Work Machine Allocation System Using Terrain History Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems face challenges in efficiently determining the optimal number and ratio of work machines for tasks, particularly in landscaping and similar industries, where terrain and worker skill variations complicate work machine allocation.

Innovation Solution

An information processing apparatus that utilizes a processor, memory, input, communication, and storage units to analyze work machine information, terrain data, and work history to determine the appropriate number and ratio of work machines for a given area by referencing similar terrain areas and optimizing team formation based on idling times and skill levels.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If work machines are allocated for work in landscaping industry, then work can be performed, but it is difficult to efficiently perform work depending on the number and/or ratio of allocated work machines

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvework efficiencyVSAvoidnumber and ratio of work machines
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary analysis of terrain information and work history data before allocating work machines. By pre-processing terrain data and historical performance information, the system determines optimal machine numbers and ratios in advance, avoiding inefficient allocations during actual work execution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system utilizes work history information containing idle time data from previous operations to continuously improve machine allocation decisions. By feeding back historical performance data into the allocation algorithm, the system learns from past inefficiencies and optimizes future allocations to reduce idle time and improve productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Productivity

If terrain information and work history are analyzed to determine optimal work machine allocation, then work efficiency improves, but processing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvework efficiencyVSAvoidprocessing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system creates simplified representations of complex terrain information by extracting key features and characteristics from detailed terrain data. Instead of processing all raw terrain information, the system uses copied essential attributes (such as terrain type, slope categories, and accessibility features) to make allocation decisions, reducing processing complexity while maintaining accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The system transforms complex terrain information into standardized parameters and categories that are easier to process. By converting continuous terrain data into discrete categories (such as terrain difficulty levels, machine suitability ratings, and work area classifications), the system simplifies the analysis process while preserving the essential information needed for optimal allocation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3859467B1Information processing device and information processing method
Publication Date: 2024.05.15 HONDA MOTOR CO LTD
  • EP3859467B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3859467B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP3859467B1 patent drawingFigure 2C

AI summary

An information processing apparatus includes an obtaining unit for obtaining a work history of work performed by a plurality of types of work machines; and a determination unit for determining a number or ratio of work machines that perform work in an area to be subjected to work, based on the work history.