NLOS Worksite Plan Execution With Readiness Validation and Mode Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing worksite management systems face inefficiencies and safety hazards due to manual intervention, semi-autonomous, or fully-autonomous machine operations, particularly in non-line-of-sight (NLOS) environments, where obstacles and resource allocation challenges hinder task completion and project scheduling.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that enables a non-line-of-sight (NLOS) controller to receive and transmit worksite plans, validate site readiness, and switch machine operation modes between manual, remote-controlled, and autonomous operations, using a communication network to coordinate machines and ensure safe and efficient task execution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If machines operate semi-autonomously or fully-autonomously, then productivity increases, but safety hazards increase due to personnel being in danger of contact with machines
Solution Approach 1:
A remote operator positioned at a non-line-of-sight (NLOS) location serves as an intermediary between the worksite and the control center. This intermediary receives real-time data from machines and personnel, makes operational decisions, and transmits commands to machines, thereby enabling autonomous operation while maintaining safety through remote supervision without direct line-of-sight exposure to hazardous zones
Solution Approach 2:
The control system is segmented into multiple hierarchical levels: autonomous machine controllers at the machine level, a remote operator interface at the NLOS location, and a central worksite management system. This segmentation allows different functions to be performed at appropriate levels of autonomy, with critical safety functions handled by the remote operator and routine operations managed autonomously by machines
2Object-affected harmful factors
If personnel operate machines manually, then safety is improved through direct observation, but productivity decreases due to manual intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operation with automated control systems. Machines are equipped with sensors, processors, and actuators that enable autonomous navigation, operation, and obstacle detection. This substitution eliminates the need for personnel to physically operate machines while maintaining safety through electronic monitoring and remote operator intervention when necessary
3Productivity
If remote control operation is used, then productivity increases, but difficulty in identifying project completion status and allocating resources increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements comprehensive feedback mechanisms where machines continuously transmit operational data, location information, and task completion status to the remote operator and central management system. Real-time feedback enables the remote operator to monitor project progress accurately, assess completion status, and make informed resource allocation decisions without being physically present at the worksite
Solution Approach 2:
The remote operator interface serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a control station for machine operations, a monitoring platform for safety and progress tracking, a communication hub for coordination, and a decision-support system for resource management. This multi-functionality consolidates various operational needs into a single unified interface
4Ease of operation
If semi-autonomous machines are deployed, then ease of operation improves, but device complexity increases due to mode switching requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is designed to be dynamic and adaptive, automatically adjusting the level of autonomy based on operational conditions. The system can transition between autonomous and remote-controlled modes seamlessly, with the remote operator intervening only when necessary. This dynamic approach simplifies operation by handling routine tasks autonomously while maintaining the option for human oversight when complexity arises
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes receiving a worksite plan to be executed by at least one machine at a worksite from a computing device of a supervising entity, the controller being located at a non-line-of-sight (NLOS) location with respect to the worksite. The worksite plan may include a boundary of the worksite at which the worksite plan is implemented, at least one task defining the worksite plan, and a selection of at least one machine to perform the task. The method may include receiving a validation signal from a device located at the worksite, the validation indicating that the worksite is ready for implementation of the worksite plan based on at least one parameter of worksite readiness. The method may include selecting a first mode of operation of the machine to perform the task and transmitting first instructions to the machine to perform the task based on the first mode of operation.