Modular Wheel Vision Control for Autonomous Object Movement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for moving objects within environments require manual control, limiting their use to operator-dependent methods.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising modular wheels attached to objects, equipped with a body, wheel, drive, and controller, which receives image streams from imaging devices to analyze object location and generate control instructions for autonomous movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If manual control is used to move objects, then operator control is maintained, but automation extent is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The modular wheel system enables objects to move autonomously by processing images from imaging devices and generating control instructions independently, without requiring continuous manual operation. The system serves itself by automatically detecting object locations and controlling wheel movement based on image analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical control with an automated vision-based control system. Image processing and automated decision-making algorithms substitute for human operator input, transforming the control mechanism from manual to autonomous while maintaining operational capability.
2Extent of automation
If modular wheels with image processing are used, then autonomous movement is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the autonomous movement functionality into separate modular components: imaging devices for capture, processing devices for image analysis and control instruction generation, and modular wheels for execution. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular wheels are designed with universal adaptability, capable of being attached to different objects and controlled through a unified image-processing interface. The system can handle various object types and movement scenarios using the same core technology platform, reducing overall complexity through standardization.
3Measurement precision
If image streams are analyzed for object location, then autonomous control is achieved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by continuously capturing and pre-processing images, maintaining ready-to-use object location data. By preparing control instructions in advance based on current image analysis, the system minimizes latency when movement decisions are required, reducing overall processing time while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The image processing and object location detection operate continuously rather than intermittently, ensuring that the system always has current location data available. This continuous operation eliminates gaps in processing and maintains real-time control capability, reducing effective processing time for movement decisions.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for moving an object within an environment, wherein the system includes at least one modular wheel configured to move the object. The modular wheel includes a body configured to be attached to the object, a wheel, a drive configured to rotate the wheel and a controller configured to control the drive. One or more processing devices configured are provided to receive an image stream including a plurality of captured images from each of a plurality of imaging devices, the plurality of imaging devices being configured to capture images of the object within the environment, analyse the images to determine an object location within the environment, generate control instructions at least in part using the determined object location and provide the control instructions to the controller, the controller being responsive to the control instructions to control the drive and thereby move the object.