Portable Survey Unit for 3D AGV Load Location 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 surveying other facilities.
Innovation Solution
A portable survey device equipped with various sensors, including cameras, LIDAR, and communication modules, mounted on a pallet, allows for easy transportation and mapping of load locations, providing a robust 3D representation of the facility layout that can be used by AGVs for accurate navigation and load placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a full survey of the site is conducted using existing AGV sensors, then load location data can be captured, but the process is time-consuming and limited by the sensors on the truck itself
Solution Approach 1:
The survey system is segmented into a portable survey unit that can be separated from the AGV. This unit contains dedicated survey equipment (cameras, LIDAR, processors) that can be transported independently to perform comprehensive facility surveys without requiring the entire AGV to be moved or used for data collection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital copy or representation of the facility layout and load locations through comprehensive surveying. This digital map serves as a reusable reference that eliminates the need for repeated physical surveys, significantly reducing survey time for subsequent operations
2Adaptability or versatility
If the entire AGV is transported to survey other facilities, then comprehensive facility maps can be created, but the process becomes complex and less adaptable
Solution Approach 1:
The survey capability is segmented into a separate, portable unit that can be independently transported to different facilities. This separation allows the survey function to be adapted to various locations without moving the entire AGV system, reducing complexity while maintaining versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The portable survey unit is designed as a universal system that can survey multiple different facility types and configurations. By concentrating survey capabilities in a self-contained unit with standard transport interfaces (e.g., pallet mounting), the system achieves multi-functionality across diverse applications without requiring facility-specific customization
3Loss of time
If architectural plans are used for warehouse mapping, then the process is quick, but the accuracy is insufficient for AGV operations
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary comprehensive surveying to create highly accurate digital maps before AGV operations begin. This preliminary action captures precise facility geometry, load locations, and environmental features, establishing a reliable foundation that eliminates the need for frequent corrections during operations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual measurement methods and architectural drawings with automated optical and electromagnetic sensing systems (cameras, LIDAR). These electronic measurement systems capture precise spatial data automatically, substituting mechanical surveying processes with faster, more accurate electronic detection methods
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
Enables faster and more accurate creation of load location maps, allowing for pre-survey completion and easy transfer between facilities without the need for an entire AGV, enhancing the efficiency and reliability of AGV operations.
Implementation Method 1
a 2D LIDAR unit
Implementation Method 2
cameras
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4A
AI summary
A survey unit (100, 200) is provided for collecting data related to load locations (352-368) in a facility (350). The survey unit (100, 200) can include a plurality of visual and locational sensors (110, 120, 220, 222, 260, 280, 290) configured to collect data related to the load locations (352-368) in the facility (350). The survey unit (100, 200) can be arranged in a box (101) located on a pallet (170) that can be easily transported by a forklift (300) within the facility (350) and easily moved between different facilities (350) without the need to move the forklift (300). The data collected by the survey unit (100, 200) can be processed to create data, such as a 3D locational map of the load locations (352-368), that can then be used by an AGV (automated guided vehicle) to automatically pick or drop loads in the surveyed facility (350).