Visual Shuttle Identification via Dynamic Display
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Solution Overview
Problem
Identifying robotic shuttles in an automated warehouse is challenging due to their identical nature, requiring human intervention for troubleshooting, and dynamically changing identifiers is cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
A status reporting system that displays a unique identifier on the robotic shuttle's screen and provides a machine-readable code for accessing a digital report via a client device, ensuring secure and straightforward identification and data retrieval.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If identical robotic shuttles are used in automated warehouses, then productivity and interchangeability are improved, but identification and troubleshooting become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses visual display elements (LEDs, screens) that can change color or display different patterns to indicate shuttle identity, status, and diagnostic information. This allows identical shuttles to be visually distinguished and easily identified during troubleshooting without physical modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary identification system consisting of display devices and visual indicators that mediate between the identical shuttles and human operators. This intermediary layer provides the necessary differentiation and information access without changing the fundamental interchangeability of the shuttles.
2Ease of operation
If identification numbers are fixedly attributed on the outside cover, then identification is straightforward, but dynamic reassignment and updates are cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic identification by using electronically controllable display devices that can change their output based on stored data. This allows identification numbers and diagnostic information to be updated, reassigned, or modified without physical changes to the shuttle exterior, combining ease of reading with operational flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces fixed mechanical identification methods (paint, stickers) with electronic display systems. This substitution allows identification information to be changed dynamically through software control while maintaining the simplicity and visibility of fixed markings.
3Loss of information
If detailed status information is always displayed on the shuttle, then troubleshooting information is immediately available, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic or on-demand display activation rather than continuous operation. The display system can be triggered by specific events, user interaction, or diagnostic needs, providing full information when required while consuming minimal power during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements selective information display where only necessary or relevant status information is shown at any given time. The full diagnostic capability is available but not continuously displayed, providing sufficient information for troubleshooting while avoiding the energy cost of constant full-information display.
Data Source
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AI summary
A status reporting system providing a user a means to identify a shuttle to which he has physical access by means displaying an identifier on a low-power display. The status reporting system additionally intends to provide a user the possibility to retrieve a detailed status report on a client device by means of providing a machine-readable code on the low-power display and that comprises a wireless connection path to a digital report that is stored an a web report hosting means for retrieval by the client device.