Compactor Speed Control Using Thermal Detection on Asphalt Mats
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing paving operation control systems do not account for the presence of a person on the asphalt mat during compaction, which can lead to unsafe conditions and inefficient operations.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize thermal image data and position data to detect a person on the asphalt mat and automatically adjust the speed of compactors to maintain a safe distance, using thermal cameras and GPS technology to generate signals for reducing compactor speed when a person is detected within a certain threshold distance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the compactor operates at normal speed during paving operation, then productivity is improved, but safety deteriorates when a person is present on the asphalt mat
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of persons on the asphalt mat using thermal image data and position data before the compactor reaches a dangerous distance. When a person is detected, the system proactively generates a signal to reduce compactor speed, preventing the harmful situation from developing rather than reacting after the compactor is already close to the person.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors thermal image data and position data to detect persons on the mat, and provides feedback by generating speed reduction signals to the compactor controller when a person is detected within a critical distance. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures safety while allowing normal operation when no person is present.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If thermal image data processing and person detection capabilities are added to the paving control system, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal measuring device already present on the paving machine is made multi-functional by programming it to perform both its original temperature measurement function for asphalt quality control and the new function of detecting persons on the mat through thermal signature recognition. This eliminates the need for separate detection hardware, reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the existing thermal measuring device and controller infrastructure to perform person detection, rather than requiring separate dedicated detection equipment. The controller leverages its existing computational capabilities to process thermal data for dual purposes: asphalt temperature monitoring and person detection, making the system self-sufficient.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances safety by preventing accidents and optimizing paving operations by automatically reducing compactor speed when a person is detected on the mat, ensuring efficient and controlled compaction processes.
Implementation Method 1
obtain thermal image data and position data of an asphalt mat using a measuring device on a paving machine
Data Source
AI summary
In one aspect, a method of controlling an operation of a compactor during a paving operation may include obtaining thermal image data and position data of an asphalt mat using a measuring device on a paving machine, and determining, using a controller, whether a person is on the asphalt mat based on a temperature range and the thermal image data. The method also includes determining, using the controller, a distance between the person and the compactor using the obtained position data and a position of the compactor, and generating, using the controller, a signal for reducing a speed of the compactor when the determined distance between the person and the compactor is less than a maintain speed threshold distance. In other aspects, a related system is provided for controlling a compactor during a paving operation.