Machine Position Guidance System with Target Orientation Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current rear parking assistance systems for vehicles do not consider a fixed target location or orientation on a worksite, making it difficult for operators to accurately maneuver machines to specific destinations.

Innovation Solution

A system that includes a position detection module to generate signals for the actual position and orientation of a machine, a display unit, and a controller to determine and display a view with indicators for the machine's current position and target position, along with a suggested path, to assist operators in maneuvering the machine to a target location and orientation on the worksite.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If rear view cameras and proximity sensors are used to provide basic parking assistance, then operators can see nearby obstacles and distance, but operators cannot accurately determine the machine's position relative to a fixed target location or orientation on the worksite

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition measurement precisionVSAvoidtarget location information
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides continuous feedback to the operator by displaying the machine's actual position (first indicator) and target position (second indicator) on a graphical representation of the worksite. The controller receives position data from the position detection module and updates the display in real-time, allowing the operator to see how close the machine is to the target location and orientation, thereby improving measurement precision and eliminating information loss about target location.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces an intermediary graphical representation of the worksite that mediates between the raw position data from sensors and the operator's understanding of the machine's location. This visual intermediary includes indicators showing actual position, target position, and suggested path, translating complex position data into intuitive visual information that helps operators accurately maneuver to target locations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If no target position guidance is provided, then the system remains simple, but operators cannot efficiently maneuver the machine to specific destinations on the worksite

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemaneuvering efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by pre-calculating and displaying a suggested path from the machine's current position to the target position. The controller determines this path in advance and presents it to the operator through the display device, allowing the operator to plan the maneuvering route before executing it, thereby improving maneuvering efficiency without requiring complex real-time decision-making systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system adds another dimension to the operator's situational awareness by providing a top-down graphical representation of the worksite layout, rather than just rearward or side views. This dimensional change allows operators to understand the spatial relationship between the machine, target location, and suggested path in a comprehensive 2D overview, improving maneuvering efficiency while maintaining manageable system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Ease of operation

If basic proximity indicators are used, then the system is easy to operate, but operators lack visual feedback showing the machine's actual position relative to the target position

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem operabilityVSAvoidposition relative information
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses color changes and visual distinctions to convey position relative information efficiently. The first indicator represents actual position while the second indicator represents target position, and their visual relationship on the display provides intuitive feedback about the machine's location relative to the target. This visual encoding maintains ease of operation while eliminating information loss about relative position.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

Data Source

PatentUS10228232B2Operator assistance system
Publication Date: 2019.03.12 CATERPILLAR INC
  • US10228232B2 patent drawing
  • US10228232B2 patent drawing
  • US10228232B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A system having a controller is provided. The controller receives a signal indicative of an actual position and an actual orientation of a machine on a worksite, from a position detection module. The controller determines a first view of the machine on the worksite. The first view shows the actual position of the machine and a target position of the machine. A path is determined between the first and the second indicator. The controller determines a view of the machine on the worksite. The view has a first and a second indicator. The first indicator is indicative of the actual position and the actual orientation of the machine. The second indicator is indicative of the target position and a target orientation of the machine and includes a target circle. The controller displays the view based, at least in part, on the actual position of the machine relative to the target position on a display unit.