Warehouse Floor Markings for Indoor Self-Driving Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Self-driving systems face challenges in indoor environments due to the inability of GPS signals to penetrate building structures and the limitations of camera-based navigation, making precise positioning and navigation difficult.
Innovation Solution
Implementing machine-readable ground markings with horizontal and vertical lines on the warehouse floor, recognizable by cameras, to determine the self-driving system's location and navigate accurately.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If GPS technology is used for positioning self-driving systems, then positioning reliability is improved in outdoor environments, but positioning becomes impossible in indoor environments due to signal blockage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces ground markings as an intermediary element that mediates between the self-driving system's navigation needs and the indoor environment's lack of GPS signals. These markings serve as a local positioning infrastructure that cameras can detect, enabling the system to determine its location indoors without relying on satellite signals that cannot penetrate buildings.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the GPS satellite-based electromagnetic signal system with a ground-based visual marker system detected by cameras. This substitution transitions from relying on external satellite signals to using locally deployed visual cues that can be reliably detected indoors, effectively replacing the positioning mechanism adapted for outdoor use.
2Adaptability or versatility
If camera-based navigation is used indoors, then the system can operate without GPS, but positioning precision deteriorates because all lanes look the same to the camera
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making each ground marking unique with specific machine-readable characteristics that encode location information. Instead of relying on the camera to distinguish lanes through visual appearance alone, each location has a distinct coded signature that the system can decode to determine precise position, transforming identical-looking lanes into uniquely identifiable locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of information encoding from visual appearance to machine-readable codes. By embedding location data within the ground markings themselves rather than relying on camera interpretation of lane appearance, the system transforms the nature of the information being captured, enabling precise positioning even when visual features are indistinguishable.
3Measurement precision
If machine-readable ground markings are implemented, then positioning precision is improved indoors, but device complexity increases due to additional infrastructure requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs inexpensive ground markings that can be easily deployed and replaced. These markings are simple visual elements applied to the floor surface rather than complex permanent infrastructure, reducing the cost and complexity burden while achieving the positioning function. The markings serve as a low-cost alternative to sophisticated positioning infrastructure.
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 precise positioning and navigation of self-driving systems within indoor environments by using machine-readable ground markings, enhancing accuracy and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
The machine-readable characteristics are recognizable by one or more cameras of a self-driving system, and the self-driving system is operable to determine its position on a map of the warehouse based on the warehouse location ID
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure relates to an intelligent warehousing technology for self-driving systems. In one embodiment, a warehousing system is provided. The warehousing system includes a first ground marking arranged on a ground surface of a warehouse. The first ground marking includes machine-readable characteristics representing a warehouse location identification number (ID). The machine-readable characteristics include one or more horizontal lines parallelly arranged at equal intervals, wherein the total number of the one or more horizontal lines corresponding to a first information of the warehouse location ID, and one or more vertical lines parallelly arranged at equal intervals, wherein the total number of the vertical lines corresponding to a second information of the warehouse location ID that is different from the first information. The machine-readable characteristics are recognizable by one or more cameras of a self-driving system, and the self-driving system is operable to determine its position on a map of the warehouse based on the warehouse location ID.