Vehicle Communication Scheduling for High-Density Conveyance Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
As the number of vehicles in a conveyance system increases, the cycle of periodic communication becomes longer, making it difficult to communicate sufficiently with each vehicle effectively.
Innovation Solution
The conveyance system includes a controller that performs periodic communication with vehicles sequentially and periodically, and when a vehicle is in a predetermined operating state, such as transferring, charging, or stopping due to another vehicle's operation, the communication is either stopped or reduced in frequency to shorten the communication cycle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the number of vehicles increases in the conveyance system, then the system capacity and transportation capability are improved, but the communication cycle becomes longer and communication efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the communication frequency adaptive rather than fixed. The controller dynamically adjusts the communication cycle based on vehicle operating states: using a first communication cycle when vehicles are in traveling states and a second communication cycle (longer than the first) when vehicles are in non-traveling states. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to handle more vehicles without permanently increasing communication time, as communication frequency is optimized according to actual operational needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of communication cycle frequency based on vehicle operating conditions. When vehicles transition between traveling and non-traveling states, the communication cycle parameter is adjusted accordingly. This parameter change approach allows the system to maintain efficient communication with traveling vehicles while reducing communication overhead during non-traveling periods, thereby accommodating increased vehicle numbers without proportionally increasing overall communication time.
2Reliability
If periodic communication is performed with all vehicles sequentially, then communication coverage is improved, but the communication cycle becomes longer due to the increased number of vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic communication strategy where the controller selectively adjusts communication frequency based on real-time vehicle states. Communication is maintained at a first cycle frequency when vehicles are traveling (requiring frequent updates for safety and control) and reduced to a second cycle frequency when vehicles are stationary (where frequent communication is less critical). This dynamic approach ensures reliable communication coverage for all vehicles while significantly improving overall communication efficiency by avoiding unnecessary communications with stationary vehicles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by providing differentiated communication frequencies rather than uniform communication to all vehicles. Instead of communicating with all vehicles at the same high frequency, the system applies communication at appropriate frequencies only when needed: high frequency for traveling vehicles requiring immediate control responses, and low frequency for stationary vehicles. This partial differentiation resolves the contradiction between comprehensive communication coverage and communication efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A conveyance system includes vehicles and a controller configured or programmed to control the vehicles and perform periodic communication to communicate with the vehicles sequentially and periodically. When at least one of the vehicles is in a predetermined operating state, the controller is configured or programmed to stop communicating with the at least one of the vehicles in the periodic communication or reduce a frequency of communication with the at least one of the vehicles in the periodic communication.