Autonomous Work-Zone Path Planning for Construction Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Construction vehicles often require manual operation, which can be hazardous and inefficient, especially in hazardous work environments, as existing systems for autonomous or semi-autonomous operation are limited and require customized hardware.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a robotics processing unit and a machine automation portal (MAP) application that allows for the definition of autonomous operating zones and exclusion zones on a computing device, enabling vehicles to perform tasks autonomously while avoiding obstacles and allowing for emergency stops, using sensors like GPS, ultrasonic sensors, and 3D depth cameras for navigation and control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual operation is used for construction vehicles, then ease of operation is maintained, but workplace safety deteriorates in hazardous environments
Solution Approach 1:
The construction vehicle is equipped with autonomous navigation capabilities including GPS receivers, depth cameras, and ultrasonic sensors that enable the vehicle to independently determine its position, detect obstacles, and navigate to target locations without continuous manual control, allowing the vehicle to serve itself in hazardous environments
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical control with an autonomous control system that uses sensors (depth cameras, ultrasonic sensors, GPS) and processing units to automatically control vehicle movement, substitution the mechanical operator interface with electronic sensing and control systems
2Productivity
If autonomous operation is implemented using existing systems, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases due to customized hardware requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The autonomous control system is designed to be universally applicable to different construction vehicle types (skid steers, excavators, compactors) using standard sensor components and processing units that can perform multiple functions including navigation, obstacle detection, and task execution across various vehicle platforms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple sensor types (GPS receivers, depth cameras, ultrasonic sensors) and processing functions into an integrated autonomous control system that operates as a unified platform, merging navigation, detection, and control functions into a single coordinated system rather than separate customized hardware components
3Productivity
If autonomous navigation is enabled, then productivity is improved through automated task performance, but reliability may deteriorate due to collision risks in complex environments
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary obstacle detection using depth cameras and ultrasonic sensors before the vehicle reaches potential collision zones, and pre-plans navigation paths that avoid identified obstacles and exclusion zones, allowing the vehicle to proactively prevent collisions rather than reactively respond
Solution Approach 2:
The autonomous control system continuously receives feedback from GPS receivers, depth cameras, and ultrasonic sensors about the vehicle's position and surrounding environment, and uses this real-time feedback to dynamically adjust the navigation path and control commands to maintain safe operation and avoid collisions
Data Source
AI summary
A system for autonomous or semi-autonomous operation of a vehicle is disclosed. The system includes a machine automation portal (MAP) application configured to enable a computing device to (a) display a map of a work site and (b) provide a graphical user interface that enables a user to (i) define a boundary of an autonomous operating zone on the map and (ii) define a boundary of one or more exclusion zones. The system also includes a robotics processing unit configured to (a) receive the boundary of the autonomous operating zone and the boundary of each exclusion zone from the computing device, (b) generate a planned command path that the vehicle will travel to perform a task within the autonomous operating zone while avoiding each exclusion zone, and (c) control operation of the vehicle so that the vehicle travels the planned command path to perform the task.