Construction Machine Guidance Correction for Sensor Mounting Error
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing construction machines with machine guidance functions face challenges in accurately assisting operator operations when sensors are not installed or replaced at the correct positions.
Innovation Solution
A work assistance system that includes a sensor unit on a moving part of a construction machine to acquire posture information, a portable information terminal device to process and correct mounting errors, and a notification unit to assist operators with accurate operation guidance, using image processing to calculate and correct sensor mounting errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a sensor is mounted on a moving part for machine guidance, then the work assistance function can be provided, but if the sensor is not arranged at the correct position, the accuracy of operator assistance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by capturing images of the sensor unit at multiple known positions before actual operation. These images are used to calculate mounting error in advance, which is then used to correct posture information during operation, eliminating the need for precise initial sensor placement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical approach of precisely positioning the sensor with an optical/image processing approach. By using image processing to detect sensor position and calculate mounting errors, the system substitutes complex mechanical positioning with automated visual detection and computational correction
2Ease of repair
If sensor replacement is performed for maintenance, then the sensor can be replaced easily, but the sensor may not be arranged at the correct position after replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service by automatically detecting the sensor's mounting position through image processing and autonomously calculating the mounting error. This eliminates the need for manual positioning or calibration by technicians, allowing anyone to replace the sensor without specialized knowledge while the system automatically compensates for positioning errors
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring the sensor's actual position through image capture and comparison with the reference position. The calculated mounting error is fed back to correct the posture information, creating a closed-loop system that automatically compensates for installation variations
3Measurement precision
If image processing is performed to calculate mounting error, then the posture information can be corrected, but additional processing time is required
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs the computationally intensive image processing and mounting error calculation as a preliminary action during setup or maintenance periods, rather than in real-time during operation. This separates the time-consuming calibration process from the actual work assistance function, minimizing impact on operational efficiency
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention enables proper assistance of an operation by an operator even when a sensor is not disposed in the correct position. In a method for controlling a work assistance system 1 that assists work of an operator by using a machine guidance function, the work assistance system 1 comprises: a sensor unit 11 that is held by a moving part 5 of a construction machine 2 and acquires attitude information by using a sensor; and a portable information terminal device 13 that acquires, by means of data communication with the sensor unit 11, the attitude information acquired by the sensor unit 11, and that, on the basis of the attitude information, reports information for assisting an operation by the operator. The method for controlling the work assistance system comprises: an imaging result acquisition step SP2 for acquiring an imaging result from the moving part 5 having the sensor unit 11; an error calculation step SP5 for subjecting the imaging result to image processing to calculate a mounting error of the sensor unit 11 with respect to a reference mounting position; and a correction step SP6 for using the mounting error to correct the attitude information.