Construction Machine Operator Guidance via Kinematic Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Construction sites face inefficiencies and safety issues due to inexperienced operators performing tasks suboptimally, leading to increased wear and tear on machines and operator fatigue, as well as unsafe conditions, particularly when multiple machines work together.

Innovation Solution

A system and method that compute the kinematic behavior of construction machines using sensor data and compare it to models of best operational practices, providing real-time feedback to operators through augmented reality displays to guide them in improving their performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If real-time feedback systems are implemented to guide operators, then operational efficiency and safety are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors construction machine operations using sensors and compares actual performance against optimal operational models, providing real-time feedback to operators through display devices. This feedback loop enables operators to adjust their actions immediately, improving operational efficiency and safety while maintaining relatively simple system architecture through standardized feedback mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces an intermediary processing layer that receives raw sensor data, processes it through operational models, and translates it into actionable feedback for operators. This intermediary layer (comprising processors and software algorithms) bridges the gap between complex sensor networks and simple operator interfaces, managing system complexity while delivering value.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If real-time feedback systems are implemented to guide operators, then safety conditions are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesafety conditionsVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides real-time safety feedback by monitoring operational parameters and alerting operators to unsafe conditions or deviations from optimal practices. This continuous safety monitoring and feedback mechanism improves workplace safety without requiring overly complex systems, as it builds upon existing sensor infrastructure and uses rule-based comparison against operational models.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If comprehensive sensor data collection is implemented to compute kinematic behavior, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of energy increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvekinematic behavior measurementVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system collects sensor data selectively based on the specific task being performed and the operational context, rather than continuously monitoring all parameters at maximum resolution. This partial data collection approach maintains sufficient measurement precision for computing kinematic behavior while reducing the energy consumption associated with continuous high-resolution sensing and data processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentEP3161569B1Method and apparatus for providing guidance to an operator of construction machines
Publication Date: 2019.10.09 TOPCON POSITIONING SYSTEMS INC
  • EP3161569B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3161569B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3161569B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A system and method for providing guidance to a user of a construction machine include computing kinematic behavior of a construction machine based on data received from the construction machine while performing a task. The kinematic behavior is compared with a model for operating the construction machine for performing the task. Feedback data is sent to the construction machine based on the comparing to provide guidance to the user of the construction machine for performing the task.