Positioning Surveillance for Non-Line-of-Sight Collision Avoidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous devices in spaces like warehouses face challenges in detecting and avoiding collisions with other movable objects without a line-of-sight, especially at higher speeds, due to limitations in existing detection systems.
Innovation Solution
A positioning surveillance system (PSS) using transceivers and tags that communicate via 5G technology to determine object locations and risk levels, enabling collision avoidance by adjusting speeds and safety zones based on triangulation and real-time distance calculations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If autonomous devices use traditional line-of-sight detection systems, then the system complexity is reduced, but the ability to detect objects without line-of-sight is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a centralized positioning surveillance system (PSS) as an intermediary that coordinates multiple autonomous devices. The PSS collects location data from all devices and computes relative positions, enabling collision avoidance without requiring direct line-of-sight communication between devices. This mediator approach resolves the contradiction by providing reliable collision detection through indirect positioning methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical/optical line-of-sight detection systems with wireless communication-based positioning systems. Instead of using cameras or sensors that require direct visual contact, the system uses transceivers and triangulation algorithms to determine device locations, eliminating the line-of-sight requirement while maintaining detection reliability.
2Productivity
If autonomous devices increase their speeds to improve productivity, then the productivity increases, but the risk of collision increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the centralized PSS continuously monitors the relative positions and speeds of autonomous devices. When the system detects that devices are approaching each other at unsafe speeds, it generates warnings and adjusts operational parameters to prevent collisions. This feedback loop enables high-speed operation while maintaining safety through real-time monitoring and dynamic adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the safety parameters dynamic rather than static. The system continuously adjusts speed limits, safety zones, and risk levels based on real-time relative positions and environmental conditions. This dynamic approach allows devices to operate at higher speeds when safe and reduces speeds when collision risk increases, optimizing both productivity and safety.
3Reliability
If the positioning surveillance system continuously updates location data to improve collision avoidance, then the collision avoidance capability improves, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic location updates rather than continuous updates. The centralized PSS requests location data at specific intervals and updates risk assessments periodically. This periodic approach maintains adequate collision detection accuracy while significantly reducing the energy consumption compared to continuous real-time monitoring, resolving the contradiction between reliability and energy use.
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 autonomous devices to safely navigate and avoid collisions by rapidly updating risk levels and adjusting speeds, even in situations without line-of-sight, enhancing operational efficiency and safety in shared spaces.
Implementation Method 1
The PSS may be configured to identify the locations of the objects using a triangulation process based on the location information from the at least two transceivers
Implementation Method 2
The PSS may be configured to output signals to the tags and to identify the locations based on a triangulation process using reflections of the signals from the tags
Data Source
AI summary
An example system includes a positioning surveillance system (PSS) to identify locations of objects that are movable throughout a space. The PSS is configured to identify the locations without requiring a line-of-sight between the objects. A control system is configured to determine distances based on the locations of the objects in the space and to communicate information to the objects that is based on the distances. The information is usable by the objects for collision avoidance.