Construction Vehicle Mode Priority Control for Safe Transitions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Transitioning between manned and autonomous control modes in construction vehicles is not adequately coordinated, leading to conflicts and undesirable effects on the vehicle's operation.
Innovation Solution
A controller configures the machine to operate in multiple modes (manned, remote, and autonomous) and assigns priorities to each, determining the current and requested modes to selectively allow or deny actions based on priority, ensuring proper transition and reducing conflicts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the construction vehicle allows transition between manned and autonomous modes without coordination, then the vehicle can operate in multiple control modes, but conflicts and undesirable effects occur during mode transitions
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts control authority based on detected operator presence and mode transition requests. The controller continuously monitors operator status and modifies the vehicle's operational mode accordingly, enabling flexible transition between manned and autonomous modes while maintaining stability through real-time adaptation of control parameters
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms by detecting operator presence in the cabin and using this information to determine whether to allow mode transitions. The controller receives feedback about operator status and uses it to make intelligent decisions about permitting transitions, preventing conflicts by ensuring the operator is not present when autonomous mode is activated
2Extent of automation
If the vehicle transitions to autonomous mode while operator is present in cabin, then autonomous operation can be initiated, but conflict arises between manned and autonomous control
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of operator presence before allowing transition to autonomous mode. By checking whether the operator is present in the cabin before permitting mode change, the system prevents conflicting control situations from arising in the first place, ensuring smooth transitions without coordination issues
Solution Approach 2:
The controller acts as an intermediary between the operator and the autonomous control system. It mediates mode transitions by evaluating operator presence and making decisions about whether to permit transitions, preventing direct conflict between manned and autonomous control by controlling the transition process itself
Data Source
AI summary
A controller may configure the machine to operate in a plurality of modes including a manned control mode, a remote control mode, and an autonomous control mode. The controller may receive a request to cause the machine to perform an action; and determine a requested mode of operation of the machine associated with the request. The requested mode of operation may be one of the plurality of modes. The controller may selectively deny the request or enable the machine to perform the action based on a priority assigned to a current mode of operation of the machine and a priority assigned to the requested mode of operation.