Road Marking Alignment via Visual Cue and GNSS
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The current method for applying road markings is labor-intensive, prone to errors, and requires manual intervention, especially during road resurfacing, where the existing markings need to be raised and repositioned, posing safety risks and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A method and system utilizing a recovery vehicle with a satellite positioning system, camera, and radio frequency communication receiver to accurately determine geolocation data and align a visual cue with the existing paint strip, allowing a paint application vehicle to apply markings with high precision, eliminating the need for manual repositioning and reducing labor-intensive steps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual surveying and marking methods are used, then operators can directly observe and adjust the paint strip position, but the process becomes labor-intensive, time-consuming, and prone to human error
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical surveying methods with an automated optical-mechanical system. The recovery vehicle uses a camera to capture images of the paint strip, a screen to display the images, and a visual cue (arm) aligned with the paint strip for precise positioning. This substitution eliminates manual measurement while maintaining positioning accuracy, thereby improving productivity without sacrificing precision.
2Reliability
If manual surveying and repositioning is performed, then markings can be reproduced on new wearing course, but operators must move in the middle of construction machinery which is dangerous
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables the recovery vehicle to perform surveying and positioning autonomously without requiring operators to physically move among construction machinery. The vehicle captures images, processes them on the displayed screen, and uses the visual cue alignment mechanism to self-determine the correct paint strip position. This self-service capability eliminates exposure to construction zone hazards while maintaining marking reproduction accuracy.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple manual steps are used for surveying and marking, then detailed adjustments can be made, but the process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by capturing images of the paint strip and displaying them on the screen before final positioning is completed. The visual cue (arm) is pre-aligned with the paint strip in the direction of travel, allowing the operator to make precise adjustments based on the displayed image. This preliminary visualization enables accurate positioning to be achieved more quickly, reducing total application time while maintaining high alignment precision.
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 approach significantly reduces the time and labor required for road marking applications, enhances precision, and allows for safer operations by automating the alignment and application process, minimizing errors and the need for manual intervention during road resurfacing.
Implementation Method 1
a satellite positioning system receiver and an antenna providing the receiver with a positioning signal by satellites, the recovery vehicle being configured to determine geolocation data of the route followed from the positioning signal by satellites
Implementation Method 2
the recovery vehicle and/or the paint application vehicle also comprises a radio frequency communication receiver receiving a correction signal for the satellite positioning signal
Implementation Method 3
the recovery vehicle comprises a camera filming the strip of paint in the direction of advance, and a screen displaying the images acquired by the camera
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
A method for applying road markings, comprising: - tracking the path of the paint strip (2) by a survey vehicle (10) including a GNSS antenna (12), by aligning a visual marker (14) with the paint strip (2), the visual marker (14) being aligned with the antenna (12) in the direction of travel, the survey vehicle (10) determining geolocation data of the path followed from the satellite positioning signal, - guidance from the geolocation data of the path followed by a paint application vehicle including a GNSS antenna, a paint application device aligned with the antenna in the direction of travel applying the paint to the road, and a navigation controller piloting it from the geolocation data of the path followed and the GNSS signal.