Autonomous Vehicle Zone Mapping for Exclusion-Aware Path Planning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Construction vehicles often require manual operation, which can be hazardous and inefficient, especially in hazardous environments, as existing systems for autonomous or semi-autonomous operation are limited and lack features like boundary definition and exclusion zone management.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a robotics processing unit and a machine automation portal (MAP) application that enables vehicles to be controlled autonomously or semi-autonomously by defining operating zones and exclusion zones on a map, using sensors like GPS, ultrasonic sensors, and 3D cameras to navigate and avoid obstacles, with emergency stop functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual operation is used for construction vehicles, then ease of operation is maintained, but workplace safety deteriorates in hazardous environments
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle is equipped with autonomous navigation capabilities including GPS receivers, ultrasonic sensors, and 3D cameras that enable it to navigate and perform tasks independently without continuous manual control, thereby improving workplace safety while maintaining operational effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical control with an integrated system of sensors (ultrasonic, 3D cameras), GPS receivers, and automated control algorithms that detect obstacles, calculate paths, and execute navigation commands automatically, eliminating the need for direct human intervention in hazardous environments
2Extent of automation
If autonomous operation is implemented without boundary definition, then automation extent increases, but reliability deteriorates due to lack of operational constraints
Solution Approach 1:
Before autonomous operation begins, the system requires preliminary definition of operational boundaries through the MAP application where users specify work zones and exclusion zones. This pre-planning ensures the vehicle operates within safe and intended parameters, maintaining reliability while enabling automation
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle continuously monitors its position using GPS receivers and compares it against the pre-defined boundary coordinates stored in the system. When approaching boundary limits, the system provides feedback through alerts and automatically adjusts navigation to remain within authorized zones, ensuring operational safety
3Productivity
If exclusion zones are not defined, then productivity increases by removing constraints, but harmful factors increase due to potential dangerous areas
Solution Approach 1:
The system requires users to pre-define exclusion zones representing dangerous areas (such as trenches, water bodies, or restricted zones) before autonomous operation begins. This preliminary constraint setup prevents the vehicle from entering harmful areas while allowing maximum productivity within safe boundaries
Solution Approach 2:
By pre-defining exclusion zones, the system establishes preventive measures against entering dangerous areas. The navigation algorithm actively avoids these zones by calculating alternative paths, thereby preventing exposure to harmful factors before they can occur
4Extent of automation
If customized hardware is added for autonomous capabilities, then extent of automation improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs multi-functional sensor units that combine GPS receivers, ultrasonic sensors, and 3D cameras into integrated packages. These universal components serve multiple purposes: navigation, obstacle detection, and environmental mapping, thereby reducing overall system complexity compared to separate specialized hardware for each function
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges multiple autonomous navigation functions (positioning, obstacle detection, path planning, and control) into a single integrated robotics processing unit that coordinates all sensors and actuators. This consolidation reduces device complexity by eliminating the need for multiple separate control 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
Enables safer and more efficient operation of construction vehicles by allowing autonomous or semi-autonomous operation within defined zones, improving workplace safety and reducing manual intervention, while enhancing task execution and obstacle avoidance capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
The vehicle includes global positioning system (GPS) receivers that are configured to determine a position and an orientation of the vehicle
Implementation Method 2
The vehicle includes ultrasonic sensors that are configured to detect obstacles in a path of the vehicle
Implementation Method 3
The vehicle includes three-dimensional (3D) depth cameras that are configured to detect obstacles in a path of the vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
A system for autonomous or semi-autonomous operation of a vehicle is disclosed. The system includes a machine automation portal (MAP) application configured to enable a computing device to (a) display a map of a work site and (b) provide a graphical user interface that enables a user to (i) define a boundary of an autonomous operating zone on the map and (ii) define a boundary of one or more exclusion zones. The system also includes a robotics processing unit configured to (a) receive the boundary of the autonomous operating zone and the boundary of each exclusion zone from the computing device, (b) generate a planned command path that the vehicle will travel to perform a task within the autonomous operating zone while avoiding each exclusion zone, and (c) control operation of the vehicle so that the vehicle travels the planned command path to perform the task.