Patent Grant
10640943
The present disclosure relates to a control system for a compaction machine. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a control system configured to generate a compaction plan for a compaction machine based on worksite surface information and compaction requirements.
Compaction machines are frequently employed for compacting soil, gravel, fresh laid asphalt, and other compactable materials associated with worksite surfaces. For example, during construction of roadways, highways, parking lots and the like, one or more compaction machines may be utilized to compact soil, stone, and/or recently laid asphalt. Such compaction machines, which may be self-propelling machines, travel over the worksite surface whereby the weight of the compaction machine compresses the surface materials to a solidified mass. In some examples, loose asphalt may then be deposited and spread over the worksite surface, and one or more additional compaction machines may travel over the loose asphalt to produce a densified, rigid asphalt mat. The rigid, compacted asphalt may have the strength to accommodate significant vehicular traffic and, in addition, may provide a smooth, contoured surface capable of directing rain and other precipitation from the compacted surface.
Traditional approaches to compacting soil, stone, and other materials associated with the worksite surface rely upon operator judgment and perception, and such approaches require substantial operator training and preparation time. These approaches have the potential for human error and tend to result in compacted worksite surfaces that are inconsistent in quality. For example, even with significant training, it can be difficult for operators to adhere to density specifications and/or other compaction requirements associated with a particular worksite surface. Additionally, it is commonplace for operators to over-compact portions of the worksite surface by compacting such portions more than necessary. Accordingly, when constructing, for example, long roads, highways, large parking lots, and the like, a significant number of deficiencies typically appear. These deficiencies tend to reduce the integrity of such structures, and can result in premature cracking or other unwanted conditions.
One method of improving traditional approaches to compacting a worksite surface is described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,750,621 (hereinafter referred to as “the '621 reference”). The '621 reference describes a compaction machine having two drums with variable vibratory mechanisms. Sensors are used to collect certain vibratory characteristics from each drum, and a control unit associated with the compaction machine may adjust the compaction effort of the drum to a selected setting. The control unit also calculates the difference between the measured vibratory characteristics on both the front and rear drums, and uses this information to assist in the compaction process. The system described by the '621 reference does not, however, assist the operator in determining the most efficient travel path for compacting the worksite surface such that over-compaction of the worksite surface can be avoided. Nor does the system described by the '621 reference automatically control the amplitude and/or frequency of vibration during the compaction process in order to satisfy compaction requirements specific to the particular worksite surface being acted upon.
Example embodiments of the present disclosure are directed toward overcoming the deficiencies of such systems.
In an aspect of the present disclosure, a method includes receiving first information indicative of a location of a perimeter of a worksite surface, and receiving second information indicative of compaction requirements specific to the worksite surface. The method also includes generating a compaction plan based at least partly on the first and second information, the compaction plan including a travel path for a compaction machine. In such an example, the travel path is substantially within the perimeter of the worksite surface. The method also includes causing at least part of the travel path to be displayed via a control interface of the compaction machine. The method further includes receiving an input indicative of approval of the travel path, and controlling operation of the compaction machine on the worksite surface, in accordance with the compaction plan, based at least partly on receiving the input.
In another aspect of the present disclosure, a control system includes a location sensor configured to determine a location of a compaction machine on a worksite surface, a control interface connected to the compaction machine, and a controller in communication with the location sensor and the control interface. In such an example, the controller is configured to receive first information indicative of a location of a perimeter of the worksite surface, and receive second information indicative of compaction requirements specific to the worksite surface. The controller is also configured to generate a compaction plan based at least partly on the first and second information, the compaction plan including a travel path for the compaction machine. In such an example, the travel path is substantially within the perimeter of the worksite surface. The controller is also configured to control operation of the compaction machine on the worksite surface, in accordance with the compaction plan, based at least partly on receiving an input indicative of approval of the travel path.
In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a compaction machine includes a substantially cylindrical drum configured to compact a worksite surface as the compaction machine traverses the worksite surface, a location sensor configured to determine a location of the compaction machine on the worksite surface, a control interface, and a controller in communication with the location sensor and the control interface. In such an example, the controller is configured to receive first information from the location sensor indicative of a location of a perimeter of the worksite surface, and receive second information indicative of compaction requirements specific to the worksite surface. The controller is also configured to generate a compaction plan based at least partly on the first and second information, the compaction plan including a travel path for the compaction machine. In such an example, the travel path is substantially within the perimeter of the worksite surface. The controller is further configured to cause at least part of the travel path to be displayed via the control interface, and to control operation of the compaction machine on the worksite surface, in accordance with the compaction plan, based at least partly on receiving an input indicative of approval of the travel path.
Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to same or like parts.
As shown in
The first drum 106 may have the same or different construction as the second drum 108. In some examples, the first drum 106 and/or the second drum 108 may be an elongated, hollow cylinder with a cylindrical drum shell that encloses an interior volume. The first drum 106 may define a first central axis about which the first drum 106 may rotate, and similarly, the second drum 108 may define a second central axis about which the second drum 108 may rotate. In order to withstand being in rolling contact with and compacting the loose material of the worksite surface 102, the respective drum shells of the first drum 106 and the second drum 108 may be made from a thick, rigid material such as cast iron or steel. The compaction machine 100 is shown as having first and second drums 106, 108. However, other types of compaction machines 100 may be suitable for use in the context of the present disclosure. For example, belted compaction machines or compaction machines having a single rotating drum, or more than two drums, are contemplated herein. Rather than a self-propelled compaction machine 100 as shown, the compaction machine 100 might be a tow-behind or pushed unit configured to couple with a tractor (not shown). An autonomous compaction machine 100 is also contemplated herein.
The first drum 106 may include a first vibratory mechanism 110, and the second drum 108 may include a second vibratory mechanism 112. While
According to an exemplary embodiment, a sensor 114 may be located on the first drum 106 and/or a sensor 116 may be located on the second drum 108. In alternative embodiments, multiple sensors 114, 116 may be located on the first drum 106, the second drum 108, the frame 104, and/or other components of the compaction machine 100. In such examples, the sensors 114, 116 may comprise compaction sensors configured to measure, sense, and/or otherwise determine the density, stiffness, compaction, compactability, and/or other characteristics of the worksite surface 102. Such characteristics of the worksite surface 102 may be based on the composition, dryness, and/or other characteristics of the material being compacted. Such characteristics of the worksite surface 102 may also be based on the operation and/or characteristics of the first drum 106 and/or the second drum 108. For example, the sensor 114 coupled to first drum 106 may be configured to sense, measure, and/or otherwise determine the type of material, material density, material stiffness, and/or other characteristics of the worksite surface 102 proximate the first drum 106. Additionally, the sensor 114 coupled to the first drum 106 may measure, sense, and/or otherwise determine operating characteristics of the first drum 106 including a vibration amplitude, a vibration frequency, a speed of the eccentric weights associated with the first drum 106, a distance of such eccentric weights from the axis of rotation, a speed of rotation of the first drum 106, etc. Additionally, it is understood that the sensor 116 coupled to the second drum 108 may be configured to determine the type of material, material density, material stiffness, and/or other characteristics of the worksite surface 102 proximate the second drum 108, as well as a vibration amplitude, a vibration frequency, a speed of the eccentric weights associated with the second drum 108, a distance of such eccentric weights from the axis of rotation, a speed of rotation of the second drum 108, etc. It is not necessary to measure all of the operating characteristics of the first drum 106 or second drum 108 listed herein, instead, the above characteristics are listed for exemplary purposes.
