Construction Machine Terrain Visualization System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Self-propelled construction machines, such as road milling machines and slipform pavers, face challenges in accurately navigating around existing objects on the terrain, like hydrants and manhole covers, due to limited visibility and the need for manual intervention, which can lead to inaccuracies and increased safety distances, resulting in significant reworking.
Innovation Solution
Equipping the machines with an image recording unit, such as camera systems, and a display unit to capture and display a terrain segment in a coordinate system dependent on the machine's position and orientation, allowing for real-time superimposition of project data onto the image, enabling the machine operator or automatic control to identify and avoid obstacles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual marking of terrain objects is used to ensure safe operation, then safety is improved, but marking accuracy deteriorates and requires additional work steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical marking with an automated optical system. Image recording units (cameras) capture terrain objects, and a data processing unit automatically determines their positions and generates markings, eliminating manual measurement and marking operations while improving accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital copy of the terrain environment by recording images of terrain objects with image recording units. This visual copy is then processed to generate accurate positional data and markings, replacing the need for physical measurement and manual marking.
2Reliability
If larger safety distances are selected to account for marking inaccuracies, then safety is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to significant reworking
Solution Approach 1:
The automated marking system based on image recording and digital processing achieves high precision in determining terrain object positions and generating markings. This eliminates the need for large safety buffers that were required with manual marking, thereby reducing reworking and improving productivity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual intervention is used to navigate around terrain objects, then adaptability is improved, but operation complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically recording terrain objects, determining their positions, and generating markings without requiring manual intervention. The image recording units and data processing unit work autonomously to provide adaptive navigation information to the operator.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by providing the operator with visual information about terrain objects through recorded images and generated markings. This feedback loop enables the operator to make informed decisions for navigating around objects, maintaining adaptability while reducing operational complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a self-propelled construction machine, in particular a road milling machine or a slipform paver, which can carry out translational and/or rotational movements for a planned project on a terrain. In addition, the invention relates to a method for visualizing the working environment of a construction machine moving on the terrain, in particular a road milling machine or a slipform paver. The construction machine comprises an image recording unit for recording an image segment of the terrain located in a coordinate system (X, Y, Z) dependent on the position and orientation of the construction machine on the terrain, and a display unit for displaying the image segment of the terrain. Moreover, the construction machine comprises a data processing unit which is configured in such a way that a depiction of a part of the project located in the image segment is superimposed on the image segment of the terrain displayed on the display unit, such that the project is visualized in the image segment. The display unit thus displays not only the actual image segment, but also a virtual image of the project, thus widening the perception of the machine operator. As a result, the machine operator can identify on the display unit whether the project forming the basis of the control matches the reality.