Transport Path Mapping Using a Separate Movable Object
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transport facilities face challenges in efficiently generating map data for movement paths, especially when changes occur, leading to complex data generation processes that may be avoided during facility operation.
Innovation Solution
A transport facility structure that includes a transport vehicle, a movement path, a movable object (such as an unmanned aerial vehicle) that can obtain path state information, and a movable object controller that generates map data based on this information, allowing for easy and dynamic map data generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If map data is generated using the transport vehicle that moves along the movement path, then the map data can be obtained for the transport vehicle's operation, but the map data generation process becomes complicated and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a movable object (drone) as an intermediary that collects path state information separately from the transport vehicle. This intermediary captures images and acquires path information independently, then transmits the collected data to the transport vehicle controller, which generates map data. This separation allows map generation to occur without interfering with transport vehicle operations, reducing time loss while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable object performs preliminary action by collecting path state information in advance before the transport vehicle needs to use the map data. The drone flies along the movement path, captures images, and acquires path information beforehand, allowing the map data to be generated and stored in advance. This preliminary collection eliminates the need for time-consuming real-time map generation during transport operations.
2Productivity
If map data generation is performed during facility operation, then the system remains operational, but the data generation process becomes complex and may interfere with normal operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the map data generation function into a separate movable object (drone) that operates independently from the transport vehicle. The drone handles image capture and path information collection, while the transport vehicle focuses on its primary transport function. This segmentation allows map data generation to occur during facility operation without complicating the transport vehicle's control system or interfering with normal operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable object serves as an intermediary that handles the complex data collection and processing tasks separately. It captures images, acquires path state information, and transmits data to the controller, which then generates map data. This intermediary approach maintains facility productivity by allowing parallel operations while managing complexity through functional separation.
3Loss of information
If the transport vehicle collects path state information itself, then the information is directly available for navigation, but the vehicle's own movement and operation are required which limits flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The movable object (drone) serves multiple functions: it can collect path state information for various locations, capture images from different perspectives, and operate independently of the transport vehicle's schedule. This universal data collection capability provides path state information availability while enhancing adaptability, as the drone can be deployed flexibly to collect data whenever and wherever needed without being constrained by the vehicle's operational requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A transport facility includes a transport vehicle that transports a transport article, a movement path along which the transport vehicle moves, a movable object movable separately from the transport vehicle, and a movable object controller that controls the movable object. The movable object includes an information obtainer that obtains path state information indicating a state of the movement path. The movable object obtains the path state information with the information obtainer while moving along the movement path. The movable object controller performs, based on the path state information obtained by the information obtainer, a map generating process of generating map data of the movement path.