Mover Path Control With Arbitrary Nodes for Flexible Routing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mover control systems, like those described in JP 2017-134794, are limited in their ability to control movers within a predetermined area as they can only stop or turn at grid coordinates, lacking flexibility and precision in navigating complex layouts.

Innovation Solution

A mover control system that includes a controller, a node generator, and a path generator, allowing for the creation of specified nodes at arbitrary locations on a map, enabling precise control and navigation between these nodes, thereby improving flexibility and reducing computational load.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a grid-based map structure is used for mover control, then data size is reduced and processing speed is improved, but the flexibility to stop or turn at arbitrary locations is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing speedVSAvoidcontrol flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The map is segmented into a grid structure for efficient data storage and processing, while simultaneously allowing nodes to be defined at arbitrary locations within the grid cells. This dual approach enables both fast processing through grid-based coordinate systems and flexible positioning through sub-grid node placement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different parts of the map structure serve different functions: the grid framework provides efficient global coordination and path planning, while local nodes at arbitrary positions enable precise positioning and control. This local quality differentiation resolves the contradiction between processing efficiency and control flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Device complexity

If grid coordinates are used for mover control, then calculation complexity is reduced, but the precision of positioning and navigation is limited to grid cell boundaries

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecalculation complexityVSAvoidpositioning precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The positioning system is segmented into two levels: grid cells for coarse positioning and calculation-efficient area identification, and nodes within cells for fine-grained precise positioning. This segmentation allows the system to maintain low calculation complexity while achieving high positioning precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system adds an additional dimension of precision by allowing nodes to be positioned at arbitrary coordinates within each grid cell. This transforms the control from a discrete grid-point system to a continuous position system within bounded cells, enhancing precision without proportionally increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS11199840B2Mover control system, mover system, mover control method, and non-transitory storage medium

Publication Date: 2021.12.14 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD

AI summary

A mover control system according to an embodiment includes a controller, a node generator, and a path generator. The controller controls a mover traveling within a predetermined area. The node generator generates a pair of specified nodes at respective arbitrary locations on a map corresponding to the predetermined area. The pair of specified nodes are nodes where the mover is controllable. The path generator generates a path between the pair of specified nodes. The controller makes the mover travel along a traveling route corresponding to the path within the predetermined area.