Variable offset positioning antenna array for enhanced guided vehicles (AGVS)
An automated storage system for storing a plurality of objects in storage locations, the automated storage system comprising a master control computer, a guidance network, a plurality of automated guided vehicles (AGVs) each having an onboard microprocessor for providing a position of each AGV relative to the guidance network to the master control computer and a receiver for receiving control commands from the master control computer, and a plurality of trays for engagement with the plurality of AGVs for transportation and storage of the objects.
1. An automated storage system for storing a plurality of objects in storage locations, the automated storage system comprising:
a master control computer;
a guidance network;
a plurality of automated guided vehicles (AGVs) each having an onboard microprocessor for providing a position of each AGV relative to the guidance network to the master control computer and a wireless receiver for receiving control commands from the master control computer; and
a plurality of stackable trays for engagement with the plurality of AGVs for transportation and storage of the objects;
wherein the master control computer dynamically instructs each AGV to assume a desired offset position relative to the guidance network by sending control commands to the AGVs.
2. The automated storage system of claim 1 , wherein each tray further comprises a plurality of legs that create a clearance under the tray for accommodating movement of an AGV thereunder.
3. The automated storage system of claim 2 , wherein each tray further comprises a plurality of contact points for engagement with an AGV for movement of the tray by the AGV.
4. The automated storage system of claim 3 , wherein each tray is elongated relative to an AGV upon engagement of the AGV with the tray.
5. The automated storage system of claim 1 , wherein the guidance network is a guide wire network.
6. The automated storage system of claim 5 , wherein the storage locations are determined based on a dimensional analysis of the objects supported on the trays.
7. The automated storage system of claim 6 , wherein the storage locations are variably defined and populated based on a dimensional analysis of the objects supported on the trays.
8. The automated storage system of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of AGVs are adapted to simultaneously acquire and move multiple objects on multiple trays at a time.
9. The automated storage system of claim 1 , wherein each AGV further comprises a plurality of omni-directional drive and steering systems.
10. The automated storage system of claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of storage lockers loaded on the trays, wherein each AGV can deliver a storage locker from a loading location to a storage location.
11. The automated storage system of claim 10 , wherein each AGV can dynamically assume an offset position relative to the guidance network during transport of the storage locker.
12. The automated storage system of claim 1 , wherein the AGV further comprises a variable offset positioning antenna array that is adapted to follow the guidance network.
13. The automated storage system of claim 12 , wherein the AGV is further adapted to simultaneously follow multiple guide wires of a guidance system having same or differing frequencies to determine data regarding a direction of travel, speed, position, or orientation of an AGV incorporating the antenna array.
14. An automated method of storing a plurality of objects in storage locations comprising:
providing a master control computer and a guidance network;
providing a plurality of automated guided vehicles (AGVs) each having an onboard microprocessor for providing a position of each AGV relative to the guidance network to the master control computer and a wireless receiver for receiving control commands from the master control computer;
sending control commands by the master control computer to the AGVs to dynamically instruct each AGV to assume a desired offset position relative to the guidance network; and
providing a plurality of stackable trays for engagement with the plurality of AGVs for transportation and storage of the objects;
wherein an object is loaded onto a tray at a loading location to form an object-laden tray; and
wherein an AGV engages with the object-laden tray to deliver the object-laden tray from the loading location to a storage location.
15. The automated method of claim 14 , wherein the objects are storage lockers.
16. The automated method of claim 14 , wherein the objects are vehicles.
17. The automated method of claim 14 , wherein the storage locations are determined based on a dimensional analysis of the objects supported on the object-laden tray.
18. The automated method of claim 17 , wherein the storage locations are variably defined and populated based on a dimensional analysis of the objects supported on the object-laden tray.