Movable Shelving Safety Control Using Interspace Image Comparison
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage systems for archives, books, or art storage at an industrial scale face challenges in safely moving shelving units, as they may harm objects or people when automatically closing, and lack effective safety measures to prevent unauthorized access or obstructions during movement.
Innovation Solution
A storage system with movable shelving units equipped with a safety system that uses cameras and control devices to determine if movement is permitted by comparing images of the interspace between units, ignoring commands to move if significant deviations are detected, indicating potential dangers such as people or objects, and incorporating sensors for additional safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If shelving units are automatically moved toward each other to save space and improve accessibility, then space utilization is improved, but safety risks increase due to potential collision with people or objects
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary safety checks by capturing images of the aisle space before initiating movement of shelving units. The control device compares the current image with a previously stored reference image to detect any changes that might indicate presence of people or objects, and only permits movement if the area is confirmed safe.
Solution Approach 2:
A camera system acts as an intermediary between the control system and the physical movement of shelving units. The camera captures visual information about the aisle space, and the control device uses this information to make informed decisions about whether to permit movement, thereby mediating between automation and safety concerns.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If safety checks are performed by capturing and comparing images before movement, then collision risk is reduced, but system complexity increases due to additional safety system components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical safety systems (such as physical barriers, interlocks, or multiple sensors) with a simpler optical-based image comparison system. The control device uses software-based image processing to detect changes in the aisle space, which is less complex than implementing comprehensive mechanical safety infrastructure.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If real-time image monitoring is implemented to detect changes in aisle space, then safety is improved, but data processing requirements and system response time are affected
Solution Approach 1:
The system captures a reference image in advance when the aisle is known to be clear, before initiating any movement sequence. This preliminary action establishes a baseline for comparison, allowing rapid detection of changes during subsequent movement operations without requiring continuous real-time processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs image comparison only at critical decision points (before permitting movement) rather than continuously monitoring throughout the entire movement process. This partial monitoring approach reduces processing time and computational requirements while maintaining adequate safety oversight.
Data Source
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AI summary
Storage system, comprising a plurality of shelving units that are each driveably movable in a width direction wherein the storage system further comprises a safety system for determining whether movement is permitted, wherein the safety system comprises at least one camera, configured to provide an image of an interspace between a first shelving unit and a second shelving unit adjacent to the first shelving unit and a control device, for controlling the movement of the shelving units, and for executing a command if the first and second camera images show more than a predetermined amount of correspondence and ignoring the command if the first and the second camera images show more than a predetermined amount of deviation.