Work Machine Route Planner with Curved and Straight Path Segments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current operator assistance systems for work machines, such as large mining trucks, face challenges in intuitively communicating intended routes to operators, especially in complex worksites with obstacles, as they often rely on rear view cameras and proximity sensors but lack effective methods to display instructions in a clear and intuitive manner.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a position detection module, a display unit, and a controller that determines a route from the actual to a target position, displaying a path and lateral offset indicator, with the route including a curved portion when the distance is greater than a threshold and a perpendicular straight portion when closer, to assist operators in maneuvering the machine effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If rear view cameras and proximity sensors are used to provide obstacle information, then operator awareness of nearby obstacles is improved, but the system lacks intuitive route guidance and instruction display
Solution Approach 1:
The guidance system segments the route into multiple portions (first portion requiring curved path, second portion requiring straight path at specific angle). This segmentation allows the system to provide specific, intuitive instructions for each segment rather than overwhelming the operator with a single complex route description.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds a dimensional element to route guidance by incorporating angular information (e.g., 'position the rear of the machine at a 45-degree angle to the target position') rather than just linear distance. This angular dimension provides more precise orientational guidance for maneuvering the machine.
2Device complexity
If simple distance-based routing is used, then the routing logic is simple, but it does not account for machine orientation and angular positioning requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different routing qualities to different portions of the route. The first portion uses curved path guidance with lateral offset calculations, while the second portion uses straight path guidance with angular positioning requirements. This local differentiation of routing strategies optimizes both simplicity and precision for each segment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameters used for route guidance based on the portion of the route. For the first portion, it uses lateral offset distance from a curved path; for the second portion, it uses angular orientation relative to the target position. This parameter adaptation allows precise positioning requirements to be met while maintaining manageable routing logic.
3Ease of operation
If curved path guidance is used for all distances, then orientation guidance is always provided, but it increases complexity when straight-line guidance would suffice
Solution Approach 1:
The routing system dynamically adapts its complexity based on conditions. When the machine is far from the target position, it provides comprehensive curved path guidance with lateral offset. When the machine is close to the target position, it simplifies to straight path guidance with angular positioning. This dynamic adjustment optimizes the balance between guidance completeness and system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of maneuvering a work machine is disclosed comprising receiving a signal indicative of an actual position of a work machine, and determining a route to maneuver the work machine from the actual position to a target position. When a distance between the actual location and the target location is greater than a straight-distance threshold, the route comprises a curved portion between the actual position and a straight-distance threshold point and a straight portion between the straight-distance threshold point and the target position. When the distance between the actual location and the target location is less than the straight-distance threshold, the route comprises the straight portion. The method further includes displaying a determined path and an indicator.