With continued reference to
The compaction machine 100 may further include a location sensor 124 connected to a roof of the operator station 118 and/or at one or more other locations on the frame 104. The location sensor 124 may be capable of determining a location of the compaction machine 100, and may include and/or comprise a component of a global positioning system (GPS). For example, the location sensor 124 may comprise a GPS receiver, transmitter, transceiver or other such device, and the location sensor 124 may be in communication with one or more GPS satellites (not shown) to determine a location of the compaction machine 100 continuously, substantially continuously, or at various time intervals. The compaction machine 100 may also include a communication device 126 configured to enable the compaction machine 100 to communicate with the one or more other machines, and/or with one or more remote servers, processors, or control systems located remote from the worksite at which the compaction machine 100 is being used. Such a communication device 126 may also be configured to enable the compaction machine 100 to communicate with one or more electronic devices located at the worksite and/or located remote from the worksite. In some examples, the communication device 126 may include a receiver configured to receive various electronic signals including position data, navigation commands, real-time information, and/or project-specific information. In some examples, the communication device 126 may also be configured to receive signals including information indicative of compaction requirements specific to the worksite surface 102. Such compaction requirements may include, for example, a number of passes associated with the worksite surface 102 and required in order to complete the compaction of the worksite surface 102, a desired stiffness, density, and/or compaction of the worksite surface 102, a desired level of efficiency for a corresponding compaction operation, and/or other requirements. The communication device 126 may further include a transmitter configured to transmit position data indicative of a relative or geographic position of the compaction machine 100, as well as electronic data such as data acquired via one or more sensors of the compaction machine 100. Additionally, the compaction machine 100 may include a camera 128. The camera 128 may be a state of the art camera capable of providing visual feeds and supporting other functional features of the compaction machine 100. In some examples, the camera 128 may comprise a digital camera configured to record and/or transmit digital video of the worksite surface 102 and/or other portions of the worksite in real-time. In still other examples, the camera 128 may comprise an infrared sensor, a thermal camera, or other like device configured to record and/or transmit thermal images of the worksite surface 102 in real-time. In some examples, the compaction machine 100 may include more than one camera 128 (e.g., a camera at the front of the machine and a camera at the rear of the machine).
The compaction machine 100 may also include a controller 130 in communication with the steering system 120, the control interface 122, the location sensor 124, the communication device 126, the camera 128, the sensors 114, 116, and/or other components of the compaction machine 100. The controller 130 may be a single controller or multiple controllers working together to perform a variety of tasks. The controller 130 may embody a single or multiple microprocessors, field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), digital signal processors (DSPs), and/or other components configured to generate a compaction plan, one or more travel paths for the compaction machine 100 and/or other information useful to an operator of the compaction machine 100. Numerous commercially available microprocessors can be configured to perform the functions of the controller 130. Various known circuits may be associated with the controller 130, including power supply circuitry, signal-conditioning circuitry, actuator driver circuitry (i.e., circuitry powering solenoids, motors, or piezo actuators), and communication circuitry. In some embodiments, the controller 130 may be positioned on the compaction machine 100, while in other embodiments the controller 130 may be positioned at an off-board location and/or remote location relative to the compaction machine 100. The present disclosure, in any manner, is not restricted to the type of controller 130 or the positioning of the controller 130 relative to the compaction machine 100.
As shown in
The controller 130 may also receive respective signals from the sensors 114, 116. As noted above, the sensors 114, 116 may be configured to determine a density, stiffness, compactability, and/or other characteristic of the worksite surface 102. Such sensors 114, 116 may also be configured to determine the vibration frequency, vibration amplitude, and/or other operational characteristics of the first drum 106 and the second drum 108, respectively. In some examples, the sensor 114 may determine a density, stiffness, compactability, and/or other characteristic of a portion of the worksite surface 102 proximate the first drum 106 and/or located along a travel path of the compaction machine 100. The sensor 114 may send one or more signals to the controller 130 including information indicative of such a characteristic, and the controller 130 may control the vibratory mechanism 110 to modify at least one of a vibration frequency of the first drum 106 and a vibration amplitude of the first drum 106, as the compaction machine 100 traverses the travel path, based at least partly on such information. In such examples, the sensor 116 may determine one or more of the same characteristics of a portion of the worksite surface 102 proximate the second drum 108 and/or located along a travel path of the compaction machine 100. The sensor 116 may send one or more signals to the controller 130 including information indicative of such a characteristic, and the controller 130 may control the vibratory mechanism 112 to modify at least one of a vibration frequency of the second drum 108 and a vibration amplitude of the second drum 108, as the compaction machine 100 traverses the travel path, based at least partly on such information.
