Variable offset positioning antenna array for enhanced guidance of automated guided vehicles (AGVS)
First Claim
1. A variable offset positioning antenna array for an automated guided vehicle (AGV) that is adapted to follow a guide wire having a frequency, comprising:
- a) two or more inductor coils that each generate an output based on a strength of the frequency sensed at each coil; and
b) a programmable microprocessor that processes the output from each coil to determine a position of the antenna array relative to the guide wire and uses the determined position to control an offset relative to the guide wire in a path followed by the AGV equipped with the antenna array;
c) wherein the offset relative to the guide wire is dynamically adjusted.
4 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A Variable Offset Positioning Antenna Array for Enhanced Guidance of Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) in automated warehousing or storage systems for automobiles or the like, includes two or more inductor coils producing output as a result of interaction with a guidance wire located in or near the surface of the floor which is energized by a frequency generator, and an on board programmable microprocessor which processes the coil output to determine an exact position of the antenna array relative to the guidance wire. In one embodiment, the antenna array enables an AGV to follow a guidance wire at an offset to the direction of travel in order to allow automated storage and retrieval systems to handle asymmetrical items, such as automobiles, more efficiently and cost effectively by decreasing the building space required for travel aisles, vertical conveyors and storage locations as well as decreasing total individual item processing time.
9 Citations
11 Claims
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1. A variable offset positioning antenna array for an automated guided vehicle (AGV) that is adapted to follow a guide wire having a frequency, comprising:
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a) two or more inductor coils that each generate an output based on a strength of the frequency sensed at each coil; and b) a programmable microprocessor that processes the output from each coil to determine a position of the antenna array relative to the guide wire and uses the determined position to control an offset relative to the guide wire in a path followed by the AGV equipped with the antenna array; c) wherein the offset relative to the guide wire is dynamically adjusted. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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Specification