Radar-Based Work Site Mapping for Collision Avoidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Operators of construction and agricultural vehicles face challenges in navigating work sites due to limited visibility, particularly when reversing, leading to potential collisions with obstacles, as current methods rely on memory and shared information which are unreliable for preventing collisions and optimizing maneuvers.
Innovation Solution
An electronic system equipped with radar sensors and processing units on vehicles creates a shared, virtual map of the work site by detecting and classifying objects, using speed and size parameters to determine object types, and associating geographic coordinates, enabling efficient navigation and collision avoidance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If operators rely on memory and shared information to navigate work sites, then they can operate without additional equipment, but collision risk increases and navigation efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the human memory-based navigation system with an automated radar-based detection and mapping system. The radar sensors automatically detect obstacles and the processing unit creates visual maps, substituting the mechanical/cognitive process of human memory with an electronic detection and information processing system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary system consisting of radar sensors, processing units, and display devices that mediate between the operator and the work site environment. This intermediary system processes environmental information and presents it to the operator in a usable format, improving both safety and navigation efficiency.
2Ease of operation
If operators work in reverse with limited visibility, then they can access areas behind vehicles, but collision risk with obstacles increases
Solution Approach 1:
The radar sensors perform preliminary detection of obstacles in the reverse path before the operator initiates reverse movement. The system pre-maps the environment and identifies potential collision risks, allowing the operator to plan safe reverse maneuvers in advance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides continuous feedback to the operator through display devices showing the positions of detected obstacles relative to the vehicle. This feedback loop allows the operator to make real-time adjustments to reverse maneuvers based on the current environmental map.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system significantly improves safety and efficiency by providing a reliable, real-time map of obstacles, reducing the risk of collisions and simplifying vehicle maneuvers through the site, enhancing operator awareness and site familiarity over time.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of radar sensors (3) provided on board of the vehicles (2) moving on the site, said sensors (3) being able to detect objects (O, O') included in a respective area (A, B) of
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic system for mapping a work site that includes a plurality of radar sensors to be provided on vehicles moving on the site, the radar sensors being able to detect objects included in a respective area of detection and acquire their relative positions. The system includes a speed module configured for determining a speed parameter for objects detected by the radar sensors, according to their relative positions. The system also includes a classification module configured for classifying detected objects as standing still or moving objects according to the respective speed parameters, and a map module configured for creating a common map of the site providing the positions of standing still objects detected in the site by said plurality of radar sensors, according to a reference system.