As will be described in greater detail below, in example embodiments the controller 130 may use information indicative of a location of a perimeter of the worksite surface 102, information indicative of a location of a perimeter of one or more avoidance zones, information indicative of one or more compaction requirements specific to the worksite surface 102, and/or any other received information to generate a compaction plan for the compaction machine 100 and associated with the worksite surface 102. Such a compaction plan may include a travel path for the compaction machine 100 that extends substantially within the perimeter of the worksite surface. In such examples, such a travel path may maintain the compaction machine 100 outside of the one or more avoidance zones. Such a compaction plan may include visual indicia indicating, among other things, the perimeter of the worksite surface 102, the perimeters of the one or more avoidance zones, and/or the travel path of the compaction machine 100. Such a compaction plan may also include a speed of the compaction machine 100, a vibration frequency of the first drum 106 and/or the second drum 108, a vibration amplitude of the first drum 106 and/or the second drum 108, and/or other operating parameters of the compaction machine 100. In such examples, such a compaction plan may also include visual indicia indicating one or more such operating parameters. The controller 130 may determine the compaction plan, the travel path, the speed of the compaction machine 100, a vibration frequency of the first drum 106 and/or the second drum 108, a vibration amplitude of the first drum 106 and/or the second drum 108, and/or other operating parameters of the compaction machine 100 using one or more compaction plan models, algorithms, neural networks, look-up tables, and/or through one or more additional methods. In an exemplary embodiment, the controller 130 may have an associated memory in which various compaction plan models, algorithms, look-up tables, and/or other components may be stored for determining the compaction plan, travel path, and/or operating parameters of the compaction machine 100 based on one or more inputs. Such inputs may include, for example, the circumference and/or width of the first and second drums 106, 108, the mass of the compaction machine 100, information indicative of the location of the perimeter of the worksite surface 102, information indicative of the location of the perimeter of an avoidance zone, information indicative of one or more compaction requirements specific to the worksite surface 102, and/or any other received information.
As shown in
At 302, the controller 130 may receive first information from at least one of the sensors of the compaction machine 100, and/or may receive first information from one or more remote servers, processors, computing devices 204, electronic devices 208, and/or other components of the control system 200. For example, at 302 the location sensor 124 and/or other components of the control system 200 may determine a location of the compaction machine 100 on the worksite surface 102 substantially continuously or at predetermined intervals of time (e.g., every millisecond, every second, every two seconds, every five seconds, etc.). In such examples, the location sensor 124 and/or other components of the control system 200 may generate one or more signals including information indicative of the location of the compaction machine 100, and may provide such signals to the controller 130. Accordingly, at 302 the controller 130 may receive one or more signals from the location sensor 124 and/or other components of the control system 200, and such signals may include GPS coordinates (e.g., latitude and longitude coordinates), map information, and/or other information determined by the location sensor 124 and indicating the location of the compaction machine 100. Such signals may also include timestamp information indicating the moment in time (e.g., hour, minute, second, millisecond, etc.) at which the location information or other information included in the signal was determined.
In an example method of the present disclosure, at 302 an operator may drive the compaction machine 100 along a perimeter of the worksite surface 102. Such an example worksite surface 102 is illustrated by the example worksite 400 shown in
At 304, the controller 130 may receive second information indicative of, for example, one or more compaction requirements specific to the worksite surface 102, and/or specific to worksite 400, generally. As noted above, such compaction requirements may include, among other things, a number of passes associated with the worksite surface 102 and required in order to complete the compaction of the worksite surface 102, a desired stiffness, density, and/or compaction of the worksite surface 102, a desired level of efficiency for a corresponding compaction operation, and/or other requirements. Additionally or alternatively, such compaction requirements may include desired vibration frequencies (e.g., a number of impacts per unit distance) and/or vibration amplitudes for the first drum 106 and/or the second drum 108. Such compaction requirements may also include a desired amount of overlap (one inch, two inches, six inches, one foot, etc.) between sequential passes of the compaction machine 100. Such compaction requirements may be received from, for example, an operator of the compaction machine 100, and may be received by the controller 130 at 304 via, for example, the control interface 122. Additionally or alternatively, such compaction requirements may be received from a foreman at the worksite 400, an employee of a remote paving materials, plant, and/or any other source associated with the worksite 400. In such examples, such compaction requirements may be received by the controller 130 at 304 via, for example, one or more remote servers, processors, computing devices 204, electronic devices 208, and/or other components of the control system 200. In some examples, such compaction requirements may also be pre-loaded within a memory in communication with the controller 130. In such examples, such compaction requirements may be obtained from the memory and/or otherwise received by the controller 130 at 304.
