Realtime payload mapping for loader/hauler system optimization

Abstract

A payload optimization system is disclosed and may include one or more visual sensors operably coupled to a hauling machine and configured to scan and produce a payload body data set. The system may further include a loading machine including a payload bucket configured to load a payload into the payload body. Moreover, a loading system controller may be communicably coupled to each of the hauling machine and the loading machine and configured to identify the hauling machine and the loading machine using a set of machine identifiers. Moreover, the controller may receive the payload body data set from the one or more visual sensors, generate a payload body map, and program a loading sequence of the payload body based on the payload body map. The loading system controller may transmit and display the loading sequence configured to guide a loading cycle between the hauling machine and the loading machine.

Description

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE[0001]The present disclosure relates generally to hauling and loading machines and, more particularly, relates to a system for optimizing the loading of a hauling machine.BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE[0002]Work machines, such as hauling trucks, loaders, shovels, excavators, articulated trucks, off-road machines, on-road machines, dozers, and the like may be used in mining, construction, agriculture, petroleum, and other such applications. During operation, one or more work machines may work together to perform a desired task. In one non-limiting example, a hauling machine and a loading machine may be paired together at a jobsite. The loading machine may be tasked with scooping up material in a loading bucket and filling a hauling body of the hauling machine. In some cases the loading machine may be configured to scoop and load a variety of work material into the hauling machine such as large rocks or boulder, small rocks, gravel, dirt, and the like.[0003]Typica...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes a system and method for optimizing the position and load of a payload within a work machine. The system includes visual sensors on the hauling machine that scan the payload body and produce a visual data set, which is then used to create a map of the payload body. A loading machine with a payload bucket is then used to load the payload into the hauling machine. A controller uses these sensors to identify the hauling and loading machines and receives information about the character of the hauling machine from a machine specification database. The controller then programmed a loading sequence for the payload based on the map and the capacity of the loading machine. The controller can display the loading sequence on the loading machine's display and guide the loading cycle between the hauling and loading machines. The technical effect of this invention is that it enables safer and more efficient loading of work machines, resulting in reduced costs and increased efficiency.

Problems solved by technology

As a result, it may be difficult for the operator to properly balance each load when placing it into the hauling machine.

For example, the operator may not be able to properly view the previously placed loads.

Therefore the operator may be unable to pick out the best place to dump subsequent loads of work material into the hauling body.

Additionally, some operators may not have sufficient knowledge or training in the proper loading techniques for the variety of work machines present at the jobsite.

However, the '869 publication does not visually scan the dump truck bed to produce an image map of the dump truck bed which is analyzed to determine an optimized location for the excavator to place the load on the dump truck.

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