Autonomous Earthmoving Control for Cost-Aware Worksite Planning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies lack a comprehensive and efficient method to estimate the costs and autonomously perform earthmoving operations at a worksite, which are crucial for constructing structures like buildings and houses, considering varying geographical and operational variables.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilizes a controller to receive structural and geographical data, generate a cost estimate, and provide instruction files for autonomously performing earthmoving operations, taking into account variables such as terrain, contractors, and machine availability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If comprehensive cost estimation and autonomous control systems are implemented for earthmoving operations, then decision-making efficiency and worksite preparation accuracy are improved, but system complexity and initial implementation costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides earthmoving operations into discrete task categories (excavation, grading, leveling, compaction) with separate cost estimation models for each. The autonomous control is segmented into independent modules that can be activated based on specific operational needs, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller is designed to perform multiple functions: cost estimation, autonomous navigation, machine control, and real-time monitoring. By consolidating these functions into a single multi-functional system, the patent reduces the number of separate devices needed while improving measurement precision through integrated data processing.
2Productivity
If autonomous earthmoving operations are implemented, then productivity and operational efficiency are improved, but the complexity of controlling and coordinating multiple machines increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges control of multiple earthmoving machines (excavators, graders, compactors) under a single autonomous control system that processes terrain data and coordinates operations centrally. This consolidation improves productivity by eliminating coordination delays while managing complexity through unified command architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements real-time feedback loops where sensors on each machine continuously report status, position, and operational data to the central controller. The controller adjusts machine operations based on this feedback, enabling efficient autonomous coordination without requiring complex manual intervention or overly complicated control algorithms.
3Measurement precision
If detailed geographical and operational variable data are collected and processed, then cost estimation accuracy is improved, but data processing time and computational requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary processing of geographical data (LiDAR, satellite imagery) and operational variables during off-peak times or in parallel processing streams, preparing cost estimation models in advance. This reduces real-time data processing requirements while maintaining high estimation accuracy when decisions are needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts processing parameters based on data complexity and urgency. For routine estimations, it uses simplified models with fewer variables processed quickly. For critical decisions requiring high precision, it activates comprehensive models with all geographical and operational variables, optimizing the balance between accuracy and processing time.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of generating a cost estimate for performing one or more earthmoving operations at a worksite includes receiving, at a controller, a plurality of files indicative of a structural design corresponding to a structure selected from a plurality of structures, a geographical data of the worksite, and at least one operational variable associated with the worksite. The at least one operational variable varies based on the geographical data of the worksite. The method also includes generating, by the controller, at least one of the cost estimate for performing the one or more earthmoving operations at the worksite and an instruction file to autonomously perform the one or more earthmoving operations at the worksite. The cost estimate is displayed to a user.