Thermal Obstacle Sensing for AGV Control in Mixed Environments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing obstacle detection systems for autonomous guided vehicles (AGVs) are inadequate in non-industrial environments, failing to accurately detect and respond to obstacles such as people or objects that are partially obscured, in wheelchairs, or not wearing badges, and are limited by reliance on fixed paths or infrastructure.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a thermal imaging sensor system with an automation processing system (APS) that processes sensor data to detect and analyze heat-emitting obstacles, using machine learning to determine presence and motion, and send control actions to the vehicle control system (VCS).
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional obstacle detection systems (LiDAR, cameras, badges) are used, then the system can detect obstacles in industrial environments, but it fails to accurately detect obscured obstacles, people in wheelchairs, or those without badges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the detection parameter from optical reflection (LiDAR) or visual recognition (cameras) to thermal radiation detection. Thermal imaging sensors detect heat signatures emitted by obstacles, which works reliably regardless of whether the obstacle is obscured, in a wheelchair, or without a badge, thereby improving detection accuracy across diverse environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical/optical detection systems (LiDAR scanners, cameras, badge sensors) with a thermal imaging-based detection system. This substitution enables the AGV to detect obstacles through their thermal signatures rather than relying on reflected light or visual recognition, overcoming limitations in detecting obscured or uncooperative obstacles.
2Reliability
If badge sensors are used to track people and vehicles, then obstacle detection can be achieved, but it requires infrastructure changes and is not feasible in non-industrial environments
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal imaging sensor system detects obstacles based on their inherent thermal signatures without requiring any external infrastructure, badges, or cooperative elements on the obstacles themselves. The obstacles 'serve themselves' by naturally emitting thermal radiation that the sensor detects, eliminating the need for badge sensors or infrastructure changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal imaging sensor system provides universal obstacle detection capability that works across both industrial and non-industrial environments without requiring environment-specific infrastructure. A single thermal imaging-based system replaces the need for badge sensors in industrial settings and enables obstacle detection in retail stores and other non-industrial locations.
3Reliability
If environmental management strategies (training, facility layout, restricted areas) are used, then obstacle detection issues can be addressed, but these strategies are not possible in non-industrial environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the detection approach from relying on environmental control (restricted areas, facility layout) to direct thermal signature detection. This allows the AGV to operate reliably in open, flexible environments like retail stores where environmental management strategies cannot be implemented, as the thermal imaging sensor detects obstacles regardless of location or environment structure.
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 obstacle detection in diverse environments by identifying heat-emitting obstacles regardless of obscuration, reducing the likelihood of collisions, and adapting to existing facilities without additional infrastructure, providing improved path prediction and reaction capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
receive sensor data based on an output of the thermal imaging sensor, process the sensor data to determine at least one of a presence or a motion of a heat-emitting obstacle
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods of obstacle detection and AGV control comprise and/or utilize a thermal imaging sensor; and an automation processing system (APS) having a processor and a memory, the APS coupled with the thermal imaging sensor and being configured to: receive sensor data based on an output of the thermal imaging sensor, process the sensor data to determine at least one of a presence or a motion of a heat-emitting obstacle in a vicinity of the AGV, generate, based on the processed sensor data, an output comprising an indication of a control action for the AGV, and send the generated output to the VCS.