Shape Measuring System with Time-Stamped 3D Data for Excavators

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing shape measuring systems for work machines, such as excavators, face challenges in managing construction situations due to varying object positions and changing ground inclinations over time, leading to inconsistencies in measurement results.

Innovation Solution

A shape measuring system comprising an object detection unit, a shape detection unit, and an information providing unit attached to a work machine, which detects objects, outputs three-dimensional shape information, and attaches time information to specify the measurement context, including the posture and azimuth of the work machine, to manage construction site landforms effectively.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of moving object

If measurement is performed at different timing or in changed posture states, then the work machine can capture construction site changes over time, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to ground inclination changes and position variations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement time spanVSAvoidshape measurement accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent attaches time information parameters to shape measurement results, allowing the system to track and differentiate measurements taken at different times. This parameter addition enables chronological analysis while maintaining awareness of measurement conditions, resolving the contradiction between extended measurement duration and precision maintenance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides feedback by attaching and managing time information alongside shape data, enabling the user to understand the temporal context of each measurement. This feedback mechanism allows for proper interpretation of measurement variations, distinguishing between actual shape changes and changes due to measurement timing or posture differences.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Adaptability or versatility

If detection results from various situations are used for construction management, then the versatility of the system improves, but the reliability of construction management deteriorates due to inconsistent measurement conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconstruction management flexibilityVSAvoidconstruction management reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

By attaching time information and identification information to each shape measurement, the system creates a comprehensive parameter set that captures the context of each measurement. This allows versatile use of data from different situations while maintaining reliability through proper contextual identification and tracking of measurement conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the measurement data by attaching identification information that distinguishes measurements taken from different positions and postures. This segmentation allows the system to handle diverse measurement situations separately and appropriately, improving both versatility in data collection and reliability in data interpretation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS10508416B2Shape measuring system and shape measuring method
Publication Date: 2019.12.17 KOMATSU LTD
  • US10508416B2 patent drawing
  • US10508416B2 patent drawing
  • US10508416B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A shape measuring system includes an object detection unit attached to a work machine and configured to detect an object and output information of the object, a shape detection unit configured to output shape information representing a three-dimensional shape of the object by using the information of the object detected by the object detection unit, and an information providing unit configured to attach time information for specifying the shape information to the shape information and output the shape information.