At 306, the controller 130 may receive additional information (e.g., third information) from at least one of the sensors of the compaction machine 100, and/or may receive such additional information from one or more remote servers, processors, computing devices 204, electronic devices 208, and/or other components of the control system 200. For example, at 306 an operator may drive the compaction machine 100 along the perimeter 404 of the avoidance zone 406. In such examples, and as noted above with respect to 302, the location sensor 124 and/or other components of the control system 200 may determine a location of the compaction machine 100 as the compaction machine 100 traverses the perimeter 404 of the avoidance zone 406. The location sensor 124 and/or other components of the control system 200 may generate one or more signals including information indicative of the location of the perimeter 404, and may provide such signals to the controller 130. Accordingly, at 306 the controller 130 may receive one or more signals from the location sensor 124 and/or other components of the control system 200, and such signals may include GPS coordinates (e.g., latitude and longitude coordinates), map information, and/or other information determined by the location sensor 124 and indicating the location of the perimeter 404 of the avoidance zone 406. Such signals may also include timestamp information indicating the moment in time (e.g., hour, minute, second, millisecond, etc.) at which the location information or other information included in the signal was determined.
Additionally or alternatively, as noted above information indicative of the location of the perimeter 404 may be obtained from one or more professional surveys, topographical maps, and/or other prior analysis of the worksite surface 102, and such information may be pre-loaded within a memory in communication with the controller 130. In such examples, such information may be obtained from the memory and/or otherwise received by the controller 130 at 306. Additionally, in such examples the operator may not be required to drive the compaction machine 100 along the perimeter 404 in order to collect such information.
At 308, the controller 130 may generate a compaction plan based at least partly on the first information received at 302, the second information received at 304, and/or the additional information received at 306. A visual illustration of at least part of such an example compaction plan 500 is shown in
At 308, the controller 130 may generate the compaction plan 500, the travel path 502, the speed of the compaction machine 100, a vibration frequency of the first drum 106 and/or the second drum 108, a vibration amplitude of the first drum 106 and/or the second drum 108, and/or other operating parameters of the compaction machine 100 using one or more compaction plan models, algorithms, neural networks, look-up tables, and/or through one or more additional methods. As noted above, the controller 130 may have an associated memory in which various compaction plan models, algorithms, look-up tables, and/or other components may be stored for determining the compaction plan 500, travel path 502, and/or operating parameters of the compaction machine 100 based on one or more inputs. Such inputs may include, for example, the circumference and/or width of the first and second drums 106, 108, the mass of the compaction machine 100, information indicative of the location of the perimeter 402 of the worksite surface 102, information indicative of the location of the perimeter 404 of the avoidance zone 406, information indicative of one or more compaction requirements specific to the worksite surface 102, the stiffness, density, compactability, composition, moisture content (e.g., dryness/wetness), and/or other characteristics of the worksite surface 102, and/or any other received information
In example embodiments, the compaction plan 500 may take various different forms. For example, the compaction plan 500 may comprise one or more text files, data files, video files, digital image files, thermal image files, and/or any other such electronic file that may be stored within a memory associated with the controller 130, that may be executed by the controller 130, and/or that may be transferred from the controller 130 to a computing device 204 and/or a mobile device 208 via the network 206. In some examples, the compaction plan 500 may comprise a graphical representation (e.g., a visible image) of the worksite 400, worksite surface 102, perimeter 402, avoidance zone 406, perimeter 404, compaction machine 100, travel path 502, direction of travel of the compaction machine 100, and/or other items or objects useful to an operator of the compaction machine 100 while performing a compaction operation. In any of the examples described herein, the compaction plan 500 may include various information corresponding to and/or indicative of the information received at steps 302-306, and/or of other information received during the compaction operation. Such a compaction plan 500 may also include additional information to assist, for example, an operator of the compaction machine 100 in adjusting operating parameters of the compaction machine 100 in order to optimize performance and/or efficiency. Such compaction plans 500 may also include information to assist, for example, a foreman at the worksite 400 or a paving material plant employee manage haul truck delivery schedules, paving material plant temperatures, operation of other compaction and/or paving machines at the worksite 400, and/or other aspects of the compaction process in order to optimize performance and/or efficiency.
