Construction Machine Positioning Using Worksite Reference Points
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current positioning systems for construction machines are complex, expensive, and dependent on continuous satellite signals, making them impractical for use in areas with poor signal reception or overhead obstacles, especially since they require extensive and costly measurement equipment.
Innovation Solution
A positioning system that uses one or more reference points marked on the work site, allowing the construction machine to calibrate its machine coordinate system to the work site coordinate system without the need for onboard positioning devices, using external surveying devices or other machines with satellite navigation systems to determine positions, enabling operation even without continuous satellite signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If satellite-based positioning systems (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, Compass) are used to determine the position of the construction machine, then the position can be determined continuously, but the system becomes complex, expensive, and dependent on continuous satellite signals which may be poor or blocked by overhead obstacles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the positioning function from the construction machine itself and relocates it to external reference points. Instead of equipping the machine with complex onboard positioning devices, the system uses simple reference points with known coordinates in the work site coordinate system. The machine determines its position by measuring its relative position to these reference points, thereby eliminating the need for complex satellite reception equipment on the machine.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces reference points as intermediaries between the work site coordinate system and the machine coordinate system. These reference points serve as mediators that enable coordinate system transformation without requiring direct satellite signal reception by the machine. The control unit uses the known coordinates of reference points and measured relative positions to calculate the machine's position in the work site coordinate system.
2Measurement precision
If extensive measurement equipment is used for positioning, then the position can be determined accurately, but the system becomes expensive and complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive, complex onboard positioning equipment with simple, inexpensive reference points. The reference points can be simple markings or objects with known coordinates that don't require sophisticated technology. This substitution dramatically reduces the cost and complexity of the positioning system while maintaining adequate accuracy for construction applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual model of the work site coordinate system by establishing reference points with known coordinates. Instead of using complex physical measurement equipment on the machine, the system uses a copied coordinate framework established through reference points. The control unit calculates the machine's position by referencing this copied coordinate system, achieving accurate positioning without expensive onboard equipment.
3Ease of operation
If onboard positioning devices are installed on the construction machine, then continuous positioning is possible, but the system cost increases and the machine requires satellite signal reception capability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the positioning capability from the machine's onboard equipment and relocates it to external reference points. The machine no longer needs satellite receivers or complex onboard positioning devices. Instead, the positioning function is provided externally through reference points with known coordinates, simplifying the machine's equipment while maintaining positioning operation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The reference points serve multiple functions: they establish the work site coordinate system, provide known positions for calculation, and enable positioning without satellite signals. This universal approach allows the same reference point system to work for various construction machines and in various environments where satellite signals may be unavailable, replacing the need for machine-specific onboard positioning devices.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a positioning system and a method of positioning a construction machine on a work site. The positioning system comprises at least one reference point (RP) on the work site (WS). Position data of the reference point is determined in a work site coordinate system (WC) and input to a control unit (8) of the construction machine. A tool (6) is calibration positioned in accordance with the reference point in order to connect a machine coordinate system (MC) to the work coordinate system (WC).