Virtual Operating Zone Setup for Autonomous Working Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for setting up autonomous operating zones for off-highway working vehicles require costly deployment and maintenance of physical markers, and existing user interfaces for defining operating areas are complex and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing separate compute devices or integrated user interfaces to generate and transmit virtual boundaries for autonomous operating zones, allowing quick setup and control of motorized devices based on user-defined selections on maps, optionally combined with physical markers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If physical markers are deployed to define autonomous operating zones, then the operating boundaries can be clearly established, but the cost and time for deployment and maintenance increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical markers with virtual boundary representations displayed on a user interface map. The system creates a digital copy of the operating zone boundaries that can be defined, visualized, and adjusted without physical deployment, eliminating the time and cost of physical marker installation while maintaining reliable boundary definition through the virtual model
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the mechanical system of physical markers with an electronic/software-based system. Boundaries are defined through coordinate input and visualized on a digital map interface, replacing the need for physical objects and their manual deployment with computational processes that are faster and more cost-effective
2Reliability
If physical markers are used to define operating zones, then boundaries can be established, but the cost of deployment and maintenance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses virtual representations of boundaries on a digital map instead of physical markers. This digital copying approach eliminates the need to purchase, deploy, and maintain physical objects, significantly reducing costs while preserving the reliability of boundary definition through accurate coordinate-based virtual models
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive, durable physical markers with inexpensive virtual boundary definitions that can be quickly created and modified through software. The virtual boundaries have negligible cost compared to physical markers while providing sufficient reliability for operating zone definition
3Reliability
If existing user interfaces are used to define operating areas, then boundaries can be set, but the process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the system to automatically generate boundary suggestions based on vehicle location and operational parameters. The interface presents pre-calculated boundary options that users can accept with minimal input, reducing complexity while maintaining reliable boundary definition through the system's automated calculations and recommendations
Data Source
AI summary
Some embodiments may include a touchscreen or other user input interface to select part of a displayed map and one or more processors coupled to the touchscreen or other user input interface. The one or more processors may be configured to setup an autonomous operating zone for a working machine based on a user selection from a displayed map. The working machine may monitor its current location with respect to the autonomous operation zone, and may de-actuate at least one of its actuator(s) or send a new actuation signal to its actuator(s) to change an operation of at least one motorized device of the working machine. Other embodiments may be disclosed and/or claimed.