Autonomous Worksite Boundary Marking With External Maneuvering Buffer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing compaction machine systems require complex and costly methods to define a worksite perimeter and buffer zones, involving aerial photography and operator training, which are time-consuming and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A control system for compaction machines that uses location sensors and visual indicators to determine a maneuvering distance and define a worksite perimeter, allowing operators to verify safe operation outside the perimeter and establish a geofence for autonomous or semi-autonomous operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a buffer zone is added inside the perimeter to ensure safe maneuvering, then safety is improved, but the compaction area is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the buffer zone from the interior of the perimeter to the exterior by placing markers outside the worksite area. This dimensional repositioning allows the buffer zone to function for safety without encroaching on the compaction area, thus resolving the contradiction between safety and compaction area preservation.
2Measurement precision
If aerial satellite photography or drone imagery is used to generate the map, then boundary definition accuracy is improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential function of boundary definition from complex aerial imaging systems and implements it through simple physical markers placed on the ground. This extraction maintains boundary definition accuracy while eliminating the need for expensive and complex aerial photography or drone imagery systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses simple, inexpensive markers instead of expensive aerial imaging systems. These markers are temporary and can be easily placed and removed, providing an cost-effective alternative to sophisticated imaging technology while achieving the same boundary definition purpose.
3Adaptability or versatility
If an operator manually manipulates the MAP application to record work area and exclusion zones, then boundary definition flexibility is improved, but operational time and training requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows the compaction machine to automatically detect and record the perimeter by tracking its own position as it travels along the boundary with markers visible to external sensors. This self-service approach eliminates the need for operator manipulation of complex software, reducing operational time while maintaining flexibility through automatic adaptation to the defined perimeter.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for marking a boundary while defining an autonomous worksite includes receiving first information indicative of a first maneuvering distance from a side of a machine and activating an indicator. The indicator, representative of the first maneuvering distance, is positioned at the side of the machine to be visible to an operator of the machine. The machine is positioned on a worksite surface along a path to be traversed when executing a work plan. After a control system receives a verification from the operator that the machine may operate outside the worksite area and within an outer boundary defined by the first maneuvering distance, a worksite perimeter is defined to include the path, and a geofence for the machine is determined to substantially overlay the outer boundary.