a storage unit including a material at least partially transparent to millimeter waves and configured to contain the object; a millimeter wave sensor providing millimeter wave data, the sensor including: an array of millimeter wave transmitting antennas; and an array of millimeter wave receiving antennas; one or more processors; and one or more memory devices having stored thereon instructions that when executed by the one or more processors cause the one or more processors to: receive the millimeter wave data from the sensor; generate estimated positions of the millimeter wave sensor relative to the storage unit, wherein the millimeter wave sensor and the storage unit are in relative motion; and process the millimeter wave data and the estimated positions to produce the millimeter wave image of the object.