Sensor unit for traffic control of an automatic guided vehicle

• US 5,029,294 A
• Filed: 06/19/1989
• Issued: 07/02/1991
• Est. Priority Date: 06/17/1988
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd.
• Original Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd.
• Inventors: Kim, Chang S.
• Primary Examiner(s): Orsino, Joseph A.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Swarthout, Brent A.
• Application Number:
  US07/367,639
• Time in Patent Office: 743 Days
• Field of Search: 340/907, 340/933, 340/988, 246/122 R, 246/187 B, 246/5, 246/63 A, 246/167 R, 318/587, 180/168, 364/436, 364/426 A, 364/426.05
• US Class Current: 340/988
• CPC Class Codes: B61L 3/12 using magnetic or electrostatic induction; using radio waves
• CPC Class Codes: B61L 3/126 Constructional details

Abstract

A sensor unit for traffic control of an automatic guided vehicle. Traffic sensor means generates a signal of a specified frequency. Control means controls the direction of the automatic guided vehicle as a function of signal generated by the traffic sensor means. Control sensor means coupled with the traffic sensor means and the direction controlling means sends a stop signal to one or more of the vehicles to resolve conflicts at intersections and avoid collisions and deadlocking.

Claims

1. A traffic control system for preventing collisions of automated guided vehicles approaching a traffic intersection, comprising:

(a) a traffic sensor unit located within each automated guided vehicle, said traffic sensor unit comprising;

a first means for transmitting a first signal indicative of the transmit direction of the corresponding automated guided vehicle, and

a second means for receiving a stop signal and for halting movement of the corresponding automated guided vehicle;

(b) a controller unit located remote from said traffic sensor unit, said controller unit for managing the trafficking of said automated guided vehicles; and

(c) a control sensor unit located at each traffic intersection, each said control sensor unit comprising;

a third means for receiving said first signal from said traffic sensor unit of the automated guided vehicles;

a fourth means for transmitting said first signal to said controller unit;

a fifth means for receiving a signal from said controller unit indicative of a command to generate said stop signal for one or more said automated guided vehicles; and

a sixth means for generating and transmitting said stop signal to said second means.

2. The traffic control system of claim 1, wherein said third means comprises a transceiver.

3. The traffic control system of claim 2, wherein said fifth means comprises an input/output terminal to electronically connect said control sensor unit to said controller unit.

4. A method in a traffic control system for preventing collisions of automated guided vehicles approaching a traffic intersection, the system comprising a traffic sensor unit located within each automated guided vehicle, said traffic sensor unit having a first means for transmitting a first signal indicative of the transmit direction of the corresponding automated guided vehicle, and a second means for receiving a stop signal and for halting movement of the corresponding automated guided vehicle;

a controller unit located remote from said traffic sensor unit and which manages the trafficking of said automated guided vehicles; and

a control sensor unit located at each traffic intersection, each said control sensor unit having a third means for receiving said first signal from said traffic sensor unit of the automated guided vehicles;

a fourth means for transmitting said first signal to said controller unit;

a fifth means for receiving a signal from said controller unit indicative of a command to generate said stop signal for one or more said automated guided vehicles; and

a sixth means for generating and transmitting said stop signal to said second means, the method comprising the step of;

(1) transmitting first signals from the automated guided vehicles approaching the traffic intersection to indicate which direction each of said vehicles intends to pursue at said traffic intersection;

(2) receiving said first signals at said control sensor unit;

(3) communicating said first signals to said controller unit from said control sensor unit;

(4) transmitting a command at said controller unit to said control sensor unit to transmit the stop signal to one or more said automated guided vehicles; and

(5) transmitting said stop signal at said control sensor unit to said second means.