Mobile Transfer Position Detection Using Elevated Optical Markers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing transfer systems face challenges in accurately detecting the position of objects being transferred by mobile bodies, particularly in crowded or complex environments, leading to potential collisions between the mobile body and the object or other obstacles.

Innovation Solution

A transfer system that includes a mobile body equipped with a detection object mounted at a higher position than the object, and a first detecting part also located higher than the object, which uses laser rangefinders to accurately detect the position of the object, allowing the control device to generate a movement plan and avoid obstacles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the detection object and detecting part are positioned at higher positions, then the position detection accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition detection accuracyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent positions the detection object and detecting part in the vertical dimension (higher position) to achieve better line-of-sight detection accuracy. This dimensional change allows the system to detect objects above the mobile body without interference from surrounding obstacles, resolving the contradiction by using spatial dimensionality to improve measurement precision while maintaining reasonable device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Productivity

If the mobile body travels in crowded environments, then the productivity is improved, but the collision risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransfer efficiencyVSAvoidcollision risk
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical collision avoidance with optical detection. By using laser rangefinders and detection objects positioned at higher locations, the system optically detects and tracks objects in crowded environments, enabling the mobile body to navigate efficiently without physical collisions. This substitution of mechanical interaction with optical sensing resolves the contradiction between productivity and collision risk.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

This solution enables more accurate positioning of the object, reducing the likelihood of collisions and improving the efficiency and safety of object transfer operations, even in environments with multiple objects or complex layouts.

Implementation Method 1

the first detecting part detects the detection object

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTime of flight: Time of Flight

Data Source

PatentEP4273660A1Transfer system, control device, mobile body, method for controlling mobile body, program, and body storage medium
Publication Date: 2023.11.08 KK TOSHIBA
  • EP4273660A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4273660A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4273660A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

According to an embodiment, a transfer system (1) comprises a mobile body (10), a detection object (35), and a first detecting part (31). The mobile body is configured to travel and to transfer an object (20). The detection object is mounted to the object. The detection object is located at a higher position than the object when referenced to a surface on which the mobile body travels. The first detecting part is located at a higher position than the object when referenced to the surface. The first detecting part detects the detection object.