Machine Position Tracking With Reference Points for Worksite Accuracy

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing positioning systems for work machines at construction sites are often inadequate, lacking high-precision satellite-based systems, and retrofitting with such systems is costly and laborious, while total station-based systems require frequent setup and teardown.

Innovation Solution

A method utilizing a positioning system with reference markers and markers on the machine, tracked by tracking apparatuses, which determine location and orientation through visual communication, allowing semi-automated or automated data acquisition and adjustment for high accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If satellite-based positioning system is used, then positioning coverage is improved, but positioning precision deteriorates when satellite signal is unavailable or insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning coverageVSAvoidpositioning precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces reference points as intermediary objects in the worksite environment. These reference points serve as local mediators that enable precise positioning without relying on satellite signals. The tracking apparatus captures images of these reference points to determine machine position and orientation with high precision in GPS-denied environments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the satellite-based electromagnetic positioning system with an optical-mechanical tracking system. Instead of using satellite signals, the system uses a tracking apparatus with imaging capability to capture reference points and calculate position through image processing and coordinate transformation, substituting one positioning mechanism with another that works in the specific worksite context.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If total station-based positioning system is used, then positioning precision is improved, but device complexity and setup time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoidsystem setup complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the positioning system into simple, distributed reference points rather than a complex centralized total station system. Each reference point is an independent, easily deployable element that can be placed throughout the worksite. This segmentation reduces the complexity of individual components while maintaining overall positioning precision through multiple observation points.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a dynamic positioning system where the tracking apparatus can move with the machine and reference points can be strategically positioned throughout the worksite. This dynamic configuration allows the system to adapt to different worksite layouts and machine positions, reducing setup complexity compared to fixed total station installations while maintaining precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Measurement precision

If total station-based positioning system is used, then positioning precision is improved, but loss of time increases due to frequent setup and removal

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoidsetup and removal time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by pre-positioning reference points throughout the worksite before machine operations begin. These reference points remain in place throughout the workday, eliminating the need for repeated setup and removal. The tracking apparatus simply needs to acquire images of these pre-positioned reference points to determine position, significantly reducing time loss compared to total station systems that require daily setup.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Measurement precision

If high-precision positioning system is retrofitted to older machine, then positioning precision is improved, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoidcost-effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs cheap, simple reference points that can be easily manufactured and deployed without significant investment. These reference points serve as cost-effective alternatives to expensive high-precision positioning systems. The tracking apparatus itself is a relatively simple device compared to sophisticated total stations or satellite-based systems, making the overall solution cost-effective for retrofitting older machines.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Data Source

PatentEP3828499B1Method for determining location and orientation of machine

Publication Date: 2026.05.06 NOVATRON

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AI summary

A method for determining location and orientation of a machine in a worksite. The worksite is equipped with at least one reference point (RP). The method comprises setting a tracking apparatus on the machine, tracking the machine with the tracking apparatus by determining location of at least one reference point (RP) in the worksite with respect to the tracking apparatus, transmitting data from the tracking apparatus to a position determination unit regarding the tracking, and determining by the position determination unit based at least in part on the data received from the tracking apparatus the location and orientation of the machine in the worksite.