System and method for displaying a movement path of a work machine

Abstract

A system (200) for displaying a path of travel of a work machine (100) comprises a visual device (202) and a controller (214) having at least one memory (216) and at least one processor (218) communicatively coupled to the at least one memory (216). The at least one processor (218) is communicatively coupled to the visual device (202). The at least one processor (218) is configured to determine at least one of a current path of travel of the work machine (100) and a proposed path of travel of the work machine (100). The at least one processor (218) is also configured to control the visual device (202) to project a visual indicator (220) onto a ground surface (114) around the work machine (100).The visual indicators (220) represent at least one of the current movement paths of the work machine (100) and the proposed movement paths of the work machine (100). The visual indicators (220) provide navigation assistance for one or more persons who are in the vicinity of the work machine (100).

Description

Technical FieldThe present disclosure relates to a system for displaying a travel path of a work machine and a method for displaying the travel path of the work machine.BackgroundWork machines, such as paving machines, are deployed on worksites to perform one or more operations. Machine manufacturers and construction employees seek to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of such working machines and to ensure smooth operation of these working machines. A number of ground personnel may be located around the work machine to assist in the operations. In some cases, the direction of travel of the work machine at the worksite may not be known to ground personnel. In addition, it is possible that the operators do not know the position of the ground personnel or have only a limited view, so that they cannot inform the ground personnel about the direction of travel of the working machine. In order to ensure smooth operation on construction sites, it is desirable that the ground personnel be informed of the direction of travel of the working machine at all times so that it is not in the path of the working machine.U.S. Pat. No. 10,745,867 describes a road paver including a material hopper for receiving a construction material, a chassis, an operator stand positioned behind the material hopper as viewed in the construction direction, a levelable screed for applying the construction material to a material conveyor unit configured to transport the construction material from the material hopper to the screed, and at least one optical projector configured to generate at least one visible spectrum projection on the substrate laterally and / or in front of the chassis of the paving machine in the construction direction. The projection is visible to an operator of the paving machine from the operator's station in the direction of installation.Brief Description of the DisclosureIn one aspect of the present disclosure, a system for displaying a movement path of a work machine is described. The system includes an optical device. The system also includes a controller having at least one memory and at least one processor communicatively coupled to the at least one memory. The at least one processor is communicatively coupled to the optical device. The at least one processor is configured to determine at least one of a current travel path of the work machine and a proposed travel path of the work machine. The at least one processor is also configured to control the optical device to project a visual indicia onto a ground surface around the work machine. The visual indicator represents at least one of the current travel path of the work machine and the suggested travel path of the work machine. The visual indicators serve as a navigation aid for one or more persons who are present in the vicinity of the work machine.Another aspect of the present disclosure is a method of displaying a movement path of a work machine. The method includes determining, by a controller connected to the work machine, a current path of motion of the work machine and / or a suggested path of motion of the work machine. The method also includes controlling, by the controller, an optical device connected to the work machine to project a visual indicia onto a ground surface around the work machine. The method further includes displaying the current travel path of the work machine and / or the suggested travel path of the work machine to one or more persons located around the work machine based on the projection of the visual indicia onto the ground surface.Other features and aspects of this disclosure will become apparent from the following description and the accompanying drawings.Brief Description of the DrawingsFIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example work machine moving in the forward direction; FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a system for displaying a travel path of the work machine of FIG. 1, according to an example of the present disclosure; FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the work machine of FIG. 1 moving in the reverse direction; and FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a method for displaying a travel path of the work machine of FIGS. 1 and 3, according to an example of the present disclosure.Detailed DescriptionWherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used in the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.Referring to FIG. 1, an example work machine 100 is illustrated. The work machine 100 includes a paving machine. The work machine 100 may be interchangeably referred to as "paving machine 100" hereinafter. Alternatively, work machine 100 may include any other type of work machine, such as an excavator, a grader, a bulldozer, a compactor, and the like. Work machine 100 may include an autonomous work machine, a semi-autonomous work machine, or a manually operated work machine. The work machine 100 comprises a chassis 102. The chassis 102 supports various components of the work machine 100. The work machine 100 includes a fairing 104 mounted on the chassis 102. The shroud 104 encloses a power source (not shown). The energy source may be any energy source, such as an internal combustion engine, a battery system, a fuel cell, etc. The energy source provides energy to work machine 100 for operational and mobility requirements.Work machine 100 also includes a set of ground engaging elements 106. The ground engaging elements 106 are operatively connected to the chassis 102. In the example illustrated in FIG. 1, the ground engaging elements 106 include wheels. In other embodiments, the ground engaging elements 106 may comprise tracks or drums. The ground engaging elements 106 support the work machine 100 on a ground surface 114 and provide maneuverability.Work machine 100 also includes a machine operator station 108 mounted on chassis 102. An operator seated in the machine operator station 108 may control various functions associated with the work machine 100, and in some examples, functions associated with a screed assembly 110. Work machine 100 also includes a screed operator station 112. An operator located at the screed operator station 112 may control various functions associated with the screed assembly 110 and, in some examples, the work machine 100.The work machine 100 has a front end 120 and a rear end 122. Work machine 100 also has a first side 124 and a second side 126. In addition, the work machine 100 may move in the forward direction D 1 and the rearward direction D 2. The work machine 100 also includes a hopper assembly 128 operatively connected to the chassis 102. The hopper assembly 128 is disposed proximate the forward end 120 of the work machine 100. The hopper assembly 128 holds a volume of paving material (not shown) on the work machine 100 received from an external source (not shown), such as a truck or transfer vehicle. The hopper assembly 128 also conveys paving material from one part of the work machine 100 to another. Thus, depending on application requirements, the hopper assembly 128 may include one or more components (not shown), such as one or more conveyors, screws, sensors, etc.The work machine 100 further includes a steering system 130 (see FIG. 2 ). The steering system 130 may include a steering wheel 132 (see FIG. 2 ) that may be operated by the operator to steer the work machine 100. The work machine 100 further includes a propulsion system 134 (shown in FIG. 2 ). The propulsion system 134 may include a travel lever 136 (shown in FIG. 2 ) that may be operated by the operator to propel the work machine 100 in the forward direction D 1 or the rearward direction D 2. Work machine 100 also includes screed assembly 110 mounted to chassis 102. The screed assembly 110 is disposed proximate the rear end 122 of the work machine 100. Thus, the screed assembly 110 may pivot about a pivotal connection with the chassis 102 to freely float over a surface to be paving.Referring to FIG. 2, the present disclosure relates to a system 200 for displaying a path of travel of the work machine 100 of FIG. 1. the system 200 is connected to the paving machine 100 described herein. Alternatively, the system 200 may be connected to any type of work machine without limitations. The system 200 includes an optical device 202. In the example illustrated in FIG. 2, the optical device 202 includes a first optical source 204 disposed proximal to the forward end 120 (see FIG. 1 ) of the work machine 100. In some examples, the first optical source 204 includes a laser source. However, the first optical source 204 may also include any other type of optical / light source known to those skilled in the art. The optical device 202 also includes a second optical source 206 disposed proximal to the rear end 122 (see FIG. 1 ) of the work machine 100. Additionally, in some examples, the second optical source 206 includes a laser source. However, the second optical source 206 may also include any other type of optical / light source known to those skilled in the art.The system 200 also includes a sensor 208, 210, 212 configured to generate a signal S1, S2, S3 indicative of the current path of movement of the work machine 100. The sensor 208, 210, 212 may be connected to the steering system 130 of the work machine 100, the propulsion system 134 of the work machine 100, or the ground engaging element 106 of the work machine 100.In one example, the sensor 208 may be a steering wheel angle sensor that may be coupled to the steering wheel 132 of the steering system 130 to indicate a current steering angle of the steering wheel 132. Alternatively, the sensor 208 may be coupled to a steering shaft of the steering system 130. In another