Road Construction Machine Positioning via Integrated LiDAR and Camera
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for positioning road construction machines, such as pavers and milling machines, are complex and prone to errors due to the need for multiple total stations that must be constantly repositioned and referenced as the machines move, leading to inaccuracies and increased setup time.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a first measuring unit with a camera and LiDAR sensor module, along with markers, generates continuous data to determine the pose of the machine in a 3D construction site coordinate system, reducing reliance on external total stations and minimizing human error, and optionally incorporating GNSS receivers and IMU for enhanced accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple total stations are used to determine the position of the road construction machine, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity and setup time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the positioning function from multiple external total stations and consolidates it into a single integrated measuring unit mounted on the road construction machine itself. This measuring unit combines camera, LiDAR sensor, and GNSS receiver to determine the machine's position and pose independently, eliminating the need for multiple external total stations and their complex setup procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The measuring unit on the road construction machine performs multiple functions: it captures images via camera, generates 3D point clouds via LiDAR, receives positioning data via GNSS, and determines the machine's position and pose in 6 degrees of freedom. This multi-functional integration replaces the specialized but complex system of multiple total stations.
2Measurement precision
If total stations are constantly repositioned and referenced as the machine moves, then the measurement precision is maintained, but the loss of time increases due to frequent setup and referencing operations
Solution Approach 1:
The measuring unit mounted on the road construction machine continuously captures data and determines position without interruption. The camera continuously captures images, LiDAR continuously generates point clouds, and GNSS continuously provides positioning data, enabling continuous position determination without the need to stop for repositioning total stations or performing referencing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The road construction machine itself carries the measuring unit that serves its positioning needs. The system uses the machine's own movement and the integrated sensors to continuously determine its position, eliminating the need for external total stations that would require manual repositioning and referencing by operators.
3Measurement precision
If traditional total station systems are used, then the measurement capability is sufficient, but the reliability decreases due to potential error sources in positioning and referencing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple measurement and positioning technologies (camera imaging, LiDAR 3D scanning, and GNSS satellite positioning) into a single integrated measuring unit. This combination provides redundant measurement capabilities and cross-validation, reducing the impact of errors in any single system and improving overall reliability compared to using total stations alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical total station system with an electronic/optical/digital system combining camera imaging, LiDAR laser scanning, and GNSS satellite signals. This substitution eliminates manual mechanical setup and referencing operations, reducing human error and improving the reliability of position determination.
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
This solution simplifies and improves the positioning of road construction machines by allowing continuous, accurate determination of their pose in six degrees of freedom, reducing errors and setup time, while maintaining high accuracy and flexibility in dynamic construction environments.
Implementation Method 1
a first LiDAR sensor module configured for generating first three-dimensional point cloud data in a first detection range
Implementation Method 2
at least a first camera and a first LiDAR sensor module, wherein camera and LiDAR data are recorded covering the first detection range
Data Source
AI summary
A system for positioning of a road construction machine of the type paver. The system comprises a first measuring unit configured for continuously generating first measuring data in a first detection range during a movement of the road construction machine and comprising at least a first camera and a first LiDAR sensor module, wherein camera and LiDAR data are recorded covering the first detection range with minimum repetition rate and minimum resolution, and several markers. The system further comprises a data memory, wherein the data memory has stored a 3D design model referenced with respect to a 3D construction site coordinate system and information about a known absolute reference of the several markers in the 3D construction site coordinate system, and a computing unit.