Roadway Marking Alignment via Vision-Based Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current roadway marking maintenance technologies are inefficient and prone to human error, requiring manual labor and multiple operators to align and dispense new markings over pre-existing ones, leading to inaccuracies and increased operational costs, while also posing safety risks to operators.
Innovation Solution
A machine vision-based control system that automatically aligns and dispenses new roadway marking material directly over pre-existing marks, using a vehicle-mounted camera to image the mark pattern and adjust the dispensing hardware for precise alignment and timing, reducing the need for manual operators and improving accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual operators are used to align and dispense roadway marking material, then the system can operate with simple equipment, but the positioning accuracy and consistency of mark placement deteriorates due to human error
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical alignment operations with an automated vision-based system. A camera captures images of pre-existing roadway marks, and a computer processing system automatically determines the precise positioning of new marking material relative to the captured marks, eliminating human error in alignment while maintaining operational simplicity through automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-alignment by using the pre-existing roadway marks themselves as reference points. The camera captures these marks, and the computer processing system automatically calculates positioning based on the captured images, allowing the system to self-correct and self-align without external intervention or complex external referencing equipment.
2Productivity
If multiple operators are deployed for maintenance striping, then the coverage area increases, but the operational cost and safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs multiple functions automatically: the camera automatically captures roadway mark images, the computer processing system automatically analyzes the images to determine positioning and timing, and the marking material is automatically dispensed. This eliminates the need for multiple manual operators, reducing both operational costs and safety risks associated with having personnel on or near the roadway.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual labor operations with an automated integrated system combining vision sensing and material dispensing. The computer processing system coordinates the entire maintenance striping process, from capturing roadway mark images to determining precise dispensing timing and positioning, thereby eliminating the need for multiple operators and associated safety hazards.
3Manufacturing precision
If automated vision systems are implemented for mark alignment, then positioning precision improves, but the device complexity and initial cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a vision-based automated alignment system where a camera captures images of pre-existing roadway marks and a computer processing system automatically determines the precise positioning of new marking material. This substitution of manual alignment with automated image processing achieves high mark placement accuracy while managing system complexity through software-based solutions rather than complex mechanical positioning mechanisms.
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 enhances the accuracy and efficiency of roadway marking maintenance by automating the alignment and dispensing process, reducing operational costs and improving safety by minimizing the need for manual labor and reducing errors in mark placement.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnetic radiation source attached to the marker for producing a mark pattern on the roadway surface
Data Source
AI summary
A control system for positioning a marker over a pre-existing roadway surface mark. The control system has an electromagnetic radiation source attached to the marker for producing a mark pattern on the roadway surface. An imager permits the control system to image both the pre-existing roadway surface mark and the mark pattern produced by the electromagnetic radiation source. A computer is responsive to the imager for producing an error signal based upon the location difference between (a) the image of the pre-existing roadway surface mark and (b) the image of the mark pattern produced by the electromagnetic radiation source. An actuator is responsive to the error signal for positioning the marker over the pre-existing.