초록 ▼

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 w

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 predetermined action for navigating the vehicle through the area.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A system for navigating an automatic guided vehicle through a congested area, comprising:a guidance apparatus for conveying a plurality of guidance signals for guiding the vehicle, said guidance apparatus being positionable relative to the area along a path over which the

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A system for navigating an automatic guided vehicle through a congested area, comprising:a guidance apparatus for conveying a plurality of guidance signals for guiding the vehicle, said guidance apparatus being positionable relative to the area along a path over which the vehicle travels;a plurality of routing tags, each of said routing tags conveying at least one of a plurality of unique states sufficient in number to provide information for identifying a characteristic area condition related to the path of the vehicle;a controller for mounting on the vehicle for controlling the operation of the vehicle, said controller comprising an information processor, and a communications transceiver coupled to said information processor for broadcasting a message to other vehicles in the area, said information processor broadcasting said message upon approaching an intersection, and no longer broadcasting said message after leaving the intersection;said routing tags being positioned along the path over which the vehicle travels, said controller being responsive to at least one of the plurality of guidance signals and at least one characteristic area condition for navigating the vehicle through the area.