Industrial Truck Coordinate Calibration Using Optical Markers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Manual calibration processes for coordinate systems in automated industrial trucks are complex, labor-intensive, and prone to errors, requiring trained staff for precise measurements and data entry.

Innovation Solution

An automated calibration procedure using visual markings and optical cameras to measure movement vectors and spatial positions, allowing for autonomous calibration of the coordinate system by processing data to correct offsets and improve precision.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual calibration processes are used to calibrate coordinate systems in automated industrial trucks, then calibration precision can be achieved through careful measurement, but the process complexity and labor requirements increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecalibration precisionVSAvoidprocess complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement processes with an automated optical measurement system. A camera captures images of visual markers on the industrial truck, and image processing algorithms automatically calculate spatial positions and calibration parameters, eliminating the need for manual measurement tools and operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses visual markers (such as QR codes or patterned markers) that can be captured by the camera and processed to determine precise spatial positions. These markers serve as optical copies or representations of the physical positions, enabling automated measurement without direct manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Measurement precision

If manual calibration processes are used with trained personnel performing measurements and data entry, then calibration accuracy can be maintained, but the time required for calibration increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecalibration accuracyVSAvoidcalibration time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The calibration system performs measurements and calculations automatically without requiring trained personnel to conduct repeated measurements or enter data. The camera captures images, the image processing unit automatically extracts marker positions, and the system computes calibration parameters iteratively until the desired precision is achieved, significantly reducing calibration time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The automated system can continuously perform calibration measurements and iterations without interruption. The camera can capture multiple images in sequence, and the processing unit can continuously refine calibration parameters through iterative calculations, maintaining high accuracy while minimizing total calibration time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Measurement precision

If iterative calibration processes are performed multiple times to achieve desired precision, then calibration accuracy improves, but the number of operations and potential for errors increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecalibration accuracyVSAvoidcalibration efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual iterative calibration operations with an automated system where the camera continuously captures images and the processing unit automatically performs multiple iterations of position calculation and parameter refinement. This eliminates manual repetition while maintaining the ability to iterate until desired precision is achieved.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements automated feedback loops where the camera captures the actual position of visual markers, the processing unit compares measured positions with expected positions, and calibration parameters are automatically adjusted based on the deviations. This closed-loop feedback enables high-precision calibration through multiple iterations without manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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

The automated process significantly increases efficiency and reduces errors, enabling more precise calibration of coordinate systems in automated industrial trucks without the need for extensive manual intervention.

Implementation Method 1

Recording the visual marking on the industrial truck using the optical camera remote from the industrial truck or recording the visual marking arranged outside the industrial truck using the optical camera arranged on the industrial truck

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical imaging: Photography

Data Source

PatentEP4053663B1Method for calibrating coordinate systems in industrial trucks
Publication Date: 2025.04.02 JUNGHEINRICH AG
  • EP4053663B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4053663B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method for calibrating a coordinate system of an automated industrial truck (10), a method for calibrating a respective coordinate system of a fleet of automated industrial trucks of the same vehicle type with uncalibrated coordinate systems, and a system for carrying out one of these methods.