×

Method for controlling the movements of a mobile robot in a multiple node factory

  • US 5,280,431 A
  • Filed: 10/31/1988
  • Issued: 01/18/1994
  • Est. Priority Date: 08/30/1985
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
Patent Images

1. A method of routing an AGV along one of a plurality of predefined paths, in which a system controller communicates with a plurality of AGV controllers, there being an AGV controller for each AGV being controlled;

  • comprising;

    (a) defining a plurality of alternate paths, each of which comprises a beginning node and an ending node with a plurality of nodes in-between;

    (b) selecting one of said paths;

    (c) controlling the movement of an AGV by an AGV controller and moving the AGV from node to node along said selected path and defining the time said AGV will occupy each node of said selected path;

    (d) allocating the nodes along the selected path to said AGV;

    (e) determining contested nodes of said selected path which also are allocated to another AGV;

    (f) directing said AGV to travel from node-to-node along said selected path, stopping the AGV at the node just prior to any encountered contested node.

View all claims
  • 2 Assignments
Timeline View
Assignment View
    ×
    ×