Autonomous Vehicle Access Control Using Worker Entry-Exit Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing self-driving device control systems require workers to perform multiple operations and carry multiple keys to enter and exit an entry restricted area, leading to increased operational complexity and potential safety risks.
Innovation Solution
A self-driving device control system that uses outside and inside identification devices at entrances to acquire worker identification information, stores this information in a storage device, and controls the self-driving devices based on entry and exit identification to ensure safe operation, reducing the need for manual key management and ensuring all workers have exited before resuming device operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a worker presses the automatic stop button to stop the transport vehicle and removes a monitoring key from the key mounting section to enter the entry restricted area, then worker safety is enhanced by preventing vehicle resumption while workers are inside, but the operational complexity increases due to multiple required operations and key management
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical key-based entry system with an automated sensor-based detection system. Detection devices (such as optical sensors, RFID readers, or barcode scanners) automatically detect when a worker enters or exits the entry restricted area, eliminating the need for manual key insertion and removal. This substitution reduces operational complexity while maintaining safety through automated vehicle control based on detection signals.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service entry by allowing workers to enter the restricted area without manual key management. The detection devices automatically identify workers (through ID cards, biometric data, or other identification methods) and trigger the appropriate vehicle control actions, making the entry process autonomous and eliminating the need for workers to perform multiple manual operations.
2Reliability
If multiple monitoring keys are required for worker entry, then worker safety is improved through key management control, but the device complexity increases due to multiple key mounting sections and key tracking requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the key management function from the entry control system and replaces it with automated detection devices. The physical keys and key mounting sections are removed from the system, leaving only the detection-based entry control mechanism. This extraction simplifies the overall system by eliminating redundant key management components while maintaining safety through automated vehicle control.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using physical keys, the system uses information-based identification (such as digital IDs, biometric data, or electronic tags) that can be read remotely by detection devices. This copying approach replaces the need for physical key handling with electronic information verification, reducing device complexity while maintaining secure access control.
3Reliability
If workers must return monitoring keys to key mounting sections before vehicle resumption, then worker safety is maintained through continuous monitoring, but time loss increases due to the requirement to complete multiple steps before vehicle operation can resume
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection and verification actions automatically as workers approach or enter the restricted area. The detection devices are positioned to identify workers before they fully enter, allowing the control system to prepare for vehicle stoppage in advance. This preliminary action eliminates the need for post-entry key return steps, as the system is already prepared to maintain vehicle stoppage status based on detection signals.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection devices continuously monitor the entry restricted area for worker presence, maintaining continuous awareness of whether workers are inside. This continuous detection eliminates the need for discrete key return actions, as the system continuously knows the worker status and maintains appropriate vehicle control accordingly, allowing immediate vehicle resumption when workers exit without requiring additional manual steps.
Data Source
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AI summary
A self-driving device control system of the present invention includes an entry restricted area 3, at least one entrance 5 opened and closed by a closing member 4, a self-driving device 6, and a control device H, and further includes an outside identification device 7, an inside identification device 8, and a storage device 10. When identification information 9 is acquired by the outside identification device 7, the control device H sets the self-driving device 6 to a stopped state. If the storage device 10 is not storing even one piece of entry identification information 91 regarding a worker for which a corresponding piece of exit identification information 92 regarding the same worker is not stored in the storage device 10, and furthermore all of the entrances 5 are in a passage restricted state, the control device H resumes the driving of the self-driving device 6.