Road Construction Machine Guidance Using Laser Path Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for guiding road construction machines along a desired path are labor-intensive, require skilled operators, and are limited by human factors, especially in conditions with sporadic or inconsistent reference points, and are not suitable for various types of road construction machines.
Innovation Solution
A machine guidance system (MGS) equipped with machine position sensors, laser-based sensors, and processing units that capture scans of the road surface to identify critical points and generate a digital desired travel path, providing real-time instructions for alignment, which can include automatic steering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If visual observation methods with hanging chains are used to guide road construction machines, then operators can maintain fixed distance from reference points, but the method becomes labor-intensive and requires highly skilled operators with continual visual observation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical visual observation system (hanging chains and human operators) with an automated optical sensing system. Laser-based sensors and cameras capture images of the road surface, and a processing unit automatically identifies critical points and generates guidance paths, eliminating the need for skilled operators to continuously observe and manually adjust machine position.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables the road construction machine to guide itself automatically. The processing unit on the machine independently processes sensor data, identifies critical points on the road surface, generates desired travel paths, and provides steering instructions without requiring external human intervention or observation.
2Ease of operation
If visual observation methods are used for guiding machines, then operators can correct machine position, but the method is very slow and dangerous as it requires operators to walk alongside the machine
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the slow mechanical process of operators walking alongside machines with automated optical sensing and computer processing. Laser-based sensors and cameras continuously capture road surface images, and the processing unit rapidly identifies critical points and generates guidance instructions, enabling real-time automated machine control without human operators in danger zones.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary automated guidance system between the operator and the machine control process. The processing unit acts as a mediator that receives sensor data, processes it to identify critical points, generates desired travel paths, and provides steering instructions, thereby eliminating the need for operators to physically position themselves alongside moving machinery.
3Adaptability or versatility
If visual observation methods are used to guide machines, then operators can maintain desired position, but the method is limited by human factors and not suitable for various types of road construction machines
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal guidance system that can be applied to various types of road construction machines. The automated optical sensing and processing unit provides a standardized method for identifying critical points and generating travel paths that works consistently across different machine types, eliminating the limitations of human-specific visual observation methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces human-specific visual observation with machine-based optical sensing that is not subject to human limitations. Laser-based sensors and cameras objectively capture and process road surface features, providing consistent and reliable guidance data that can be universally applied across different machine types and operating conditions without variability introduced by human factors.
4Productivity
If automated laser-based sensing and processing is used to generate digital travel paths, then guidance accuracy and speed improve, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces simple mechanical guidance devices with automated optical sensing and computer processing systems. Laser-based sensors and cameras capture road surface images, and processing units automatically identify critical points and generate digital travel paths, significantly improving guidance speed and accuracy despite the increased complexity of electronic and computational components.
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 accurate and safe guidance of road construction machines along a desired path, increasing speed and reducing operator skill requirements, and is usable in various site conditions, including those with sporadic reference points, thereby improving the efficiency and safety of the road construction process.
Implementation Method 1
capture a plurality of scans of a longitudinal boundary condition of the road surface with one or more laser-based sensors
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for guiding a road construction machine using a machine guidance system comprising at least one each of a machine position sensor, a laser-based sensor, and a processing unit. The machine position sensor first measures a position of a road construction machine relative to a road boundary condition. The laser-based sensor then captures a series of scans corresponding to the boundary condition. The processing unit, using the scans, determines an ideal path of travel for the road construction machine. Based on the ideal travel path, the machine guidance system provides instructions to align the current travel path of the road construction machine to the ideal travel path.