Voice-Guided Autonomous Vehicle Docking for Flexible Conveyance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Automated guided vehicles (AGVs) cannot recognize new tasks based on voice-based instructions and fail to suitably convey items according to user-defined tasks.

Innovation Solution

An autonomous vehicle equipped with a docking mechanism, audio input device, and controller that can dock with a conveyance target and convey it to a designated destination based on voice instructions, utilizing sensors like LIDAR and cameras for navigation and obstacle avoidance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If automated guided vehicles use predetermined task programming, then operational reliability is improved, but adaptability to new tasks deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational reliabilityVSAvoidadaptability to new tasks

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables the conveyance target itself to provide identification information (such as barcodes, QR codes, or RFID tags) that the autonomous vehicle reads automatically. This self-service mechanism allows the vehicle to independently identify and determine conveyance targets without manual programming, achieving both reliability through automated identification and adaptability to various targets.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The conveyance target is pre-equipped with identification information before the conveyance task begins. This preliminary action allows the autonomous vehicle to quickly acquire task information upon encountering the target, enabling rapid adaptation to new tasks while maintaining operational reliability through automated recognition.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If automated guided vehicles follow fixed conveyance routes, then navigation precision is improved, but flexibility in response to user instructions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenavigation precisionVSAvoidflexibility in response to user instructions

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The navigation system dynamically adjusts the conveyance route based on real-time conditions and user instructions. The autonomous vehicle receives destination information from the identification information reading unit and dynamically calculates optimal paths, maintaining navigation precision while achieving flexibility in response to changing requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback loops where the autonomous vehicle continuously monitors its position, compares it with the target destination, and adjusts its navigation accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures precise navigation while allowing flexible route modifications based on user instructions and environmental conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Manufacturing precision

If automated guided vehicles use manual task programming, then task execution accuracy is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetask execution accuracyVSAvoidease of operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces manual programming operations with automated optical and electromagnetic recognition systems. The autonomous vehicle uses cameras, barcode scanners, or RFID readers to automatically acquire task information from identification markers on conveyance targets, eliminating manual programming while maintaining task execution accuracy through automated recognition and processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The conveyance target provides its own identification information through embedded markers or tags, enabling the autonomous vehicle to automatically acquire task details without human intervention. This self-service approach maintains task execution accuracy through automated data capture while dramatically improving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

Enables the autonomous vehicle to execute tasks corresponding to voice instructions, improving user convenience by allowing voice-controlled conveyance and return of items without manual intervention.

Implementation Method 1

an imaging detection and ranging (LIDAR) device to generate LIDAR data representing a three-dimensional (3D) map of the environment in which the autonomous vehicle is located

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLIDAR: LIDAR

Implementation Method 2

a front RGB camera to capture a color image of a environment in which the autonomous vehicle is located

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS20230259137A1Autonomous vehicle

Publication Date: 2023.08.17 PREFERRED ROBOTICS INC

AI summary

An autonomous vehicle capable of executing a task corresponding to a conveyance instruction by sound is provided. The autonomous vehicle docks with a conveyance target and conveys the conveyance target. The autonomous vehicle includes a docking mechanism configured to dock with the conveyance target, an audio input device, and a controller. The controller is configured to control the docking mechanism to dock with the conveyance target that is identified based on a conveyance instruction acquired via the audio input device, and to control conveyance of the docked conveyance target to a conveyance destination position that is identified based on the conveyance instruction.