Grading Vehicle Sensor System for Automated Stake Data Capture

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Solution Overview

Problem

Grading operations in construction sites are inefficient due to the need for operators to stop and manually read handwritten markings on stakes, leading to increased time and effort as they cannot view these markings while operating the grading vehicle.

Innovation Solution

A system and method that utilize site markers with associated grading information, captured by marker sensors on a grading vehicle, to automatically control the vehicle's components based on the identified grading parameters, allowing for continuous operation and accurate surface grading without the need for manual intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the operator manually reads handwritten markings on stakes, then the grading operation can be performed with simple equipment, but the operator must stop the vehicle and exit to view the markings, increasing time and reducing productivity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of viewing stake markingsVSAvoidgrading operation efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of reading handwritten markings with an automated optical/electronic system. A camera mounted on the grading vehicle captures images of stakes, and an onboard computer automatically processes these images to extract grading information, eliminating the need for the operator to manually read markings while the vehicle is moving.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a digital copy of the stake markings through camera imaging. Instead of requiring direct visual inspection of physical handwritten markings, the system captures optical images of the stakes and processes these digital copies to extract grading parameters, allowing continuous operation without stopping the vehicle.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Measurement precision

If the operator stops the vehicle to read stake markings, then accurate grading information can be obtained, but the grading operation time increases and productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of grading informationVSAvoidtime to complete grading operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables continuous grading operations by allowing the vehicle to move continuously while capturing and processing stake information. The camera continuously images stakes as the vehicle moves, and the onboard computer processes this data in real-time, maintaining continuous useful action without interruptions for reading markings.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the time-consuming manual reading process with automated optical capture and digital image processing. The camera rapidly captures stake images and the computer algorithm quickly extracts grading parameters, significantly reducing the time required to obtain accurate grading information compared to manual reading.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Device complexity

If handwritten markings are used on stakes, then the system remains simple and inexpensive, but the operator cannot view markings while operating the vehicle, requiring manual intervention

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of grading systemVSAvoidability to view markings during operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces simple handwritten markings with a digital imaging and processing system. A camera mounted on the vehicle captures images of stakes, and an onboard computer automatically processes these images to extract and display grading information, enabling the operator to view markings while operating the vehicle without significant increases in system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes the grading system multi-functional by combining the camera system used for capturing stake images with the vehicle's existing operational controls. The same imaging system that captures stakes can also provide continuous visual feedback to the operator, serving multiple functions without requiring separate dedicated viewing equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10570588B1Systems and methods for performing grading operations based on data captured from site markers distributed across a worksite

Publication Date: 2020.02.25 BLUE LEAF I P INC

AI summary

A system for performing a grading operation relative to a worksite may include a plurality of site markers positioned at a different site marker locations spaced apart along the worksite. Each site marker may be associated with grading information related to one or more grading parameters to be applied at or adjacent to its respective site marker location within the worksite during the performance of the grading operation. The system may also include a grading vehicle having a marker sensor configured to capture data providing an indication of the grading information from each site marker. In addition, the system may include a controller communicatively coupled to the sensor. The controller may be configured to identify the grading information based on the data received from the marker sensor and control the operation of a component of the grading vehicle during the performance of the grading operation based on the grading parameter(s).