Worksite Machine Control Using Ground Surface Work Records
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems struggle to efficiently track and monitor the tasks performed by multiple machines at a worksite, leading to potential duplication, inefficiency, and excessive machine wear and fuel consumption, particularly in paving operations.
Innovation Solution
A worksite control system that includes a controller to obtain ground surface work records, determine configuration information, and generate signals for machines to perform operations efficiently, utilizing a decentralized database system like blockchain for recordkeeping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple work machines operate independently at a worksite without centralized tracking, then each machine can perform its tasks autonomously, but task duplication occurs, efficiency decreases, and machine wear and fuel consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple independent work machines into a coordinated system through a centralized database that tracks and shares task information. The database merges data from GPS sensors, machine sensors, and operator inputs to create a unified view of worksite activities, enabling machines to coordinate their operations and avoid duplicative work, thereby improving productivity while reducing fuel consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback loops where work records are stored in the database and subsequently retrieved to generate configuration information for machine operations. This feedback mechanism allows machines to adjust their operations based on recorded task completion status, ensuring optimal resource utilization and preventing unnecessary energy expenditure on already completed tasks
2Reliability
If work tasks are tracked manually or with simple systems, then implementation is straightforward, but task monitoring is inadequate, quality compliance cannot be verified, and rework increases
Solution Approach 1:
The database system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it stores work records, tracks machine locations via GPS, monitors task completion status, verifies quality compliance against predefined standards, and generates configuration information for subsequent operations. This multi-functional approach ensures reliable quality control without proportionally increasing system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The centralized database acts as an intermediary between work machines, operators, and quality standards. It receives diverse inputs from machines and operators, processes this information against quality requirements, and outputs configuration information that guides machine operations. This intermediary role enables comprehensive quality monitoring while maintaining relatively simple individual machine designs
3Loss of information
If ground surface work records are stored in a centralized database, then task tracking and machine coordination improve, but data security and authenticity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by storing work records in the database immediately when tasks are completed or in progress, rather than relying on end-of-day reporting. This real-time recording ensures accurate task tracking while the data can be verified against sensor readings and GPS locations, maintaining authenticity through continuous validation rather than post-hoc verification
Data Source
AI summary
A controller may obtain one or more ground surface work records from one or more databases, the one or more ground surface work records identifying information relating to at least one of base layer preparation, paving, or compacting of a ground surface performed at a worksite by a plurality of work machines. The controller may determine, based on the one or more ground surface work records, configuration information for a ground surface work operation to be performed by a work machine of the plurality of work machines. The controller may generate a signal, based on the configuration information, to cause the work machine to perform the ground surface work operation or to cause presentation of the configuration information on a display of the work machine.