Mobile Object Schedule Reordering Around Predicted Obstacle Operations

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The existing technique for controlling mobile objects based on obstacle movement can lead to reduced operation efficiency as it requires continuous adjustment of the mobile object's schedule.

Innovation Solution

An operation schedule planning system that includes a specifying means for identifying the operation of an obstacle and a changing means that alters the order of operation elements in the mobile object's schedule based on the obstacle's operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the mobile object's movement is controlled each time according to the movement of the obstacle, then the safety of the mobile object is improved, but the operation efficiency of the mobile object is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesafetyVSAvoidoperation efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system creates a schedule in advance that incorporates predicted obstacle movements and pre-planned avoidance maneuvers. Instead of reacting to each obstacle movement in real-time, the mobile object follows a pre-computed schedule that anticipates future obstacle positions, thereby maintaining safety while improving operational efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The schedule is dynamically adjusted based on predicted obstacle operations. The system continuously updates the operation schedule planning according to predicted future states of obstacles, allowing the mobile object to adapt its path proactively rather than reacting continuously to actual obstacle movements, thus balancing safety and efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the operation schedule is continuously adjusted based on real-time obstacle movement, then the responsiveness to obstacles is improved, but the complexity of schedule management is increased

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveresponsivenessVSAvoidschedule management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary schedule planning by predicting future obstacle operations and pre-computing avoidance paths. This reduces the need for continuous real-time adjustments and simplifies schedule management while maintaining responsiveness to obstacle movements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from predicted obstacle operations to continuously refine and update the operation schedule. By incorporating prediction results into the scheduling process, the system maintains adaptability while managing complexity through structured feedback mechanisms rather than ad-hoc adjustments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS20250130583A1Operation schedule planning system, operation schedule planning apparatus, and operation schedule planning method
Publication Date: 2025.04.24 NEC CORP
  • US20250130583A1 patent drawing
  • US20250130583A1 patent drawing
  • US20250130583A1 patent drawing

AI summary

In an operation schedule planning system, an operation specifying unit specifies an operation of an obstacle. A changing unit changes an order of a plurality of operation elements included in an operation schedule of a mobile object based on the operation of the obstacle. The “obstacle” means an object that may hinder the operation of the mobile object. The “mobile object” is an autonomously movable apparatus or an apparatus movable by operation of an operator, and may be, for example, a transport apparatus or a robot that transports an article or the like. The “operation of the obstacle” may be an operation accompanied by movement or an operation not accompanied by movement.