Vehicle Control System Using Retroreflector and GNSS
Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle control systems for construction and transport machines require complex and costly equipment, as well as specialized knowledge, to achieve precise positioning due to inaccuracies in GPS positioning systems, and are dependent on satellite signals or fixed reference stations, which are susceptible to interference.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle control system utilizing two GNSS receivers and a computer unit to generate directional vectors, with a retroreflector and a geodetic surveying device providing exact absolute positions, allowing for high-precision navigation without a GNSS reference station or complex transformations, enabling sharing of positional data among vehicles for simplified and cost-effective operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If DGPS with reference station is used to improve positioning accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a retroreflector to create an optical copy of the vehicle's position that can be measured by the total station. Instead of using complex DGPS reference stations, the system projects the vehicle's spatial coordinates through optical reflection, allowing precise position measurement with simpler equipment. The retroreflector acts as a passive optical element that returns the laser beam to the total station, creating a measurable optical path that copies the position information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the electronic/GNSS-based DGPS system with an optical measurement system using a total station and retroreflector. Instead of relying on satellite signals and complex correction algorithms, the system uses optical laser measurement to directly determine vehicle position, substituting mechanical/optical components for electronic navigation systems.
2Measurement precision
If DGPS with reference station is used to improve positioning accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a retroreflector, which is a simple, inexpensive optical component compared to expensive DGPS reference station equipment. The retroreflector can be easily manufactured and deployed without requiring complex electronics or specialized infrastructure, significantly reducing the overall system cost while maintaining positioning accuracy through optical measurement.
3Ease of operation
If satellite-based GNSS positioning is used, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to signal errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a total station as an intermediary measurement device that provides precise position data to complement or replace GNSS signals. The total station acts as a mediator between the vehicle and the positioning system, offering accurate optical measurement that compensates for GNSS signal errors without requiring the operator to understand complex correction procedures.
4Manufacturing precision
If tachymeter and inclination sensor are used for slipform paver control, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the total station and retroreflector system to multiple types of vehicles and construction applications, creating a universal positioning solution that can replace various specialized measurement systems. The same optical measurement setup can be used for road construction, earthmoving, and other applications, reducing the need for multiple different precision measurement systems.
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 provides equivalent accuracy to traditional systems without the need for complex equipment or specialized knowledge, reducing construction site costs and improving user-friendliness by using GNSS signals and geodetic surveying for precise vehicle control and tool positioning.
Implementation Method 1
at least one retroreflector (2) is arranged on the vehicle (1) in a predetermined position relative to the GNSS receivers (3)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to a vehicle control system, in particular intended for use on construction machinery, comprising at least: two GNSS receivers (3) positioned in a known relation to each other and fixed on a vehicle (1) for receiving signals from navigation satellites (20), a computer unit (4) for processing the signals to generate direction vectors and to generate commands for steering the vehicle depending on the direction vectors, wherein at least one retroreflector (2) is arranged on the vehicle (1) in a predetermined position relative to the GNSS receivers (3), a geodetic surveying instrument (10) is fixedly positioned at a known reference position for determining exact absolute positions of the retroreflector (2), wherein the surveying instrument (10) has a transmitter for transmitting the exact absolute positions to a receiver (6) of the computer unit (4).and the computer unit is designed to generate the instructions further depending on the exact absolute positions.