As shown in
In some examples, a visual illustration of the compaction plan 500 may also include one or more additional indicators comprising, for example, labels, location names, GPS coordinates of respective locations on the worksite surface 102, and/or other information determined at 308. In some examples, such indicators may include text, images, icons, markers, segments, linear demarcations, hash marks, and/or other visual indicia indicating various increments of distance traveled by the compaction machine 100. For example, a visual illustration of the example compaction plan 500 may include a plurality of hash marks (not shown) along the travel path 502 indicative of five feet, ten feet, twenty feet, fifty feet, one hundred feet, or any other increment of distance traveled by the compaction machine 100 along the travel path 502. In such examples, generating the compaction plan 500 at 308 may include determining such names, GPS coordinates, increments of distance, and/or other parameters associated with the worksite 400, the worksite surface 102, and/or the travel path 502. Further, in some examples, generating the compaction plan 500 at 308 may include determining for the first drum 106 and/or the second drum 108, at least one of a vibration frequency and a vibration amplitude corresponding to each pass of the plurality of passes (e.g., the plurality of sequential passes) included in the travel path 502. In such examples, a visual illustration of the compaction plan 500 may include text and/or other visual indicia indicating such frequencies and/or amplitudes.
In any of the examples described herein, various methods may be used by the controller 130 at 308 to generate the compaction plan 500, and the various example methods described herein with respect to at least
In some examples, generating a compaction plan 500 at 308 may include determining one or more polygonal shapes having dimensions and/or other configurations that match and/or correspond, at least in part, to the perimeter 402 of the worksite surface 102. In such examples, the controller 130 may correlate and/or otherwise match the information received at 302 with a best-fit polygonal shape stored in the memory associated with the controller 130. The controller 130 may determine the surface area of the worksite surface 102 to be compacted based at least partly on algorithms, formulas, look-up tables and/or other processes associated with such a polygonal shape, and may generate the travel path 502 based at least partly on the surface area(s) determined using such algorithms, formulas, look-up tables and/or other processes.
In examples in which the perimeter 402 of the worksite 102 matches a single polygonal shape, the corresponding compaction plan 500 generated at 308 may comprise a travel path 502 having a plurality of sequential passes as described above, and each of the passes may cause the compaction machine 100 to travel in either direction of travel 508, or in a direction opposite the direction of travel 508. Such a travel path 502 may maximize the efficiency with which the compaction machine 100 may perform the compaction operation on the worksite surface 102. For example, the substantially rectangular worksite surface 102 shown in
In other examples, however, a worksite surface may include a perimeter have a shape, size, and/or other configuration that does not closely match with and/or substantially correspond to a single polygonal shape stored in the memory associated with the controller 130. In such examples, generating a compaction plan 500 may include determining a first polygonal shape that substantially matches and/or that corresponds to a first portion of the worksite surface, and determining one or more additional polygonal shapes that match and/or correspond to one or more corresponding additional portions of the worksite surface. In such situations, the controller 130 may determine a total surface area of the worksite surface by, for example, determining and summing the surface areas of the respective polygonal shapes corresponding to each portion of the worksite surface. At 308, the controller 130 may generate the compaction plan based at least in part on such a determined surface area.
By way of example,
By segmenting the worksite surface 602 in this manner, the controller 130 may, at 308, accurately determine the total surface area of a relatively irregularly shaped worksite surface 602, and may generate a compaction plan 616 and corresponding travel path 618 that may maximize the efficiency with which the compaction machine 100 may perform a compaction operation on the worksite surface 602. It is understood that, at 308, the controller 130 may incorporate (e.g., subtract) the shape, size, and location of any avoidance zones associated with such a worksite surface 602 when determining the total surface area of the worksite surface 602 to be compacted and/or when generating the compaction plan 616.
As shown in
In some examples, segmenting the worksite surface 602 as described above with respect to
In particular,
As shown in
With continued reference to
As shown in
In some examples, the operator may provide an input via the data field 806, indicating that the operator does not approve the travel path 502. In such examples, at 312—No, control may proceed to 302, and at least part of the method 300 may be repeated. Additionally or alternatively, the controller 130 may enable the operator to modify the travel path 502 and/or one or more portions of the compaction plan 500, via the control interface 122, in response to receiving such an input at 312. In other examples, at 312—Yes the operator may provide an input via the data field 804 indicating that the operator does approve the travel path 502. In such examples, at 312, the controller 130 may receive the input indicative of approval of the travel path 502 based at least partly on the at least part of the travel path 502 being displayed via the control interface 122.
At 314, the controller 130 may control operation of at least one component of the compaction machine 100 on the worksite surface 102, in accordance with the construction plan 500, based at least partly on receiving the input indicative of approval of the travel path 502 at 312—Yes. For example, at 314 the controller 130 may, based at least partly on receiving the input indicative of approval of the travel path 502, cause the control interface 122 to display one or more additional messages for consumption by an operator of the compaction machine 100.
