Work Machine Control System Switching Between GNSS and Visual Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
When excavating a target based on a construction surface, calculating the position and azimuth angle of a work machine becomes challenging due to GNSS positioning failures, such as insufficient signal strength or multipath errors.
Innovation Solution
A control system for work machines that includes a first position/azimuth calculation unit using GNSS, a second position/azimuth calculation unit based on images of external targets, and a switching unit to switch between these modes, allowing the work machine to calculate its position and azimuth angle even during GNSS failures by utilizing visual data from installed targets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If GNSS is used to calculate position and azimuth angle, then positioning can be achieved under normal conditions, but positioning fails when GNSS signal is insufficient or multipath errors occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary calculation method using images of targets installed on the work machine. When GNSS positioning fails, the system switches to calculating position and azimuth angle based on recognizing targets in captured images, thereby bridging the gap between GNSS failure and continuous operation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the calculation parameter from GNSS-based satellite signal data to image-based target recognition data. This parameter change enables the system to adapt to different operating conditions, particularly GNSS failure scenarios, by using alternative data sources for position and azimuth angle calculation
2Productivity
If only GNSS-based calculation is used, then system complexity is low, but continuous operation cannot be guaranteed during GNSS failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic switching mechanism that adapts the calculation method based on real-time GNSS signal conditions. The system dynamically switches between GNSS-based calculation and image-based calculation modes, enabling continuous operation while managing complexity through conditional execution rather than always-running multiple systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent prepares target images and recognition data in advance during normal operation. By pre-processing and storing target information, the system can quickly switch to image-based calculation when GNSS fails, reducing the complexity burden during failure scenarios since the alternative calculation method is already prepared
Data Source
AI summary
A control system of a work machine includes a first position/azimuth calculation unit that calculates a position and an azimuth angle of the work machine based on a GNSS radio wave, a second position/azimuth calculation unit that calculates the position and the azimuth angle of the work machine based on an image of a plurality of targets installed on the outside of the work machine, and a switching unit that switches a first calculation mode in which the first position/azimuth calculation unit calculates the position and the azimuth angle of the work machine and a second calculation mode in which the second position/azimuth calculation unit calculates the position and the azimuth angle of the work machine.