Dynamic Geofence Control for Mining Machine Operation Zones
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mining machines may inadvertently operate outside designated geofence areas, posing safety risks such as driving into high walls or restricted regions.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a geofence system with dynamic operation zones that adjust based on uncertainty in the machine's position, using sensors and processors to control commands to prevent entry into restricted areas, and override or modify commands to ensure safe operation within permitted boundaries.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed geofence boundary is used to prevent machine entry into restricted areas, then safety is improved, but the machine's operational flexibility and productivity are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a fixed geofence boundary to a dynamic operation zone that adjusts in real-time based on machine position, terrain features, and operational context. The operation zone boundary is continuously recalculated to maintain safety while allowing maximum operational flexibility, resolving the contradiction between safety and productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes parameters by adjusting the operation zone boundary distance from the geofence based on multiple factors including machine type, terrain characteristics, and environmental conditions. This parameter adjustment allows the system to maintain safety margins while optimizing operational flexibility for different working conditions.
2Reliability
If a buffer zone is created between the machine and geofence boundary to prevent accidental entry, then safety is improved, but the usable operating area is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The buffer zone distance is made dynamic rather than fixed. The operation zone boundary is continuously adjusted based on the machine's real-time position, velocity, and direction of travel. When the machine is moving away from the geofence or is stationary, the buffer zone can be minimized or eliminated, maximizing the usable operating area while maintaining safety when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the buffer zone parameter based on operational context. Factors such as machine speed, direction of travel, terrain slope, and proximity to hazardous features dynamically adjust the buffer distance, allowing the usable operating area to expand when safety risks are low and contract when risks increase.
3Reliability
If speed commands are overridden to slow the machine down near the geofence boundary, then safety is improved, but operational efficiency and productivity are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Speed control is applied locally and selectively rather than uniformly. The system monitors the machine's position relative to the dynamic operation zone boundary and only applies speed restrictions when the machine is approaching the boundary. When the machine is well within the operation zone or moving away from boundaries, full speed commands are permitted, maintaining operational efficiency while providing safety control when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The speed parameter is dynamically adjusted based on proximity to the operation zone boundary. The system calculates the distance to the boundary and applies progressive speed reductions as the machine approaches, rather than imposing a fixed speed limit. This allows high-speed operation in safe zones while gradually reducing speed near boundaries to prevent accidental entry.
4Reliability
If a large operation zone is established around the machine to ensure complete boundary compliance, then safety is improved, but the machine's ability to operate in confined spaces is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The operation zone size is made dynamic and context-dependent. The system calculates the minimum necessary buffer distance based on machine characteristics, terrain features, and environmental factors. In confined spaces where a large operation zone would prevent operation, the system adjusts the zone size to the minimum safe distance, allowing the machine to operate in confined areas while maintaining boundary compliance through continuous monitoring and control.
Solution Approach 2:
The operation zone is applied locally with different boundary distances in different directions based on local conditions. Rather than using a uniform circular zone, the system adjusts the boundary distance independently in each direction based on terrain features, hazardous areas, and operational context, allowing optimal operation in confined spaces while maintaining safety where hazards exist.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for operating a mining machine with respect to a geofence. One system includes an electronic processor configured to determine a first virtual operation zone positioned around the mobile industrial machine, where the first virtual operation zone is a dynamic area around the mobile industrial machine. The electronic processor is also configured to modify a parameter of the first virtual operation zone.