Proportional position-sensing system for an automatic guided vehicle
US5187664A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 27, 1990 |
| Grant date | Feb 16, 1993 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 27, 2010 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG05D1/0274
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Apparatus for detecting and controlling the position of an automatic guided vehicle to enable precise positioning of the vehicle at a predetermined place such as a load pickup/delivery terminal. In one embodiment a mat having a passive short-circuited loop of wire embedded in it is positioned on the floor at the terminal. On the vehicle an oscillator and a transmitting antenna provide a primary magnetic field that excited the loop in the mat whenever the vehicle is in the terminal, inducing current in the loop. The current in the loop produces a secondary magnetic field having a predetermined spatial pattern. Receiving antennas on the vehicle detect the secondary magnetic field. Prior knowledge of the spatial pattern enables onboard electronic apparatus to ascertain the position of the vehicle relative to the mat. Both transverse and longitudinal position can be detected and controlled. The same on-board apparatus enables the vehicle to follow an energized guidewire in the floor between terminals. The vehicle can also navigate by dead reckoning between terminals.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.