Multi-Sensor Hauling Machine Loading for Angular Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hauling loads such as dirt, rocks, and construction debris are challenging due to human error, angular misalignment of machines, difficult terrain, and poor visibility, leading to inefficiencies and operational costs.
Innovation Solution
A loading system using diverse sensors and machine perception to determine the orientation of a hauling machine relative to a loading machine, guided by a processor to ensure precise loading.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If human operators perform loading tasks manually, then operational flexibility is maintained, but loading accuracy and efficiency deteriorate due to human error and misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with an automated system using sensors (cameras, LIDAR, radar) and machine perception algorithms to detect fiducial markers and calculate machine orientation, eliminating human error in alignment and positioning while maintaining operational flexibility through programmable control
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses fiducial markers as visual copies or representations of the hauling machine's position and orientation, allowing the loading machine to perceive and respond to the hauling machine's state without direct physical contact or complex mechanical coupling
2Productivity
If operators rely on visual contact to navigate difficult terrain and poor visibility, then situational awareness is maintained, but productivity deteriorates due to restricted line-of-sight requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces human visual perception with machine-based sensors (cameras, LIDAR, radar) that can operate independently of line-of-sight constraints, allowing the system to detect fiducial markers and calculate orientation even in poor visibility conditions, thereby maintaining productivity without human operators needing direct visual contact
Solution Approach 2:
The fiducial marker serves as an intermediary object that carries machine perception information through the environment, allowing the loading machine to acquire orientation data about the hauling machine without requiring direct visual or physical contact, overcoming terrain and visibility barriers
3Manufacturing precision
If the hauling machine is angularly misaligned with the loading machine, then operational flexibility is maintained, but loading precision deteriorates due to misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously detects the fiducial marker on the hauling machine, calculates its orientation and position relative to the loading machine, and uses this feedback information to guide the loading operation, automatically compensating for angular misalignment and maintaining high loading precision regardless of relative machine positions
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts loading guidance based on real-time detection of the hauling machine's orientation and position, allowing the loading machine to adapt its operations to changing relative positions and angles, thereby maintaining precision while preserving operational flexibility
Data Source
AI summary
A loading system is constructed to load a hauling machine by a loading machine. The system includes a fiducial marker affixed to the hauling machine. A set of sensors of diverse sensory modalities is deployed on the loading machine that generate respective signals indicative of the fiducial marker in the corresponding sensor modalities. A processor on the loading machine determines a machine orientation in space of the hauling machine through machine perception applied to the signals. Loading the hauling machine by the loading machine is guided according to the machine orientation.