Robotic Parking Garage User Interface for Runtime Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing robotic parking garage systems have rudimentary user interfaces for monitoring and controlling equipment, lacking advanced runtime control, tracking, and diagnostics capabilities.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus comprising a motor, a controller, a sensor, and a user interface that displays runtime values and threshold values, allowing operators to monitor and control the equipment, and provides diagnostic display screens for troubleshooting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If robotic parking garage systems use advanced computer-controlled equipment for storing and retrieving systems, then productivity and automation extent are improved, but device complexity and difficulty of detecting and measuring increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomation of vehicle storage and retrievalVSAvoidcomplexity of control and monitoring systems

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the automated parking garage into multiple independently controllable modules, each with its own controller and diagnostic capabilities. This segmentation allows complex automated systems to be managed through modular units, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high automation extent.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements comprehensive feedback mechanisms through sensors that continuously monitor machine status, runtime values, and operational parameters. This feedback enables automatic adjustment and monitoring, simplifying the control of complex automated operations through real-time data processing and responsive control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If robotic parking garage systems implement comprehensive monitoring and control capabilities, then reliability and ease of operation are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereliability of equipment operationVSAvoidcomplexity of monitoring and control interfaces

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The user interface is designed as a multi-functional universal interface that can display various types of information (runtime values, diagnostic data, machine status) and control different machine functions through a single unified system. This reduces the complexity of having multiple specialized interfaces while maintaining comprehensive monitoring and control capabilities that improve reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates self-diagnostic capabilities where machines automatically monitor their own status, runtime, and operational parameters. This self-service monitoring improves reliability by enabling early detection of issues while reducing the complexity of external monitoring systems through automated internal checking mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If robotic parking garage systems provide detailed runtime data and diagnostic information, then ease of operation and measurement precision are improved, but loss of information increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of monitoring and controlling equipmentVSAvoidinformation overload from detailed data

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The user interface dynamically adapts the amount and type of information displayed based on operational context and user needs. The system can provide detailed runtime data and diagnostic information when needed while presenting summarized information by default, preventing information overload while maintaining ease of operation through flexible data presentation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides detailed measurement data and diagnostic information selectively rather than continuously, offering partial information when it adds value to operation and control while avoiding excessive information that would create loss or confusion. This selective information provision maintains ease of operation without overwhelming the user with unnecessary data.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS20250137274A1Information System for a Robotic Parking Garage

Publication Date: 2025.05.01 ROBOTIC TECH ADMINISTRATION

AI summary

Disclosed herein is a user interface for an automated parking garage that is coupled to a controller. The controller is coupled with a machine associated with the operation of an automated, or robotic, parking garage and a sensor operable to obtain data from the machine. In an example embodiment, the user interface displays a runtime value and a threshold value corresponding to the runtime value. The user interface is operable to receive a change to the threshold value via the input. In an example embodiment, the user interface comprises diagnostic screens corresponding to machines that are operating in the automated parking garage. Status data for a machine to displayed on its corresponding diagnostic screen and in response to receiving an input, the controller causes the machine, or one or more of its components, to move a predefined distance or to a predefined position when operating in a certain modes.