Transfer Robot Control via Wagon-Based Destination Recognition

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current technologies fail to enable users to easily issue conveying instructions with a designated destination to a transfer robot, limiting efficient article conveyance in systems like asset management databases.

Innovation Solution

A control system that acquires conveyance destination information from a wagon, allowing the transfer robot to autonomously move and convey articles to the designated destination, using methods such as label detection, image processing, or RFID tags, enabling easy and accurate instruction issuance without the need for electricity-dependent devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a user wants to issue conveying instructions with a designated destination to a transfer robot, then the conveyance operation can be performed, but the operation process becomes complex and not easy to use

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of issuing conveying instructionsVSAvoidcomplexity of instruction issuance process

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The wagon is equipped with a display device that automatically displays conveyance destination information, and the transfer robot autonomously acquires this information through image recognition or RFID reading. The system performs the instruction issuance process automatically without requiring complex user operations, making the operation simple while maintaining functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

A display device on the wagon serves as an intermediary between the user and the transfer robot. The display device presents conveyance destination information in a user-friendly format (such as QR codes or visual displays), and the transfer robot acquires this information automatically, simplifying the interaction process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If conveyance destination information is displayed on a label, then electricity-independent operation is achieved, but information recognition accuracy may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation without electricityVSAvoidaccuracy of information recognition

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The conveyance destination information is copied onto a display device (such as an electronic display or QR code on a label) that can be visually recognized by the transfer robot's image recognition system. This allows the robot to accurately read the destination information without requiring the label itself to be powered, maintaining both electricity independence and recognition accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The information presentation format is changed from plain text on a label to structured visual formats such as QR codes, barcodes, or color-coded displays. These formats enhance machine recognition accuracy while still being displayable on electricity-independent media, resolving the contradiction between reliability and precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple destinations are supported, then conveyance versatility is improved, but the complexity of destination management increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport for multiple destinationsVSAvoidcomplexity of destination management

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple destinations are segmented and represented as separate, clearly distinguishable options on the display device. Each destination has its own visual identifier (such as separate QR codes, buttons, or display areas), allowing the user to select among multiple destinations without increasing overall system complexity. The transfer robot processes each destination independently through the same acquisition mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 users to effortlessly convey articles to specific destinations, improving the efficiency and accuracy of transfer operations within conveyance systems, even with multiple destinations, while reducing errors and the need for complex equipment.

Implementation Method 1

the acquisition unit may include a first sensor configured to detect the conveyance destination information from the label

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical recognition:

Implementation Method 2

the acquisition unit may include a first camera configured to obtain image data by capturing an image on the label

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectImage capture: Photography

Implementation Method 3

or a communication unit configured to receive the conveyance destination information detected by a second sensor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWireless communication:

Data Source

PatentUS20240343496A1Control system, control method, and non-transitory storage medium

Publication Date: 2024.10.17 TOYOTA JIDOSHA KK

AI summary

A control system controls a conveyance system including a transfer robot capable of autonomously moving and capable of conveying an article to be conveyed. The control system acquires conveyance destination information from a wagon capable of accommodating the article. The conveyance destination information indicates a destination of conveyance of the article. The control system causes the transfer robot to autonomously move such that the transfer robot conveys the wagon to the destination of conveyance indicated by the acquired conveyance destination information.