example, the sensor 210 may include a travel lever sensor that may be coupled to the travel lever 136 to indicate a position of the travel lever 136. In another example, the sensor 212 may include a wheel speed sensor connected to one or more of the ground engaging elements 106 to generate a vehicle direction signal. Additionally, the sensors 208, 210, 212 may include any other type of sensor that may be associated with each component of the work machine 100 to provide the signal S 1, S 2, S 3 indicative of the current path of movement of the work machine 100, without limitations.The system 200 further includes a controller 214 having one or more memories 216 and one or more processors 218 communicatively coupled to the one or more memories 216. The one or more memories 216 may include any means for storing information, including a hard disk, an optical disk, a floppy disk, a ROM (read only memory), a RAM (random access memory), a PROM (programmable ROM), an EEPROM (electrically erasable PROM), and / or other computer readable storage media. The memories 216 may store data such as software applications, algorithms, instructions, and arithmetic operations, for example.The processors 218 may execute various types of digitally stored instructions, such as software applications or algorithms retrieved from the memories 216, or a firmware program that enables the processors 218 to perform a variety of operations. It should be appreciated that the processors 218 may include a single microprocessor or multiple microprocessors for receiving various input signals and generating output signals. Numerous commercially available microprocessors can perform the functions of the processors 218. Each processor may further include a general processor, a central processing unit, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a digital signal processor, a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a digital circuit, an analog circuit, a microcontroller, any other type of processor, or any combination thereof. Each processor may include one or more components operable to execute executable computer instructions or computer code that may be stored in and retrieved from the memories 216.The one or more processors 218 are communicatively coupled to the optical device 202. Further, the sensor 208, 210, 212 is communicatively coupled to the one or more processors 218. The one or more processors 218 determine the current path of travel of the work machine 100 and / or a suggested path of travel of the work machine 100. The term "current movement path" as used herein refers to a movement path or a traveling direction of the work machine 100 in real time. Moreover, the term "suggested movement path" as used herein refers to a future, predicted or planned movement path or a future, predicted or planned travel direction of the work machine 100. In one example, the one or more processors 218 determine the current path of travel of the work machine 100 based on the signal S 1, S 2, S 3 generated by the sensor 208, 210, 212. It should be appreciated that the processors 218 may receive the signal S 1, S 2, S 3 from the sensor 208, 210, 212 in real-time to determine the current path of travel of the work machine 100. It should be further noted that the processors 218 may receive the signal S 1, S 2, S 3 from each of the sensors 208, 210, 212 or from each of the sensors 208, 210, 212.In some examples, the operator of work machine 100 may also provide inputs to processors 218 regarding the suggested path of movement of work machine 100 according to an intended work plan. In such examples, the processors 218 may determine the suggested path of travel of the work machine 100 based on the inputs received from the operator. It should be appreciated that the system 200 or work machine 100 may include additional sensors or devices that may provide inputs to the processors 218 regarding the suggested path of motion of the work machine 100.In another example, the one or more memories 216 may store a work plan for the work machine 100. The work plan may include planned trajectories for the work machine 100 and / or planned operations to be performed by the work machine 100. In such examples, the one or more processors 218 may retrieve the work plan from the one or more memories 216. Further, the one or more processors 218 may analyze the work plan to determine the current path of movement of the work machine 100 and / or the suggested path of movement of the work machine 100. Such a method can be used in particular in autonomous or semi-autonomous work machines which move and operate according to predefined work plans. It should be noted that the present disclosure is not limited by a method by which the processors 218 determine the current travel path and / or the suggested travel path of the work machine 100.Referring to FIGS. 1-3, the one or more processors 218 also controls the optical device 202 to project a visual indicia 220 onto the ground surface 114 around the work machine 100. In particular, the one or more processors 218 may generate and transmit a control signal C 1 to the optical device 202 to project the visual indicia 220 onto the ground surface 114. The visual indicators 220 represent the current path of movement of the work machine 100 and / or the suggested path of movement of the work machine 100. The visual indicia 220 represent a navigation aid to one or more persons located proximate the work machine 100. In particular, the visual indicia 220 may represent a navigation aid to ground personnel / crew located on the ground surface 114 on which the work machine 100 is operating.Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, in some examples, when the work machine 100 is moving in the forward direction D 1, the processor 218 may control the first optical source 204 to project the visual indicia 220 onto the ground surface 114. In particular, the first optical source 204 may project the visual indicia 220 onto the ground surface 114 located in front of the work machine 100 and / or one or more sides 124, 126 of the work machine 100. Further, the first optical source 204 may be controlled by the processors 218 to project the visual indicia 220 in front of the work machine 100, onto the first side 124 of the work machine 100, and / or onto the second side 126 of the work machine 100, based on application requirements. In one example, the processors 218 may activate and control the first optical source 204 based on determining that the work machine 100 is moving in the forward direction D 1. In some examples, it may also be contemplated that the visual indicia 220 may be projected in front of the work machine 100 as well as behind the work machine 100, depending on application requirements. In such examples, the first and second optical sources 204, 206 may be operated simultaneously to display the visual indicia 220 both in front of the work machine 100 and behind the work machine 100.As shown in FIG. 1, the visual indicia 220 projected onto the ground surface 114 include a first pattern 222 and / or a second pattern 224. In the example illustrated in FIG. 1, the first pattern 222 indicates the current travel path of the work machine 100, and the second pattern 224 indicates the suggested travel path of the work machine 100. In the illustrated example of FIG. 1, the first pattern 222 indicating the current travel path includes a pair of solid lines indicating a straight travel path of the work machine 100. In the illustrated example of FIG. 1, the second pattern 224 includes a dashed-line curved arrow indicating that the suggested path of travel of the work machine 100 is along a curved path. It should be appreciated that the first pattern 222 and the second pattern 224 as illustrated herein are exemplary in nature and the first and second patterns 222, 224 may include any pattern, shape, design, size, and the like. In some examples, the visual indicator 220 may include an animated view of the current path of travel and / or the suggested path of travel of the work machine 100.It should be further noted that in some examples, the processors 218 (see FIG. 2 ) may be programmed such that the processors 218 control the first optical source 204 to project one of the first patterns 222 and the second pattern 224 onto the ground surface 114. For example, the operator may provide input to the processors 218 to project only the first pattern 222 corresponding to the current path of motion. In another example, the operator may provide input to the processors 218 to project only the second pattern 224 corresponding to the suggested path of motion.In addition, the first pattern 222 may include a first color scheme and the second pattern 224 may include a second color scheme. The first color scheme is different from the second color scheme. The different first and second color schemes may allow ground personnel to distinguish between the current travel path and the suggested travel path of work machine 100. In an example, the first color scheme may include a blue color scheme and the second color scheme may include a red color scheme, without limitations.Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, in some examples, when the work machine 100 is moving in the opposite direction D 2, the processor 218 may control the second optical source 206 to project the visual indicia 220 onto the ground surface 114. In particular, the second optical source 206 may project the visual indicia 220 onto the ground surface 114 located behind the work machine 100 and / or one or more sides 124, 126 of the work machine 100. Further, the second optical source 206 may be controlled by the processors 218 to project the visual indicia 220 behind the work machine 100, onto the first side 124 of the work machine 100, and / or onto the second side 126 of the work machine 100, based on application requirements. In one example, the processors 218 may activate and control the second optical source 206 based on determining that the work machine 100 is moving in the opposite direction D 2. In some examples, it may also be contemplated that the visual indicia 220 may be projected in front of the work machine 100 as well as behind the work machine 100, depending on application requirements. In such examples, the first and second optical sources 204, 206 may be operated simultaneously to display the visual indicia 220 both in front of the work machine 100 and behind the work machine 100.As illustrated in FIG. 3, the first pattern 222 indicating the current movement path includes a pair of curved solid lines indicating a curved movement path of the work machine 100. Further, the second pattern 224 includes a straight arrow with dashed lines indicating that the proposed travel path of the work machine 100 runs