Dynamic Object Detection Area Adjustment for Articulated Machines

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing object detection systems in articulated machines often erroneously detect portions of the machine as obstructions, leading to disruptions in operation and resource wastage.

Innovation Solution

A controller adjusts the size of the object detection area based on the articulation angle of the machine, excluding machine portions to prevent false obstruction detection by determining an articulation angle portion and analyzing object detection information within this area.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the object detection system uses a fixed detection area, then the system structure is simple, but machine portions are erroneously detected as obstructions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoiddetection area adjustment mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The object detection area is dynamically adjusted based on the articulation angle of the machine. The controller receives articulation angle information from sensors and modifies the detection area boundaries accordingly, transforming the fixed detection area into a dynamic one that adapts to machine configuration changes, thereby preventing false detection of machine portions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the parameters of the detection area (position, size, shape) based on the articulation angle parameter. By linking the detection area parameters to the articulation angle, the system automatically adjusts the detection boundaries to exclude machine portions while maintaining coverage of relevant operational areas

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Area of stationary object

If the object detection area is enlarged to cover more operational areas, then detection coverage is improved, but false detection of machine portions increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection coverageVSAvoiddetection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The detection area is segmented into multiple regions based on the articulation angle, with different detection parameters applied to different segments. This allows the system to cover extensive operational areas while excluding machine portions from detection, maintaining both coverage and accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If the detection system continuously monitors all areas, then safety is improved, but computational resources are wasted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafety monitoringVSAvoidcomputational resource consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies partial monitoring by adjusting the detection area to cover only relevant regions based on articulation angle. Instead of continuously monitoring all possible areas, the system focuses computational resources on the actual operational zones, reducing waste while maintaining safety

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS11409299B2Determining object detection area based on articulation angle

Publication Date: 2022.08.09 CATERPILLAR INC

AI summary

A controller may determine, using a first sensor device of the machine, an articulation angle of the machine. The controller may adjust, based on the articulation angle, a size of an object detection area to obtain an adjusted object detection area. The object detection area may be associated with an articulation joint of the machine.