Compactor Visual Guidance for Correct Lane Overlap

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Solution Overview

Problem

Operators of heavy machinery, such as compaction machines, face challenges in determining the proper overlap for compacting surfaces due to limited visibility of the compaction drum position, leading to uneven results and the need for person-specific reference marks, which are time-consuming and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

A guidance system that uses projectors to generate visual indicia on the ground, indicating the position of the compacting members and the overlap with previously compacted areas, allowing operators to determine compliance with specified overlap requirements without the need for additional personnel or operator-specific markings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If reference marks are added to the machine, then the operator can visually confirm the machine position, but the reference marks are person-specific and require different marks for each operator

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisual confirmation of machine positionVSAvoidoperator-specific reference marks

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses projected images as virtual copies of reference marks that can be dynamically adjusted and overlaid on the work surface. Instead of physical tape or ribbons that are operator-specific, the system projects digital representations of the compaction drum position and overlap requirements onto the ground, allowing any operator to see the correct positioning without person-specific customization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical system of physical reference marks (tape, ribbons) with an optical projection system. The projector displays virtual indicia that show the compaction drum position and overlap requirements, eliminating the need for physical markings and their associated setup procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If the process for determining proper reference mark placement is performed, then visual guidance can be established, but it requires two people and consumes valuable time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproper reference mark placementVSAvoidtime to establish reference marks

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-alignment through automatic calibration. The projector automatically determines the correct overlap distance and projects the appropriate virtual indicia without requiring an assistant to manually measure and mark positions. The operator simply operates the machine, and the system handles the positioning guidance autonomously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system pre-calculates and projects the correct overlap position before the operator needs it. By automatically determining the proper compaction drum position relative to the previously compacted lane, the system eliminates the need for time-consuming manual measurement and mark placement during operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If the operator maintains consistent position in the machine, then the reference mark method works, but it is difficult to determine the contact point of the compaction machine roller with the ground from the operator's position

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereference mark alignmentVSAvoidvisibility of compaction drum position

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a projector as an intermediary device that bridges the gap between the operator's position and the compaction drum contact point. The projector displays virtual indicia on the work surface that represent the drum position and overlap requirements, making invisible information visible without requiring the operator to be in a specific physical position.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions the information display from the operator's three-dimensional space inside the machine to the two-dimensional work surface. By projecting virtual reference marks onto the ground, the system provides positional information in a different dimension that is directly visible to the operator regardless of their position in the machine.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS11807997B2Systems and methods of visual guidance

Publication Date: 2023.11.07 CATERPILLAR PAVING PROD INC

AI summary

A method includes performing, with a compacting machine, a first pass to compact a first portion of a work area to compact a first lane. A guidance system acquires position information representing the first compacted lane. A second pass is performed to compact a second portion of the work area adjacent the first portion. The guidance system acquires current position information of the machine representing current positioning of the machine during the second pass. Comparing the position information of the machine representing the first compacted lane with the current position information, determines whether the current positioning overlaps the first compacted lane a specified amount. When the second pass is determined to overlap the first compacted lane, in-compliance visual indicia is generated. When the second pass is determined to not overlap the first compacted lane with the specified amount, out of compliance visual indicia is generated.