GPS Roadway Marker Replicating Pre-existing Markings
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current roadway marking technologies are manually intensive, pose safety risks to workers, and struggle with accuracy and efficiency, particularly in repaving scenarios where pre-existing mark paths need to be accurately replicated and new paths created parallel to them.
Innovation Solution
A GPS-based system that samples discrete geographical location data of pre-existing roadway marks, computes a continuous smooth geographical location function, and automatically replicates the marks using a marker responsive to the GPS-based locator, allowing for accurate and efficient deposition of paint or other materials along the mark path, including the creation of parallel paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual measurement and painting methods are used to define roadway center lines, then workers can directly position and paint markings, but personal safety is at significant risk and the process is manually intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical positioning and measurement with an automated GPS-based guidance system. The system uses satellite positioning to automatically determine the vehicle's location and guide the paint application along the precise roadway center line, eliminating the need for workers to manually measure and position themselves on the road.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables the paint application equipment to guide itself automatically using GPS coordinates. The control system processes location data and autonomously controls the paint sprayer operation without requiring manual intervention for positioning, allowing the equipment to service itself through automated navigation.
2Productivity
If multiple workers are deployed to measure and paint roadway markings, then the task can be completed, but the manual labor intensity increases and safety risks are amplified
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces multiple human workers with an automated vehicle-mounted system that integrates GPS reception, computer processing, and controlled paint dispensing. This single automated unit performs the functions previously requiring multiple workers, reducing workforce complexity while maintaining or improving productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated system performs multiple functions within a single integrated platform: GPS signal reception, location calculation, path determination, and controlled paint application. This multi-functional approach consolidates what previously required separate workers for measurement, guidance, and painting into one universal system.
3Productivity
If roadway markings are applied during late evening hours to minimize traffic impact, then traffic flow is maintained, but visibility is impeded and collision risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual guidance methods with an electronic GPS-based guidance system that operates independently of ambient light conditions. The satellite-based positioning and electronic control systems function effectively during nighttime, eliminating the visibility problems that plague manual operations while maintaining the same traffic flow benefits.
4Extent of automation
If GPS-based automated paint sprayers are used to mark roadways, then manual labor is reduced, but the system requires predetermined drawing patterns that may not correspond exactly with actual roadway positions
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously receives GPS location data during vehicle movement and uses this real-time feedback to dynamically adjust and determine the actual roadway center line position. This feedback mechanism allows the system to adapt to the true roadway geometry rather than relying on predetermined patterns, ensuring high precision in mark path accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system collects and processes GPS location data points along the roadway center line during a preliminary survey pass before actual paint application. This preliminary action establishes the accurate reference path that will be used to guide the paint sprayer, ensuring that the final markings precisely follow the true roadway center line.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for placing marks on a resurfaced roadway. The apparatus includes a GPS-based locator for sampling discrete geographical location data of a pre-existing roadway mark evident on the roadway before resurfacing. A computer determines a continuous smooth geographical location function fitted to the sampled geographical location data. And a marker is responsive to the GPS-based locator and geographical location function for replicating automatically the pre-existing roadway mark onto the resurfaced roadway. The apparatus is typically part of a moving vehicle. A related method is disclosed for placing marks on a resurfaced roadway. A similar apparatus can be used to guide a vehicle having a snow plow along a snow covered roadway, or a paving machine along an unpaved roadway surface.