Navigation system for automatic guided vehicle
US6049745A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 10, 1997 |
| Grant date | Apr 11, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 10, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG05D1/0261
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method and system for navigating automatic guided vehicles (AGVs) through a workplace having intelligible areas provides multi-vehicle traffic control. A guidance apparatus conveys a plurality of guidance signals, and a plurality of radio frequency tags (RF tags) are provided along the path over which the vehicle travels. Each RF tag is capable of conveying at least one of a plurality of unique radio frequency signals in response to electromagnetic excitation fields. A controller mounts on the vehicles, and includes an AGV computer, a sensor, a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader, and an RF modem for broadcasting messages to other vehicles to facilitate multi-vehicle traffic control. RF tags positioned for identifying characteristic area conditions related to the path of the vehicle reduce the need for custom modifications to guidance software on the host or AGV computers when operating in new environments, e.g., a new factory floor layout. The controller is responsive to at least one of the plurality of guidance signals received by the sensor and at least one characteristic area condition identified by the RF tag reader coupled to the AGV computer for initiating a prede…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.