Storage Support Body Position Correction via Imaging Offset Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing article storage facilities face challenges in accurately correcting the target stop position of the movement support body relative to the storage support body due to installation errors, leading to potential misalignment and increased operator burden, especially when dealing with a large number of storage sections or those located at high places.
Innovation Solution
An article storage facility with a control portion that enables the movement support body to be equipped with an imaging device to image the storage support body from above, allowing for the calculation and correction of positional offsets in the front-rear and lateral directions, eliminating the need for a jig plate and reducing operator burden.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a target mark is attached to the storage support body for position correction, then the positional offset can be calculated, but the target mark cannot be placed at the article supporting portion, causing measurement inaccuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses imaging devices to create visual copies (images) of the storage support body and its positioning features. By capturing images from multiple angles and processing them to extract position information, the system measures the actual position of the storage support body without physically attaching marks that would interfere with article placement. This optical copying approach resolves the contradiction by enabling accurate measurement without adding physical complexity to the storage structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical positioning marks with an optical imaging and image processing system. Instead of using physical target marks that require attachment and interfere with article storage, the system uses cameras to capture images and computational algorithms to determine position. This substitution eliminates the need for mechanical markers while achieving precise position measurement, thereby resolving the contradiction between measurement accuracy and device complexity.
2Measurement precision
If a jig plate is attached to each storage support body for position detection, then accurate position correction is possible, but the operator burden increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service positioning system where the storage support body itself provides the necessary positioning information through its inherent structural features (such as positioning protrusions or reference marks already present on the body). The imaging devices capture these existing features, and the control unit automatically calculates position offsets without requiring operators to attach any additional components. This self-service approach eliminates the need for manual jig plate attachment while maintaining measurement accuracy, thereby resolving the contradiction between detection accuracy and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal positioning system that works across all storage support bodies in the rack without requiring body-specific components. The imaging devices and image processing algorithms provide a multi-functional solution that can detect positions of multiple storage support bodies simultaneously, regardless of their specific locations or orientations. This universal approach eliminates the need for operators to handle different jig plates for different storage units, significantly reducing operational burden while maintaining detection accuracy.
3Ease of operation
If the target stop position is set based on design positions, then the system is simple to operate, but installation errors cause misalignment between the movement support body and storage support body
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the actual position of each storage support body is measured using imaging devices, and this measured position information is fed back to the control unit. The control unit then adjusts the target stop positions of the movement support body based on the detected deviations from design positions. This closed-loop feedback system maintains operational simplicity while automatically compensating for installation errors, thereby resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and manufacturing precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary position detection and correction calculations during system setup or idle periods, before actual article storage operations begin. The imaging devices capture images of all storage support bodies, the control unit calculates the necessary position corrections, and the target stop positions are pre-adjusted. This preliminary action ensures that during normal operation, the system can simply execute the pre-calculated corrected positions without complex real-time calculations, maintaining operational simplicity while achieving high positioning 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 accurate calculation and correction of the target stop position, ensuring proper alignment of the movement support body relative to the storage support body, minimizing operator effort and avoiding misalignment issues, even in complex storage configurations.
Implementation Method 1
an imaging device to image the storage support body from above or below
Data Source
AI summary
A control portion is configured to execute a preliminary movement process of causing a movement mechanism to execute a preliminary movement operation of moving the movement support body with an imaging device attached thereto to a preliminary target stop position that is preset as a target stop position and stopping the movement support body at the preliminary target stop position; an imaging process of causing the imaging device to image an imaging target location in a state in which the movement support body is stopped at the preliminary target stop position; an offset amount calculation process of calculating, based on a captured image obtained by the imaging process, a positional offset amount of the movement support body in a front-rear direction and a lateral direction from a proper position of the movement support body; and a correction process of correcting the preliminary target stop position based on the positional offset amount calculated by the offset amount calculation process and setting the target stop position.