along a straight path.It should be further noted that in some examples, the processors 218 (see FIG. 2 ) may be programmed such that the processors 218 control the second optical source 206 to project one of the first patterns 222 and the second pattern 224 onto the ground surface 114. For example, the operator may provide input to the processors 218 to project only the first pattern 222 corresponding to the current path of motion. In another example, the operator may provide input to the processors 218 to project only the second pattern 224 corresponding to the suggested path of motion.It is understood that individual features shown or described for one embodiment may be combined with individual features shown or described for another embodiment. The implementation described above does not limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way. Although some features are shown or described for illustrating the use of the present disclosure in the context of functional segments, such features may be omitted within the scope of the present disclosure without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure as defined in the appended claims.Industrial applicabilityThe present disclosure relates to the system 200 for displaying the movement path of the work machine 100. The system 200 provides a cost effective approach to providing visual navigation assistance to ground personnel located proximate the work machine 100 to inform them of the current and / or scheduled travel paths of the work machine 100. The visual indicia 220 may provide a real-time view of the current path of movement of the work machine 100 to alert the ground personnel. Accordingly, the ground personnel may move as needed to be at a distance from the current and / or suggested travel paths of the work machine 100.The system 200 may be deployed with minimal modifications to existing work machines. Additionally, the visual indicia 220 may have different patterns, such as the first and second patterns 222, 224, or different color schemes, that allow ground personnel to distinguish between the current and suggested travel paths, thereby increasing attention at the workplace. The system 200 may increase efficiency and productivity at the workplace and provide smooth operation while minimizing downtime.FIG. 4 is a flow chart for a method 400 for displaying the path of movement of work machine 100. Referring to FIGS. 1-4, in step 402, the controller 214 connected to the work machine 100 determines the current travel path of the work machine 100 and / or the suggested travel path of the work machine 100.In step 404, the controller 214 controls the optical device 202 connected to the work machine 100 to project the visual indicia 220 onto the ground surface 114 around the work machine 100. In step 406, the current path of motion of work machine 100 and / or the suggested path of motion of work machine 100 is displayed to the one or more personnel present around work machine 100 based on the projection of visual indicia 220 onto ground surface 114.The method 400 also includes a step (not shown) in which the sensor 208, 210, 212 connected to the work machine 100 generates the signal S 1, S 2, S 3 that indicates the current movement path of the work machine 100. The method 400 also includes a step (not shown) in which the controller 214 receives the signal S 1, S 2, S 3 from the sensor 208, 210, 212 to determine the current path of movement of the work machine 100. The sensor 208, 210, 212 is communicatively coupled to the controller 214. The sensor 208, 210, 212 is connected to the steering system 130 of the work machine 100, the propulsion system 134 of the work machine 100, and / or the ground engaging element 106 of the work machine 100.The method 400 also includes a step (not shown) where the controller 214 retrieves the work plan for the work machine 100. The method 400 also includes a step (not shown) in which the controller 214 analyzes the work plan to determine the current path of movement of the work machine 100 and / or the suggested path of movement of the work machine 100.The method 400 also includes a step (not shown) of the first optical source 204 of the optical device 202 projecting the visual indicia 220 onto the ground surface 114 located in front of the work machine 100 and / or onto one or more sides 124, 126 of the work machine 100. The first optical source 204 is disposed proximate the forward end 120 of the work machine 100.The method 400 also includes a step (not shown) of the second optical source 206 of the optical device 202 projecting the visual indicia 220 onto the ground surface 114 located behind the work machine 100 and / or one or more sides 124, 126 of the work machine 100. The second optical source 206 is disposed proximate the rear end 122 of the work machine 100.The visual indicia 220 projected onto the ground surface 114 include the first pattern 222 and / or the second pattern 224. The first pattern 222 indicates the current travel path of the work machine 100, and the second pattern 224 indicates the suggested travel path of the work machine 100. In addition, the method 400 also comprises a step (not shown) in which the optical device 202 projects the first pattern 222 and / or the second pattern 224 onto the ground surface 114.It may be desirable to perform one or more of the steps shown in FIG. 4 in a different order than that