Portable Survey Unit for Fast 3D AGV Load Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for mapping locations for automated guided vehicles (AGVs) in warehouses are either inaccurate, time-consuming, or limited by the sensors on the vehicles, which restrict the creation of robust facility maps and require transporting the entire AGV for site surveys.
Innovation Solution
A portable survey device equipped with various sensors, including cameras, LIDAR, and communication modules, mounted on a pallet, allows for efficient and accurate mapping of load locations and facility layouts, enabling AGVs to navigate and pick/drop loads with high precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a full survey of the site is conducted to achieve accurate load locations, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical surveying methods with an automated optical scanning system. The survey device uses cameras and image processing to automatically capture and process load location data, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual measurement while maintaining high precision. The automated image analysis system processes multiple load locations simultaneously, dramatically reducing survey time compared to traditional sequential manual methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary capture of all load location data in a single survey operation. By capturing images of all racks and loads simultaneously during the initial survey, the system creates a comprehensive database that can be used for multiple operations without requiring repeated surveys. This preliminary comprehensive data collection eliminates the need for frequent re-surveying.
2Measurement precision
If sensors are installed on the AGV truck to capture load positions, then measurement capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the surveying function from the AGV truck itself and places it on a separate, dedicated survey device. This separation allows the survey device to be equipped with specialized sensors and processing capabilities without adding complexity to the AGV's primary navigation and control systems. The survey device can be attached to or removed from the AGV as needed, keeping the AGV's core system simple while providing comprehensive surveying capabilities when required.
Solution Approach 2:
The survey device is designed as a multi-functional unit that can perform various surveying tasks using a single integrated sensor system. The same cameras and image processing system used for load location detection can also capture rack positions, aisle measurements, and facility layout information. This universal approach eliminates the need for multiple specialized sensors, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive measurement capabilities.
3Measurement precision
If the entire AGV is transported to survey other facilities, then measurement capability is maintained, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the surveying function from the AGV's body, creating a separate, modular survey device that can be independently transported. This segmentation allows the compact survey device to be moved to different facilities without transporting the entire AGV. The survey device can be attached to local transportation or manually moved between facilities, dramatically reducing transport time while maintaining the AGV at its operational facility.
Solution Approach 2:
The survey device acts as an intermediary between the AGV and the facility environment. It can be deployed to perform surveys at the facility level without requiring the AGV itself to be transported. The survey device captures all necessary spatial and load data, which is then processed and used by the AGV's navigation system, eliminating the need for AGV transport while maintaining measurement accuracy.
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 faster and more reliable creation of robust facility maps, allowing AGVs to accurately position themselves for load handling, and allows the survey unit to be easily transported between locations without the need for an entire AGV, improving efficiency and accuracy in load management.
Implementation Method 1
a 2D LIDAR unit
Implementation Method 2
cameras
Data Source
AI summary
A survey unit is provided for collecting data related to load locations in a facility. The survey unit can include a plurality of visual and locational sensors configured to collect data related to locations of loads in the facility. The survey unit can be arranged in a box located on a pallet that can be easily transported by a forklift and easily moved between facilities without the need to move the forklift. The data collected by the survey unit can be processed to create a 3D locational map of load locations that can then be used by an AGV to automatically pick or drop loads in the surveyed facility.