Mobile Optical Navigation for Warehouse Order Picking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current order-picking systems in warehouses face challenges such as high infrastructure costs, potential breakdowns leading to operational disruptions, and errors in manual picking processes, particularly in dynamic systems like pick-to-light and pick-by-voice systems, which lack effective monitoring and route optimization.
Innovation Solution
A method and device utilizing a mobile unit with an optical sensing detection device, an optical display device, and a data processing system for wireless communication, providing navigation information in the form of directional arrows, and incorporating inertial sensors for error prevention and augmented reality to support efficient and error-free order picking, allowing multiple employees to work simultaneously without duplication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If pick-to-light or pick-by-voice systems are used for dynamic order picking, then productivity is improved through faster picking processes, but reliability deteriorates due to high infrastructure costs and vulnerability to breakdowns that cause operational disruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical and electronic infrastructure systems (pick-to-light devices, voice recognition systems, high-bay storage mechanisms) with an optical navigation system that uses a camera, display device, and inertial sensors. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical components that are prone to breakdowns while maintaining fast picking speeds through visual guidance and route optimization.
2Manufacturing precision
If stationary display instruments are deployed at various points in the warehouse for pick-to-light systems, then manufacturing precision is improved through accurate product identification, but device complexity increases due to the extensive infrastructure required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the mobile computing device universal by integrating multiple functions: the camera captures images for product identification, the display provides navigation directions and product information, the inertial sensors track position and movement, and the wireless interface communicates with the central system. This single multi-functional device replaces the complex distributed infrastructure of stationary display instruments at every warehouse location.
3Ease of operation
If augmented reality devices are used for head-mounted displays to provide navigation information, then ease of operation is improved through hands-free maneuvering, but device complexity increases due to the sophisticated technology required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the mobile computing device as an intermediary between the warehouse environment and the order picker. The camera captures visual information, the processing system interprets it and generates navigation instructions, and the display presents this information to the user. This intermediary approach achieves hands-free operation through visual guidance without requiring complex augmented reality hardware integration into head-mounted displays.
Data Source
AI summary
Device and method for visual technical support of manual order-picking processes through device with at least one (mobile) unit having optical sensing detection device, optical display device, data processing device and wireless data interface to data-processing system having product management software and connection device for active units. Each unit cyclically receives navigation information to produce directions on optical display device. Data for specific navigation results from comparing data from respective optical sensing detection device with stored reference/model data and position of current target of route-optimized list of goods transmitted to unit. Data for specific navigation is cyclically determined and transmitted to assigned unit and new navigation information for a next target on list does not occur until after optical detection of current target/placeholder replacement object by detection device, identification of detected object by the data processing device, and detection and logging of goods from storage location to target location.