Data processing: vehicles – navigation – and relative location – Vehicle control – guidance – operation – or indication – Automatic route guidance vehicle
Patent
1997-02-10
2000-04-11
Zanelli, Michael J.
Data processing: vehicles, navigation, and relative location
Vehicle control, guidance, operation, or indication
Automatic route guidance vehicle
318587, 180168, G06F16500
Patent
active
060497459
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 predetermined action for navigating the vehicle through the area.
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Bencel Joseph A.
Douglas Barry D.
FMC Corporation
Zanelli Michael J.
LandOfFree
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