Movable Relay Monitoring for Stable Work Vehicle Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing work vehicle monitoring systems face challenges in maintaining stable wireless communication between automated travel work vehicles and monitoring terminals, especially in expansive work areas where the position of the monitoring person changes, leading to variable wireless communication states and increased burdens due to the need for multiple relay vehicles and manual tracking of positional relationships.
Innovation Solution
A work vehicle monitoring system that includes a work vehicle with a satellite positioning apparatus, monitoring camera, and vehicle wireless communicator, a monitoring terminal with an operating unit and terminal wireless communicator, and a movable relay apparatus capable of relaying data communication, which allows for real-time tracking and display of wireless communication statuses and positional relationships, enabling immediate rectification of poor communication by adjusting the positions of the monitoring terminal, relay apparatus, and work vehicle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If relay apparatuses are disposed sequentially to extend wireless coverage in expansive work areas, then wireless communication stability is improved, but device complexity and investment costs increase due to the need for multiple relay vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the Dynamics principle by making the relay apparatus movable rather than stationary. The relay apparatus can be repositioned dynamically to optimize wireless communication coverage as the work vehicle moves through the work area. This single movable relay apparatus replaces the need for multiple fixed relay apparatuses, reducing device complexity while maintaining communication stability. The relay apparatus moves to strategic positions to relay signals between the monitoring terminal and work vehicle, adapting to changing spatial relationships during operation.
2Length of stationary object
If multiple unmanned relay vehicles are used to maintain wireless communication over long distances, then communication range is extended, but the burden on monitoring personnel increases due to the need to operate multiple vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the Merging principle by consolidating the functions of multiple relay vehicles into a single relay apparatus. This single apparatus performs all necessary signal relaying functions that would otherwise require multiple vehicles. The monitoring personnel only need to operate one relay apparatus instead of multiple unmanned relay vehicles, significantly reducing the operational burden while maintaining the ability to extend communication range across expansive work areas.
3Reliability
If the monitoring person carries the wireless operating unit to follow the work vehicle, then wireless communication state is maintained, but the monitoring person's mobility and efficiency are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the Intermediary principle by introducing a relay apparatus as a mediator between the monitoring terminal and the work vehicle. The relay apparatus stays positioned at optimal locations to maintain wireless communication, eliminating the need for the monitoring person to physically follow the work vehicle. The monitoring person can remain at a fixed or convenient location while the relay apparatus handles the communication bridging, thus preserving both communication reliability and personnel mobility.
4Area of stationary object
If relay apparatuses are disposed to cover polygonal work areas, then complete area coverage is achieved, but unnecessary relay apparatuses are added due to overlapping coverage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the Dynamics principle to solve the polygonal work area coverage problem. Instead of pre-deploying multiple fixed relay apparatuses to cover the entire polygonal area (which creates overlapping coverage and unnecessary complexity), a single movable relay apparatus is used. This relay apparatus can be dynamically repositioned to cover different sections of the polygonal work area as needed, achieving complete coverage without the need for multiple apparatuses. The relay apparatus moves to positions that optimize coverage for the current work vehicle location, eliminating wasteful overlapping deployment.
Data Source
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AI summary
A work vehicle (1) capable of automated travel, comprising: a satellite positioning apparatus (57); a monitoring camera (3); a vehicle wireless communicator (61); and an automated travel controller (52); a monitoring terminal (4), comprising: an operating unit (42) to be operated by a monitoring person; a monitor (41) capable of displaying a shot image of the monitoring camera (3); and a terminal wireless communicator (43); and a relay apparatus (7) configured or programmed to relay data communication between the vehicle wireless communicator (61) and the terminal wireless communicator (43).