Transport Vehicle Position Estimation with Box-Bed Imaging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems fail to accurately estimate the position of a transport vehicle with respect to a working machine when the type of transport vehicle changes, as they require a fixed length measurement that varies by vehicle type.

Innovation Solution

A transport vehicle position estimating device that includes a distance image acquiring part and a calculation part to determine the box bed scope and dischargeable region, allowing for accurate positioning regardless of vehicle type, using LiDAR, stereo cameras, or TOF sensors to capture three-dimensional information.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a fixed length measurement from rear to front of the transport vehicle is used, then the position estimation is simple, but the position cannot be estimated when the kind of transport vehicle is changed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition estimation systemVSAvoidvehicle type adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical measurement approach (physical length measurement from rear to front) with an optical/image processing approach. The distance image acquiring part captures images of the box bed, and the calculation part processes these images to determine the box bed scope and position, eliminating the need for physical contact measurement and enabling adaptability to different vehicle types.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses image copying to represent the physical box bed. Instead of measuring the actual vehicle dimensions, the system captures a visual copy (distance image) of the box bed and processes this copy to determine position. This allows the system to adapt to any vehicle type without physical contact, as long as the box bed can be imaged.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Adaptability or versatility

If manual measurement of vehicle dimensions is performed, then the system can adapt to different vehicle types, but the operation becomes complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevehicle type adaptabilityVSAvoidoperation simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-measurement by automatically capturing images of the box bed and calculating its scope without requiring external measurement tools or manual input. The distance image acquiring part and calculation part work together to automatically determine the box bed boundaries and position, making the system both adaptable and easy to operate.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent accelerates the measurement process by using optical imaging and automated image processing instead of manual measurement. The calculation part quickly processes the captured images to determine the box bed scope, significantly reducing the time required compared to manual measurement methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #38Strong oxidants (Accelerated oxidation)

3Reliability

If the position estimation system requires known vehicle dimensions, then calculations are straightforward, but the system cannot handle changes in transport vehicle kind

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition estimation accuracyVSAvoidvehicle type flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by capturing the distance image of the box bed before any position calculation is performed. This pre-captured image data serves as the basis for determining the box bed scope and subsequent position estimation, allowing the system to adapt to any vehicle type that can be imaged without requiring pre-programmed dimension data.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 automatic determination of the transport vehicle's position relative to the working machine, ensuring accurate discharge operations even when the vehicle type changes, enhancing operational efficiency and safety.

Implementation Method 1

using LiDAR, stereo cameras, or TOF sensors to capture three-dimensional information

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLiDAR: LIDAR

Implementation Method 2

using LiDAR, stereo cameras, or TOF sensors to capture three-dimensional information

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTime of Flight: Time of Flight

Data Source

PatentUS12441562B2Device for assessing position of conveyance vehicle

Publication Date: 2025.10.14 KOBELCO CONSTR MASCH CO LTD

AI summary

The transport vehicle position estimating device includes: a distance image acquiring part for acquiring a distance image of a box bed; and a calculation part. The calculation part sets a box bed scope indicative of a positional extent of the box bed on the basis of the distance image of the box bed acquired by the distance image acquiring part. The calculation part acquires a dischargeable region indicative of a dischargeable extent of the attachment under the condition that the attachment is operated but the lower travelling body is not travelled. The calculation part determines whether the box bed scope falls within the dischargeable region.