Steerable AGV Camera for Operator Tracking Around Obstacles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Automatic Guided Vehicles (AGVs) often lose sight of operators due to unexpected obstacles, necessitating improved target tracking capabilities for safe and efficient navigation.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a steerable camera with motorized wheels and a beam pointer, allowing the AGV to follow operators and identify inventory using optical zoom and laser beam guidance, enabling effective obstacle avoidance and efficient inventory management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed camera is used on the AGV, then the structure is simple, but the camera cannot track operators around obstacles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the camera steerable rather than fixed. The camera can rotate and adjust its orientation dynamically to track operators around obstacles, resolving the contradiction between tracking reliability and device complexity. The camera mounting structure includes rotation mechanisms that enable the camera to change its viewing direction actively.
2Reliability
If the AGV follows the operator from behind, then the structure is simple, but the operator is out of sight when obstacles appear
Solution Approach 1:
The navigation system dynamically adjusts the AGV's position and orientation based on real-time operator location detection. The system can switch between following from behind and positioning alongside the operator, maintaining visibility while managing complexity through adaptive control algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the camera and sensors to continuously monitor operator position and adjust AGV navigation accordingly. When obstacles are detected or operator position changes, the system receives feedback and modifies its behavior to maintain safe and visible operation.
3Measurement precision
If a steerable camera with beam pointer is added, then target tracking and inventory identification improve, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the camera system with a laser beam pointer into an integrated target indication subsystem. This combination allows the camera to both identify inventory items and provide visual guidance through laser pointers, achieving enhanced measurement precision while reducing overall system complexity through functional integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera system is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as an operator tracking device and an inventory identification system. The addition of the beam pointer enables the same camera assembly to provide guidance functions, reducing the need for separate dedicated systems and managing complexity through universal design.
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
Enhances the AGV's ability to maintain operator visibility and navigate safely while efficiently managing inventory by providing real-time object tracking and guidance, improving both safety and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The steerable camera has the ability to optically zoom in and out to identify/read the markers attached to an inventory or a shelf
Implementation Method 2
The steerable camera includes a beam pointer that can produce a laser beam to help worker(s) locate the inventory to be loaded or unloaded from the shelf
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure include automated guided vehicles (AGVs) having a steerable camera for target-tracking. In one embodiment, the AGV includes a body having one or more motorized wheels, the body having a first end and a second end opposing the first end, a console coupled in an upright position to the first end of the body, and a first camera coupled to the console, the first camera providing one or more axes of rotation and is operable to follow an object.