Silo Vehicle Positioning Using Local Markers Instead of GPS
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Solution Overview
Problem
Locating a specific flat silo or its contents within large silo systems is difficult, especially for employees unfamiliar with the system, and existing methods rely on external GPS data that may be unavailable or unreliable.
Innovation Solution
A method using stationary identification features detected by a detection device, with a control unit determining the work vehicle's position relative to a reference point within the silo system, utilizing optical markings or radio beacons, and integrating inertial measurement to enhance accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If GPS-based positioning is used for locating work vehicles in silo systems, then positioning can be achieved using external infrastructure, but positioning reliability deteriorates due to impaired satellite reception in indoor or covered areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces stationary identification features (optical markers, QR codes, or radio beacons) as intermediary objects within the silo system. These features serve as local reference points that the detection device on the work vehicle can detect independently of external GPS infrastructure, enabling reliable positioning in areas with impaired satellite reception.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the GPS satellite-based electromagnetic positioning system with a local detection system using optical cameras or radio frequency beacons. This substitution eliminates dependency on external satellite infrastructure, ensuring continuous positioning availability both outdoors and in covered indoor areas.
2Measurement precision
If multiple identification features are deployed throughout the silo system to improve positioning accuracy, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases due to additional markers and detection requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the large silo system into multiple zones, each marked with stationary identification features. By segmenting the positioning space and distributing multiple reference points throughout the area, the system achieves higher positioning precision through triangulation or multi-point reference while keeping each individual marker simple and standardized.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs universal identification features (standardized optical markers or radio beacons) that serve multiple functions: they provide positioning references, can be detected by various detection devices (cameras, 3D scanners, radio receivers), and work across different environmental conditions. This universality reduces overall system complexity despite the presence of multiple features.
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
Enables precise vehicle positioning within the silo system, independent of external GPS, facilitating navigation and automated processing functions, and improving accuracy through data fusion and inertial compensation.
Implementation Method 1
at least one stationary identification feature is detected by means of a detection device assigned to the work vehicle
Implementation Method 2
a stereo camera, a 3D scanner or, in the case of a radio beacon, a corresponding radio receiver can be used to record the identification feature
Implementation Method 3
The sensor-detected angular misalignment of the work vehicle is compensated for by an inertial measurement unit (IMU) located in the work vehicle by measuring pitching about a transverse axis and/or rolling about a longitudinal axis of the work vehicle
Data Source
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AI summary
In a method for determining the position of a work vehicle (10) in a silo system, it is provided that at least one stationary identification feature (44) is detected by means of a detection device (20) assigned to the work vehicle (10) and, based on the detected identification feature (44), a control unit (14) reads out from a data memory (22, 24) a position assigned to this identification feature in relation to a predetermined reference position (74) within the silo system consisting of a plurality of flat silos (52), wherein a spatial position of the work vehicle (10) in relation to the identification feature (44) is additionally determined by means of the detection device (20) and, by comparison with the read-out position of the identification feature (44), is set in relation to the predetermined reference position (74) and output as the current position of the work vehicle (10) via a data interface (18).