Automatic Storage Addressing via Spatial Coordinate Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation and configuration of display devices in storage and picking systems are labor-intensive and require extensive cabling, with manual addressing being time-consuming and costly, especially when the geometric layout of storage spaces needs to be adjusted or reconfigured.
Innovation Solution
A system that automatically assigns communication addresses to storage locations using a location measurement system, which determines the spatial coordinates of display devices and compares them to pre-stored storage locations, allowing for quick and efficient configuration without manual intervention, using methods such as resistance measurement or optical distance calculation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual addressing of display devices is performed during installation, then each storage location can be assigned a communication address, but the installation process becomes labor-intensive and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The display device automatically determines its own storage location by measuring spatial coordinates through a location measurement system (e.g., RFID, barcode scanning, or coordinate input), and autonomously configures its communication address without technician intervention. This self-service approach eliminates manual addressing while enabling automatic system integration.
Solution Approach 2:
Storage locations are pre-defined in the control device with their spatial coordinates stored in advance. When a display device is installed, it automatically compares its measured position against these pre-stored coordinates to identify its assigned storage location, eliminating the need for manual address assignment during installation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If display devices are installed at various storage locations, then picking guidance can be provided, but extensive cabling is required to connect each device
Solution Approach 1:
Physical cabling connections are replaced with wireless communication technology. Display devices communicate with the control device via wireless protocols (e.g., Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or radio frequency), eliminating the need for extensive physical cable infrastructure while maintaining system connectivity and enabling flexible storage layout reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
A single wireless communication interface on each display device serves multiple functions: transmitting device identity, receiving picking data, sending confirmation signals, and enabling future system updates. This multi-functional approach replaces what would otherwise require multiple dedicated cable connections for different communication purposes.
3Productivity
If storage space geometry is adjusted or reconfigured, then warehouse efficiency improves, but manual re-addressing of display devices is required
Solution Approach 1:
When storage space geometry changes, display devices automatically re-determine their positions using the location measurement system and re-identify their assigned storage locations by comparing measured coordinates against the updated storage location database. This self-reconfiguration capability eliminates manual re-addressing efforts while enabling rapid adaptation to new warehouse layouts.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adapts to storage layout changes through automatic position re-measurement and real-time coordinate comparison. Display devices continuously or periodically update their location data, allowing the system to automatically adjust to geometric changes in storage spaces without requiring manual intervention or system reconfiguration.
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 easy installation and reconfiguration of display devices across varying storage layouts, reducing labor and cabling requirements, allowing warehouse workers to freely define storage space sizes and layouts without the need for technicians to manually assign addresses.
Implementation Method 1
an individualizing ohmic resistance value can be measured as a function of the distance
Implementation Method 2
methods such as resistance measurement or optical distance calculation
Data Source
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Figure 3~5
AI summary
A storage and order-picking system (10) is disclosed which is set up for manual light-guided order processing and which has: at least one storage device (12) with a multiplicity of storage spaces (22), wherein each of the multiplicity of storage spaces (22) is either free or is allocated to a stock item; a multiplicity of display devices (38), wherein each of the display devices (38) is assigned at least one storage space (22) and is mounted at one of the assigned and allocated storage spaces (22), and wherein each of the multiplicity of display devices (38) has a unique communication address (88); a control device (100, 102) which has a memory device (101), in which in each case one storage space location (86) is stored for each storage space (22) of the multiplicity of storage spaces (22); a network (104) which connects the assigned display devices (38) in terms of data technology to the control device (100, 102); and a location measuring system (108) for determining a mounting location for each mounted display device (38), wherein each mounting location can be assigned uniquely to at least one of the stored storage space locations (86).