Worksite Vehicle Autonomy Using Mapped Operating And Exclusion Zones
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Solution Overview
Problem
Construction vehicles often require manual operation, which can be hazardous and inefficient, especially in complex or repetitive tasks, lacking advanced autonomous or semi-autonomous systems that can define and navigate through precise operating zones while avoiding obstacles.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a robotics processing unit and a machine automation portal (MAP) application that enables vehicles to be controlled autonomously or semi-autonomously, using GPS, ultrasonic sensors, and 3D cameras to define and navigate through autonomous operating zones while avoiding exclusion zones, with emergency stop capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual operation of construction vehicles is used, then operational flexibility and adaptability are maintained, but workplace safety deteriorates and operational efficiency decreases in hazardous environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operation with an autonomous control system that uses sensors (ultrasonic, 3D cameras), GPS receivers, and a robotics processing unit to detect obstacles, map the environment, and control vehicle movement. This substitution eliminates the need for human operators in hazardous zones while maintaining precise control through electronic and software-based systems.
2Productivity
If autonomous operation systems are added to construction vehicles, then workplace safety and operational efficiency improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The robotics processing unit serves multiple functions: it processes data from ultrasonic sensors, 3D cameras, and GPS receivers; generates maps of the operating zone; plans navigation paths; controls vehicle movement; and manages task execution. This multi-functionality consolidates what could be separate complex subsystems into a single integrated unit, improving operational efficiency while managing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The autonomous vehicle performs self-navigation, self-obstacle-detection, and self-task-execution within the defined operating zone. The system automatically maps the environment, plans its own path, avoids obstacles, and completes tasks without continuous human intervention, thereby improving productivity while the integrated robotics processing unit manages the complexity of these self-service functions.
3Manufacturing precision
If precise autonomous navigation within defined zones is implemented, then task completion accuracy improves, but device complexity and measurement requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an intermediary mapping system where the robotics processing unit creates a digital representation of the operating zone based on sensor data from ultrasonic sensors and 3D cameras. This digital map serves as an intermediary between the physical zone boundaries and the vehicle's navigation system, enabling precise task completion while simplifying the detection and measurement of zone boundaries through software-based processing rather than direct physical measurement.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for autonomous or semi-autonomous operation of a vehicle is disclosed. The system includes a machine automation portal (MAP) application configured to enable a computing device to (a) display a map of a work site and (b) provide a graphical user interface that enables a user to (i) define a boundary of an autonomous operating zone on the map and (ii) define a boundary of one or more exclusion zones. The system also includes a robotics processing unit configured to (a) receive the boundary of the autonomous operating zone and the boundary of each exclusion zone from the computing device, (b) generate a planned command path that the vehicle will travel to perform a task within the autonomous operating zone while avoiding each exclusion zone, and (c) control operation of the vehicle so that the vehicle travels the planned command path to perform the task.