Mixer Truck Centering Control Using Remote Discharge Channel Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge of accurately aligning the feed hopper of a mixer truck with the discharging opening of a mixing station is difficult due to narrow channels and blind areas, requiring manual adjustment based on driver experience, leading to low efficiency and safety risks.
Innovation Solution
A control method for mixer trucks and mixing stations that establishes communication and image information exchange, enabling automatic or guided positioning of the mixer truck using video and voice prompts, and automatic centering of the feed hopper and discharging opening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual centering adjustment is used based on driver experience, then the mixer truck can be positioned at the discharging opening, but the alignment accuracy is low and the process is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical centering process with an automated image recognition and control system. Cameras capture images of the feed hopper and discharging opening, the system automatically processes these images to determine alignment status, and provides real-time feedback to guide the driver, eliminating the need for manual experience-based adjustment and significantly reducing centering time while improving accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses image copying technology by capturing visual copies of the feed hopper and discharging opening through cameras. These image copies are then processed by the control system to determine alignment without requiring physical measurement or manual inspection, enabling rapid and accurate centering assessment
2Productivity
If the driver adjusts the position of the mixer truck blindly without real-time feedback, then the driver can operate the vehicle, but the centering efficiency is low and safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a real-time feedback mechanism where the control system continuously monitors the alignment between the feed hopper and discharging opening through image capture and processing. The system provides immediate visual and audio feedback to the driver during the centering process, enabling the driver to make precise adjustments while maintaining awareness of alignment status, thereby improving both efficiency and safety
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary control system that acts as a mediator between the driver and the centering process. This system includes image capture devices, processing units, and feedback interfaces that translate complex alignment requirements into simple, actionable guidance for the driver, reducing the cognitive load and improving operational safety
3Measurement precision
If the prior art centering method is used, then the discharging opening and feed hopper can be aligned in close range, but the method cannot provide guidance when the mixer truck is far away or has large deviation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the centering judgment capability from close-range two-dimensional image analysis to long-range three-dimensional spatial assessment. The system uses multiple cameras and image processing techniques to capture and analyze the relative positions of the feed hopper and discharging opening at various distances and angles, providing comprehensive alignment guidance regardless of the mixer truck's position or deviation magnitude
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention provides a mixer truck and a control method thereof, a mixing station and a control method thereof, and a centering control system, wherein the control method of the mixer truck comprising: establishing communication connection with a mixing station; receiving image information in a target discharging channel after establishing the communication connection with the mixing station, wherein the image information in the target discharging channel comprises position information of a discharging opening to be centered; carrying out driving operation prompting according to the image information in the target discharging channel, or controlling the mixer truck to carry out automatic driving according to the image information in the target discharging channel; and when a centering completion instruction is obtained, confirming that centering is completed. In the present invention, a video image around the discharging opening is sent to the mixer truck through a network and displayed, so that the mixer truck can know the position relation between the mixer truck and the discharging opening from a long distance. The position of the mixer truck is adjusted according to the image or prompt information, long-distance centering is achieved, and the defect that the centering state of the discharging opening can only be judged in a close range in the prior art is overcome.