Implement Position Detection Using Sensor Fusion and Target Recognition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Human operators of earth-moving machines like bulldozers and excavators often make mistakes due to inattention or distraction when determining the location and orientation of the implement, leading to inefficiencies and potential errors in contouring and operation.
Innovation Solution
A non-contact sensor system that includes a combination of radar, laser, or visual sensors to determine the position and orientation of the implement relative to the mobile machine, using recognized features such as edges, corners, or telltales, and calibrating with a database of operating envelope characteristics to provide accurate location and orientation information without physical contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If human operators manually determine the location and orientation of the implement, then the system is simple and easy to operate, but mistakes and errors occur due to inattention or distraction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual visual estimation system with an automated sensor-based measurement system. Sensors (cameras, LIDAR, radar) mounted on the mobile machine automatically detect and calculate the position and orientation of the implement, substituting human cognitive judgment with mechanical/electronic measurement systems that eliminate operator error.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces target objects with distinctive markings as intermediaries between the implement and the sensors. These targets serve as reference points that the sensors can reliably detect and use to calculate implement position and orientation, bridging the gap between the physical implement and the digital measurement system.
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are used to improve measurement accuracy, then position determination precision improves, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple types of sensors (cameras, LIDAR, radar) into an integrated sensor system that works together to measure implement position and orientation. By merging different sensing modalities, the system achieves high measurement precision through data fusion while managing complexity through unified processing architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the sensor system and target objects to serve multiple functions: the same targets are used for both position and orientation determination, and the sensor system can adapt to different implement types and measurement scenarios, reducing the need for specialized equipment for each function.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system enables precise and reliable determination of implement position and orientation, reducing operator errors and improving operational efficiency by providing accurate data for the machine's operating envelope, allowing for accurate positioning and orientation without the need for human intervention.
Implementation Method 1
A non-contact sensor system that includes a combination of radar, laser, or visual sensors to determine the position and orientation of the implement
Implementation Method 2
A non-contact sensor system that includes a combination of radar, laser, or visual sensors to determine the position and orientation of the implement
Implementation Method 3
using recognized features such as edges, corners, or telltales
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and system for non-contact location and orientation determination for an implement coupled with a mobile machine. One example detects an orientation of a recognized feature of an implement with a sensor mounted at a fixed location on the mobile machine. A range from the sensor to the recognized feature of the implement is also determined. In addition, a known operating envelope of the implement coupled with the mobile machine is accessed. The known operating envelope of the implement is then combined with the orientation and the range from the sensor to determine a position of the implement with respect to the mobile machine.