illustrated. In addition, various steps could be performed together.Unless expressly excluded, the use of the singular to describe a component, structure, or operation does not exclude the use of the plural of such components, structures, or operations, or their equivalents. The use of the terms "a", "an", "the / s", "at least one(s)" or the term "one(s) or more" and similar references in connection with the description of the invention (in particular in connection with the following claims) should be interpreted to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise specified herein or clearly contradicted by context. The use of the term "at least one(s)" followed by a list of one or more items (e.g., "at least one of A and B" or "one or more of A and B") is to be construed to mean an item from the listed items (A or B) or any combination of two or more of the listed items (A and B; A, A and B; A, B and B), unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. Likewise, the word "or" in this document refers to any possible permutation of a series of elements. For example, the term "A, B, or C" refers to at least one of A, B, C, or any combination thereof, such as A; B; C; A and B; A and C; B and C; A, B, and C; or a multiple of any element such as A and A; B, B, and C; A, A, B, C, and C; etc.While aspects of the present disclosure have been particularly shown and described with reference to the above embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various additional embodiments may be contemplated by the modification of the disclosed work machine, systems, and methods without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Such embodiments should be understood to fall within the scope of the present disclosure as set forth in the claims and all equivalents thereof.References included in the specificationThis list of documents cited by the applicant has been produced in an automated manner and is only included for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent application or utility model application. The DPMA does not take any adhesion for any faults or omissions.Patent Literature citedUS 10,745,867

[0003]

Claims

A system (200) for displaying a motion path of a work machine (100), the system (200) comprising: an optical device (202); and a controller (214) comprising at least one memory (216) and at least one processor (218) communicatively coupled to the at least one memory (216), wherein the at least one processor (218) is communicatively coupled to the optical device (202), and wherein the at least one processor (218) is configured to determine at least one of a current motion path of the work machine (100) and a proposed motion path of the work machine (100); Controlling the optical device (202) to project a visual indicator (220) onto a ground surface (114) around the work machine (100), wherein the visual indicator (220) represents at least one of the current travel path of the work machine (100) and the suggested travel path of the work machine (100), and wherein the visual indicators (220) provide navigation assistance to one or more persons located around the work machine (100).The system (200) of claim 1, further comprising a sensor (208, 210, 212) configured to generate a signal (S1, S2, S3) indicative of the current path of movement of the work machine (100), wherein the sensor (208, 210, 212) is communicatively coupled to the at least one processor (218), and wherein the at least one processor (218) is configured to determine the current path of movement of the work machine (100) based on the signal (S1, S2, S3) generated by the sensor (208, 210, 212).The system (200) of claim 2, wherein the sensor (208, 210, 212) is associated with at least one of a steering system (130) of the work machine (100), a propulsion system (134) of the work machine (100), and a ground engaging element (106) of the work machine (100).The system (200) of claim 1, wherein the at least one memory (216) is configured to store a work plan for the work machine (100), and wherein the at least one processor (218) is configured to: retrieve the work plan from the at least one memory (216); and analyze the work plan to determine at least one of the current path of movement of the work machine (100) and the suggested path of movement of the work machine (100).The system (200) of claim 1, wherein the optical device (202) comprises a first optical source (204) disposed proximal to a front end (120) of the work machine (100).The system (200) of claim 5, wherein the first optical source (204) is configured to project the visual indicia (220) onto the ground surface (114) located in front of the work machine (100) and / or onto at least one side (124, 126) of the work machine (100).The system (200) of claim 5, wherein the first optical source (204) comprises a laser source.The system (200) of claim 1, wherein the optical device (202) comprises a second optical source (206) disposed proximate a rear end (122) of the work machine (100).The system (200) of claim 8, wherein the second optical source (206) is configured to project the visual indicia (220) onto the ground surface (114) located behind the work machine (100) and / or onto at least one side (124, 126) of the work machine (100).The system (200) of claim 8, wherein the second optical source (206) comprises a laser source.

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