Autonomous Machine Path End Location Setting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing autonomous and semi-autonomous machine systems require manual mapping of end locations near hazardous areas like crests, which is inefficient and time-consuming, and existing control systems do not effectively determine safe end locations for machine paths based on adjacent paths.
Innovation Solution
A system and method using a position sensor and controller to determine the physical characteristics of adjacent paths and set the end location of a machine's path operation by comparing these characteristics to predetermined thresholds, allowing for autonomous or semi-autonomous operation based on the safety of the determined end location.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual mapping is performed to determine end location near hazardous areas, then safety is improved, but time consumption and operational efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a virtual model (digital twin) of the physical work site using point cloud data from multiple machines. This virtual representation allows the planning system to determine end locations safely and efficiently without requiring manual mapping, as the virtual model can be analyzed and processed automatically while maintaining safety requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary mapping and analysis by collecting point cloud data from multiple machines before autonomous operation begins. The planning system uses this pre-collected data to determine safe end locations in advance, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual mapping during actual operations.
2Measurement precision
If manual operation is required to map end location, then accuracy is improved, but productivity and operational efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses virtual models and digital twins to represent the physical work site, allowing automated determination of end locations with high precision. The planning system analyzes point cloud data from multiple machines to accurately identify hazardous areas and safe end locations without manual intervention, maintaining measurement precision while dramatically improving productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual mechanical mapping operations with automated computational analysis of point cloud data. The planning system uses algorithms to process spatial data and determine end locations, substituting human operators with automated systems that provide equal or superior accuracy while significantly increasing productivity.
3Productivity
If autonomous operation is implemented without manual mapping, then productivity is improved, but safety and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains safety in autonomous operation by using a virtual model (digital twin) that accurately represents the physical work site. The planning system analyzes this virtual representation to determine safe end locations near hazardous areas, allowing autonomous machines to operate productively while safety requirements are met through careful analysis of the virtual model.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from point cloud data collected by multiple machines to continuously refine the virtual model and improve the accuracy of end location determination. This feedback mechanism allows the planning system to learn from actual site conditions and adjust autonomous operation parameters to maintain safety while maximizing productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for setting an end location of a path of operation of a machine at a work site includes a position sensor configured to determine a position of a path at the work site and a controller. The controller is configured to determine a position of a first path and a position of a second path, the first path and the second path defining a pair of paths on opposite sides of the path of operation and determine a physical characteristic of the pair of paths based upon the position of the first path and the position of the second path. The controller is further configured to determine whether the physical characteristic of the pair of paths is less than a threshold characteristic and set the end location of the path of operation if the physical characteristic of the pair of paths is less than the threshold characteristic.