Work Vehicle Route-Endpoint Actions for Autonomous-Manual Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional work vehicles require operators to manually switch from autonomous to manual traveling, which can be time-consuming and prone to operator forgetfulness, leading to inefficiencies and safety risks.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that allows operators to set actions for the work vehicle at predetermined positions, such as outputting sounds, displaying messages, or stopping, based on user input, to facilitate smooth transitions between autonomous and manual modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the operator manually switches from autonomous to manual traveling, then the work vehicle can respond to turning operations, but it takes time and effort and the operator may forget to perform the switching operation
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically executing predetermined operations (such as stopping the vehicle or notifying the operator) when the work vehicle reaches the endpoint of a straight route during autonomous traveling. This eliminates the need for the operator to manually initiate switching operations, thereby reducing both the time required and the cognitive burden on the operator.
Solution Approach 2:
The autonomous traveling system serves itself by automatically detecting when the work vehicle reaches the endpoint of a straight route and autonomously executing the switching protocol (either by stopping or notifying). This self-service mechanism removes the dependency on manual operator intervention for the switching process.
2Reliability
If the operator manually switches from autonomous to manual traveling, then the work vehicle can perform turning operations, but the operator may forget to perform the predetermined operation without noticing the buzzer sound
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by providing audible notification (buzzer sound) to the operator when the work vehicle approaches the endpoint of a straight route. This feedback mechanism ensures the operator is aware of the upcoming need to switch modes, thereby improving reliability by reducing forgetfulness while maintaining operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary notification actions by sounding the buzzer before the endpoint is reached, giving the operator advance warning to prepare for the mode switch. This preliminary action ensures the operator does not forget the switching requirement while keeping the actual switching process simple.
3Reliability
If the work vehicle stops at the endpoint of autonomous traveling, then the operator can switch to manual traveling, but the work efficiency is reduced due to repeated stopping
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts its behavior by offering two different switching protocols: stopping the vehicle (higher safety) or notifying the operator without stopping (higher efficiency). The operator can select the appropriate protocol based on the specific working conditions, thereby balancing safety requirements with productivity needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary stopping actions only when necessary for safety, rather than stopping at every endpoint. By notifying the operator in advance and only stopping when required, the system maintains safety while minimizing interruptions to work flow and preserving productivity.
Data Source
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AI summary
[Problem] To provide a traveling control method, a traveling control system, and a traveling control program that can improve the operability of an operator in a work vehicle that performs work while switching between autonomous traveling and manual traveling. [Solution] An acceptance processing unit 712 accepts, from a user, an operation to set each of a plurality of action items related to actions to be executed by a work vehicle 10 when the work vehicle 10 reaches a predetermined position corresponding to an end point of a work route on which the work vehicle 10 is caused to autonomously travel. A setting processing unit 714 sets each of the plurality of action items on the basis of the operation of the user.