NLOS Worksite Plan Execution With Readiness Checks and Mode Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing worksite management systems face inefficiencies and safety hazards due to manual intervention, obstacles, and challenges in monitoring progress and resource allocation in non-line-of-sight (NLOS) operations of construction machines, particularly in semi-autonomous or fully-autonomous environments.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that enables a NLOS controller to receive and execute worksite plans, validate site readiness, and switch operation modes of machines between manual, remote-controlled, and autonomous operations, using a communication network to transmit signals and instructions for task execution while monitoring progress and obstacles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual operation of machines is performed to execute tasks, then operators can directly control machines, but efficiency is diminished due to manual activity and intervention by personnel
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables machines to autonomously execute tasks by receiving instructions from a worksite plan and performing maneuvers automatically without continuous human intervention. The machine controller independently processes task instructions and controls machine operations, allowing the system to serve itself rather than requiring constant manual operation.
2Productivity
If semi-autonomous or fully-autonomous machines are introduced to reduce manual intervention, then efficiency improves, but worksite hazards increase where personnel may be in danger of coming into contact with machines
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces a communication network as an intermediary between the NLOS controller and the machines, enabling remote operation and monitoring without requiring personnel to be physically present near operating machinery. This mediator allows efficient autonomous operation while maintaining safety by separating operators from hazardous zones.
3Productivity
If semi-autonomous or fully-autonomous machines operate without manual supervision, then efficiency improves, but the ability to identify task completion status and allocate resources deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where machines transmit operational status and progress information back to the NLOS controller through the communication network. This allows supervisors to monitor task completion status, resource allocation, and overall worksite progress in real-time, maintaining information flow even as manual supervision is reduced.
4Ease of operation
If machines operate autonomously, then manual intervention is reduced, but the ability to take corrective action when encountering obstacles such as ditches, ruts, potholes, or material build-up deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic operation modes that can switch between autonomous operation and manual control. When obstacles are detected during autonomous operation, the system can transition to manual mode to allow operators to take corrective action, then return to autonomous mode when the situation is resolved. This dynamic adaptability maintains both efficiency and obstacle handling capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes receiving a worksite plan to be executed by at least one machine at a worksite from a computing device of a supervising entity, the controller being located at a non-line-of-sight (NLOS) location with respect to the worksite. The worksite plan may include a boundary of the worksite at which the worksite plan is implemented, at least one task defining the worksite plan, and a selection of at least one machine to perform the task. The method may include receiving a validation signal from a device located at the worksite, the validation indicating that the worksite is ready for implementation of the worksite plan based on at least one parameter of worksite readiness. The method may include selecting a first mode of operation of the machine to perform the task and transmitting first instructions to the machine to perform the task based on the first mode of operation.