Autonomous Compactor Work Planning with Virtual Work Area Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems lack an efficient method for generating a work plan that enables autonomous operation of compactors in tandem with earthmoving machines, particularly in complex and unstructured worksites, leading to inefficiencies and potential misalignment in operations.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that involves a central controller analyzing a work area to virtually segment it into multiple virtual work areas, determining an optimal direction of movement for a compactor based on earthmoving machine data, and generating a virtual fence to guide the compactor's autonomous operation, ensuring alignment with the earthmoving machine's operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a compactor operates autonomously without a structured work plan, then operational independence is improved, but operational alignment with earthmoving machines deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system generates a work plan before the compactor begins autonomous operation. The central controller receives work area information, segments it into virtual work areas, determines optimal movement directions, and transmits this pre-planned guidance to the compactor. This preliminary structuring ensures the autonomous compactor operates in alignment with earthmoving machines without requiring real-time human intervention.
2Ease of operation
If the work area is operated as a single unsegmented zone, then operational simplicity is improved, but operational precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The central controller receives work area information and virtually segments it into multiple virtual work areas based on the earthmoving machine's operation patterns. Each virtual work area is assigned specific optimal movement directions for the compactor. This segmentation enables precise control of compactor movement in different zones while maintaining automated operation, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and precision.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for generating a work plan for autonomous operation of a compactor in tandem with an earthmoving machine includes a first controller that receives information pertaining to a work area on which the earthmoving machine is required to perform at least one operation. The system also includes a central controller that receives, from the first controller, information pertaining to the work area on which the earthmoving machine is required to perform the at least one operation and analyzes the work area for virtually segmenting the work area into a plurality of virtual work areas. The central controller also receives, from the first controller, data indicative of a movement of the earthmoving machine through each virtual work area from the plurality of virtual work areas and determines an optimal direction of movement for the compactor based on the data indicative of the movement of the earthmoving machine.