Object Transport Vehicle Tracking with Rear-Signal Fallback
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems struggle to accurately determine the precise location and direction of travel of an object transport vehicle, such as a forklift, in crowded environments like warehouses due to interference from nearby trailers, which affects the tracking accuracy of wireless signals.
Innovation Solution
A system with wireless devices affixed to the front and rear portions of the object transport vehicle, utilizing a controller to calculate center points based on received signals, allowing for accurate location and direction determination even when front signals are obstructed, by relying on rear signals and additional criteria to ensure tracking accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If wireless devices are affixed to the front portion of the object transport vehicle to enable location tracking, then location tracking capability is improved, but signal interference and blocking occur when the vehicle enters trailers, degrading tracking accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless devices are segmented into two separate groups: a first plurality of wireless devices affixed to the front portion of the object transport vehicle and a second plurality of wireless devices affixed to the rear portion. This segmentation allows the system to use rear wireless devices when front devices are blocked by trailer structures, ensuring continuous and accurate location tracking without signal interference.
2Measurement precision
If multiple wireless devices are placed on the front of the forklift to improve tracking accuracy, then location determination precision is improved, but the system becomes vulnerable to signal blocking by trailer structures
Solution Approach 1:
Different portions of the object transport vehicle are equipped with wireless devices having different functional characteristics. The front wireless devices are optimized for forward tracking, while the rear wireless devices provide backup tracking capability. This local differentiation ensures that when front devices are blocked, the system can reliably switch to rear devices, maintaining both precision and reliability.
3Area of stationary object
If wireless devices are positioned to provide comprehensive location coverage, then tracking coverage is improved, but signal obstruction from nearby trailers increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from relying solely on front-mounted wireless devices to incorporating rear-mounted wireless devices, effectively adding a spatial dimension to the tracking system. This dimensional expansion allows the system to maintain location determination capability even when front devices are obstructed by trailer structures, thereby improving overall coverage reliability in crowded environments.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are methods, apparatuses, and systems for tracking an object transport vehicle. The method includes calculating a front center point of the object transport vehicle based on first signals received from a first plurality of wireless devices affixed to a front portion of the object transport vehicle. A rear center point of the object transport vehicle is calculated based on second signals received from a second plurality of wireless devices affixed to a rear portion of the object transport vehicle. A location and direction of travel of the object transport vehicle are determined based on the front center point and the rear center point. The location and direction of travel of the object transport vehicle is determined based only on the rear center point, on a condition that the first signals from the first plurality of wireless devices are not received and prerequisites are met.