Dump Location Estimation Using GPS Data Proximity
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for determining the dump location of material by transport vehicles in paving operations are prone to operator error and inability to accurately identify the location along the roadway where material was dumped, especially in busy project sites.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that receive and process GPS data points from both paving machines and transport vehicles to estimate the dump location by identifying data points within a threshold proximity of each other, using a server to analyze locations and times to determine the most accurate dump site.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If operator manually indicates dump location, then system can track material delivery, but accuracy is reduced due to operator error and inability to identify precise location
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual operator indication with an automated GPS-based tracking system. The server automatically receives and processes GPS data points from both the paving machine and transport vehicle to determine dump location, eliminating reliance on human operators and their prone-to-error manual inputs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a server as an intermediary that automatically processes GPS data from multiple sources (paving machine and transport vehicle) to calculate and determine the dump location. This intermediary system objectively analyzes the data without human intervention, improving accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If GPS data from both vehicles is processed to estimate dump location, then location accuracy is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The server performs multiple functions: it receives GPS data from different vehicles, processes the data points, determines dump location, and provides this information for roadway issue analysis. This multi-functional approach consolidates complexity into a single centralized system rather than requiring separate systems for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously collects and stores GPS data points from both vehicles in advance, so when a dump event occurs, the location can be quickly determined by comparing pre-collected data points without requiring real-time complex calculations during the actual dumping process.
3Adaptability or versatility
If automated GPS tracking system is implemented, then dump location identification capability is improved, but cost increases due to additional equipment and processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The GPS tracking system serves multiple purposes: it tracks the location of the paving machine, tracks the transport vehicle for delivery coordination, and determines dump location for quality analysis. This universal system avoids the need for separate specialized equipment for each function, reducing overall complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for estimating a dump location of material dumped by a transport vehicle are disclosed. A system may receive information that identifies a location of a paving machine, and may receive multiple data points associated with the transport vehicle. Each data point may indicate a respective location of the transport vehicle and a corresponding time at which the transport vehicle was at the respective location. The system may identify a subset of the multiple data points that indicate respective locations of the transport vehicle within a threshold proximity of the location of the paving machine. The system may estimate the dump location of the material dumped by the transport vehicle based on at least one of a set of locations indicated by the subset of data points or a set of times indicated by the subset of data points, and may output information that identifies the dump location.