Worksite Zone Passage Control for Mixed Autonomous Vehicle Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing zone passage control systems in worksites, such as mines, fail to safely allow access for non-autonomously operating mining vehicles into operation zones reserved for autonomously operating vehicles, and do not adequately prevent collisions between different types of vehicles within the same zone.
Innovation Solution
A zone passage control system comprising detection units, identification units, indication units, and a central controller that manages access by detecting and identifying mobile objects, determining admissibility levels, and providing control signals to stop autonomously operating vehicles when non-compatible vehicles attempt to enter the same operation zone, ensuring safe and controlled access for all types of mining vehicles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If access is restricted only to autonomously operating vehicles in the operation zone, then collision risk is eliminated, but operational flexibility and access for other mining vehicles is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The passage control device dynamically changes its state between locked and unlocked based on real-time detection of vehicle types. When only autonomous vehicles are present, the gate remains locked maintaining safety. When non-autonomous vehicles are detected, the gate unlocks to allow access, thus adapting the access control to current operational needs while maintaining collision prevention
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the operation zone for vehicle presence and type using detection devices. This feedback information is processed by the control device to determine whether to lock or unlock the passage control, creating a closed-loop system that maintains safety while enabling necessary access for different vehicle types
2Reliability
If passage control devices such as iron gates are used to separate zones, then autonomous vehicle operation safety is ensured, but access efficiency and operational speed are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of maintaining a permanently locked gate, the system uses periodic checking of vehicle types and conditional unlocking. The passage control device remains locked by default but periodically checks for non-autonomous vehicles and unlocks when appropriate, maintaining safety while enabling efficient access when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The passage control device acts as an intelligent intermediary between the restricted autonomous zone and external areas. It mediates access by selectively allowing or blocking different vehicle types based on real-time conditions, thus maintaining zone safety while enabling necessary operational access
3Adaptability or versatility
If the operation zone is completely open to all vehicles, then operational flexibility is improved, but collision risk between different vehicle types increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection and identification of vehicle types before allowing access to the operation zone. The passage control device checks whether a non-autonomous vehicle intends to enter and only unlocks the gate if the zone is clear of autonomous vehicles, preventing collision risks before they can occur
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical passage control (always locked gates) with an intelligent control system that uses detection devices and control algorithms. This substitution enables dynamic decision-making about access based on vehicle types, providing both safety and flexibility that mechanical systems cannot achieve
Data Source
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AI summary
A system (13) for zone passage control for a zone (OZ23, OZ4, OZ5, OZ6, OZ9) of an autonomously operating mobile object (9) comprises at least a set of detection units (14a, 14b, 14c, 14d, 14e, 14f) to detect at least one mobile object (9, 10) entering and/or exiting the zone, a set of identification units (15a, 15b, 15c, 15d, 15e, 15f) to identify the mobile object (9, 10) entering and/or exiting the zone, and a central controller (19) being arranged in operational connection with the set of the detection units and with the set of the identification units. An admissibility level (AL) for a mobile object (9, 10) to enter the zone is determined and a control signal (CS) to stop at least one autonomously operating mobile object (9) existing in the zone is provided in response to the determined admissibility level being negative for the mobile object (9, 10) entered the zone.