At 314, and based at least partly on receiving the input indicative of approval of the travel path 502, the controller 130 may also cause the control interface 122 to display one or more buttons, icons, and/or other data fields 904, 906. Such data fields 904, 906 may comprise, for example, portions of the touch screen display, and/or other components of the control interface 122 configured to receive input (e.g., touch input) from the operator. Such data fields 904 may, for example, enable the operator to provide an input (e.g., touch input) via the control interface 122 in order to select one or more of the parameters noted above. For example, in response to receiving an input via one of the data fields 904, the controller 130 may, at 314, control the compaction machine 100 to traverse the travel path 502 without at least one of steering input from an operator of the compaction machine 100, or speed input from the operator. Additionally or alternatively, in response to receiving an input via one of the data fields 904, the controller 130 may, at 314, control at least one of a vibration frequency of the first drum 106 and/or the second drum 108, and a vibration amplitude of the first drum 106 and/or the second drum 108 as the compaction machine 100 traverses the travel path 502. The data field 906 may, for example, enable the operator to select one or more additional parameters for automatic control during a compaction operation, and/or may enable the operator to select one or more additional options.
In some examples, and at least partly in response to receiving an input via a data field 904 corresponding to vibration frequency and/or vibration amplitude, operation of the first vibratory mechanism 110 and/or of the second vibratory mechanism 112 may be automatically controlled, in real-time, by the controller 130 as the compaction machine 100 traverses the travel path 502. For example, at 314 the controller 130 may receive one or more signals from the sensor 114 and/or from the sensor 116 as the compaction machine 100 traverses the travel path 502. In such examples, such signals may contain information indicative of a stiffness, density, and/or compactability of at least a portion of the worksite surface 102 located along the travel path 502. The controller 130 may, substantially continuously and/or in real-time compare such information to corresponding stored density information, look-up tables, etc. Alternatively, the controller 130 may use such information as inputs into one or more algorithms, equations, or other components to determine respective vibration frequencies, amplitudes, and/or other operating parameters required to satisfy the compaction requirements associated with the information received at 304. Thus, at 314 the controller 130 may modify operation of first vibratory mechanism 110 and/or of the second vibratory mechanism 112, in real-time, as the compaction machine 100 traverses the travel path 502 based at least partly on such determined vibration frequencies, amplitudes, and/or other operating parameters.
As shown in
For example, the user interface 1000 may include one or more numbers, images, icons, or other indicators 1002, 1004 indicating the number of times the compaction machine 100 has traversed the respective passes 510, 514, 518, 522, 526, 530, 534 of the illustrated travel path 502. For example, in the user interface 1000 shown in
In some examples, the user interface 1000 may also include one or more additional messages, text, icons, graphics, or other visual indicia 1006, 1008 indicating various respective operating parameters of the compaction machine 100 in real-time. For example, in the user interface 1000 illustrated in
The present disclosure provides systems and methods for generating a compaction plan associated with a worksite surface. Such systems and methods may be used to achieve improved compaction consistency and efficiency at the worksite. As a result, paving materials that are later disposed on such compacted worksite surfaces may have greater longevity and may provide improved driving conditions. As noted above with respect to
By causing at least part of the travel path to be displayed, an operator of the compaction machine 100 may review, confirm the accuracy of, and/or modify the travel path before beginning one or more compaction operations. The controller 130 may also be configured to provide the travel path and/or other components of the compaction plan to a mobile device 208 used by, for example, a foreman at the worksite and/or to a computing device 204 located at, for example, a remote paving material production plant. Providing such information in this way may also enable, for example, the foreman to review, confirm the accuracy of, and/or modify the travel path before compaction operations begin. Additionally, controlling the operation of the compaction machine 100 in accordance with the compaction plan may reduce over-compaction of the worksite surface, and may result in improved compaction consistency and efficiency. Thus, the example systems and methods described above may provide considerable cost savings, and may reduce the time and labor required for various compaction operations at the worksite.
While aspects of the present disclosure have been particularly shown and described with reference to the embodiments above, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various additional embodiments may be contemplated by the modification of the disclosed machines, systems and methods without departing from the spirit and scope of what is disclosed. Such embodiments should be understood to fall within the scope of the present disclosure as determined based upon the claims and any equivalents thereof.
| Number | Name | Date | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
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