Autonomous Work Vehicle Path Sequencing for Easier Field Programming
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous work vehicles require complex programming and technical knowledge for operation, which can be a barrier for end users who lack computer system expertise, such as former manual workers transitioning to operating autonomous machines.
Innovation Solution
A system that allows users to arrange and select paths for autonomous work vehicles through a user interface, storing these paths in a network-accessible data center, enabling easy programming and control without requiring extensive technical knowledge, using features like Autorun, Autoload, and Autorecord to facilitate operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If autonomous work vehicles use complex programming systems, then operational capability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the complex programming task into discrete path selection operations. Instead of requiring users to program entire workflows, the system divides functionality into individual path segments that can be independently selected and arranged in sequence, making the operation simpler while maintaining comprehensive operational capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses pre-defined path templates and sequences that can be copied and reused. Rather than programming each operation from scratch, users can select from library of pre-programmed paths and replicate successful sequences, reducing the technical knowledge required while preserving advanced operational capabilities.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the system provides comprehensive path management features, then functionality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts complex path management functionality into a separate user interface layer. The core vehicle control system remains simple, while comprehensive path selection, arrangement, and management features are provided through the interface, allowing rich functionality without increasing the complexity of the underlying control system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces a path management intermediary layer between the user and the vehicle control system. This intermediary handles complex path sequencing and coordination, presenting a simplified interface to users while managing the complexity internally, thus providing comprehensive functionality without exposing device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Stored data structures describe a plurality of paths used to work within a field of a work region. The paths include at least one transition path used to enter or exit the field. The plurality of paths are presented to an operator via a user interface and facilitate arrangement of the plurality of paths into an ordered collection that together defines sequentially executed movements and operations of an autonomous work vehicle within the work region. The ordered collection is stored via a network-accessible data center where it can be user selected. In response to the selection, the ordered collection is downloaded from the data center to the autonomous working vehicle in order to perform the sequentially executed movements and operations within the work region.