Warehouse Carrier Navigation Using Shelf-Based Deviation Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing navigation methods for moving carriers in warehouses using QR codes are prone to errors due to incorrect placement, leading to unreliable operations and potential collisions with shelving units.
Innovation Solution
A navigation method and system that calculates deviated position information of the moving carrier relative to shelving units and navigates it based on this information, preventing collisions and ensuring reliable operation within a preset space formed by rows of shelving units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If QR codes are used for navigation, then the navigation system is simple to implement, but the reliability of operation deteriorates due to errors in code placement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical QR code placement system with an optical field-based navigation system. The moving carrier uses visual sensors to detect and track feature points on shelving units, converting mechanical positioning into optical field detection. This eliminates the need for physical QR code placement while improving reliability through continuous visual tracking of multiple feature points.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces feature points on shelving units as intermediaries between the moving carrier and the navigation system. These feature points serve as visual markers that the carrier's camera can continuously track, replacing the direct QR code-to-carrier interaction. The feature points mediate the navigation process by providing stable, easily detectable visual references.
2Ease of operation
If QR codes are placed on the ground according to a certain rule, then navigation can be achieved, but mistakes in pasting codes lead to unreliable operation and potential collisions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions navigation from a two-dimensional ground plane (QR codes on the floor) to a three-dimensional spatial system using feature points on vertical shelving units. The carrier navigates by tracking the spatial coordinates and relative positions of multiple feature points in 3D space, enabling more robust collision avoidance through depth perception and spatial awareness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent pre-establishes feature points on shelving units before navigation begins. These feature points are positioned in advance on the shelving units, allowing the moving carrier to detect and calculate their relative positions beforehand. This preliminary setup enables the carrier to plan its navigation path and avoid collisions before they occur.
3Device complexity
If the moving carrier navigates using QR codes on the ground, then the system is simple, but the positioning precision deteriorates due to errors in code placement and reading
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple feature points into a unified navigation reference system. Instead of relying on a single QR code, the carrier tracks multiple feature points simultaneously and calculates its position based on the collective information from all detected feature points. This merging of multiple reference points improves positioning accuracy through redundancy and error averaging.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous visual feedback by having the moving carrier's camera continuously detect and track feature points on shelving units. The system constantly monitors the relative positions of feature points and adjusts the carrier's navigation in real-time based on this feedback, improving positioning precision through dynamic correction rather than static QR code reading.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to the field of intelligent warehousing, and discloses a navigation method, a moving carrier, and a navigation system. The navigation method is applied to the moving carrier capable of traveling in a preset space including a roadway formed by at least two rows of shelving units opposite to each other. The navigation method includes: acquiring deviated position information of the moving carrier in a non-traveling direction relative to the shelving units in the roadway, and navigating the moving carrier according to the deviated position information. The moving carrier is prevented from hitting the shelving units, and, besides, can be reliably navigated in the roadway.