Vision-Based Boom Position Correction for Automated Drilling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile mining machines face inaccuracies in positioning elements due to sensor limitations, calibration issues, and structural wear, affecting drilling accuracy and production efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method that utilize image information to determine the actual position of an element relative to a target position, calculating a position error, and providing control information to adjust the element's position until predefined criteria are met, independent of sensor accuracy and structural wear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If sensor-based positioning is used in mobile mining machines, then automation sequences can be executed, but positioning accuracy deteriorates due to sensor limitations, calibration issues, and structural wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces sensor-based mechanical measurement systems with an optical vision system. Cameras capture images of the work area, and image processing algorithms determine the actual position of the drilling unit and boom based on visual features in the environment, eliminating dependence on wear-prone mechanical sensors
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary reference system consisting of identifiable features in the environment (such as markings or natural features) that serve as mediators between the machine and the work area. By tracking these reference features in images, the system calculates actual positions without direct contact or reliance on degraded sensors
2Productivity
If pre-programmed automation sequences are executed without real-time position verification, then productivity increases, but drilling accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the vision system continuously monitors the actual position of the drilling unit and boom during automation sequence execution. The calculated actual positions are fed back to the control system, which compares them with the programmed positions and automatically adjusts the automation sequence to compensate for deviations, ensuring drilling accuracy while maintaining productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the automation sequence dynamic by enabling real-time adjustments based on vision-based position feedback. The control system can modify the programmed automation sequence on-the-fly to account for actual positions that differ from expected positions, transforming a static pre-programmed sequence into a dynamically adaptive process
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus, method and computer program product for: receiving information on a first position of an element positioned by a boom (450) based on a pre-programmed automation sequence, receiving image information comprising a representation of a target position (470) of the element and at least part of the element, determining, based on the image information, a second position of the element and a target position of the element, determining a position error based on the second position of the element and the target position of the element, and providing, based on the position error, control information for adjusting the first position of the element until at least one criterion for proceeding with the pre-programmed automation sequence is fulfilled.