Autonomous Machine Controller Resuming Operations After Interruptions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous machine operations in environments like mining and construction face interruptions due to communication failures, path deviations, and other conditions, leading to inefficiencies and safety concerns, as existing systems lack effective mechanisms to resume operations smoothly after interruptions.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a terrain sensing system, position sensing system, and a controller that generates target profiles for autonomous material moving operations, pauses the operation when necessary conditions are not met, and restarts based on updated profiles and conditions, allowing for autonomous resumption without operator input.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If autonomous operation is interrupted due to communication failures or path deviations, then safety is improved by stopping operation, but productivity deteriorates due to operation termination
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the autonomous operation state based on real-time conditions. When communication is restored or path deviations are corrected, the system transitions from a stopped state to a resuming state, allowing operation to continue dynamically rather than requiring complete termination and restart
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors communication status and path adherence, providing feedback to determine when to resume operation. This feedback mechanism allows the system to automatically restart autonomous operation when conditions improve, balancing safety concerns with productivity recovery
2Reliability
If autonomous operation is terminated after interruptions, then safety is ensured by stopping potentially problematic operations, but efficiency deteriorates due to loss of productive time
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary checks of communication status and path conditions before allowing operation to resume. This preliminary verification ensures safety is maintained while enabling faster recovery of productive time compared to complete operational termination
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous autonomous operation whenever possible by resuming work after brief interruptions rather than terminating operations. This approach preserves the continuity of useful action and minimizes loss of productive time while still ensuring safety through conditional resumption
3Measurement precision
If manual intervention is required to resume operations after interruptions, then operational accuracy is improved by human judgment, but device complexity increases due to operator involvement
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-verification of communication status and path conditions, and automatically resumes autonomous operation when conditions are favorable. This self-service capability eliminates the need for manual operator intervention in routine resumption scenarios, reducing control system complexity while maintaining operational accuracy through automated decision-making
Data Source
AI summary
A system for controlling a machine during an autonomous material moving operation includes a terrain sensing system, a position sensing system, and a ground engaging work implement. A controller is configured to determine the topography of the work surface, generate a first target profile, generate signals to autonomously operate the machine along a work surface, receive a plurality of signals associated with a plurality of necessary input conditions, and generate a pause command based upon an absence of one of the plurality of necessary input conditions to define a pause condition. The controller may determine the position of the machine, determine an estimate of an amount of material being moved, generate a second target profile, and generate signals to re-start autonomous operation of the machine based upon the second target profile after elimination of the pause condition.