Apparatus and Method for Controlling Work Trajectory of Construction Equipment

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a apparatus and method for controlling work trajectory of construction equipment, and particularly, to a trajectory controlling device and a method for construction equipment, capable of automatically operating with the most suitable work trajectory at the point when an automated task is selected. The trajectory controlling device and method for construction equipment may control a task starting point and the following of a trajectory in order to compensate for a positioning error when playback is selected to follow a teaching trajectory, and may minimize positioning errors by compensating for changes related to gravity due to changes in the posture of a work device.

Description

This application is a Section 371 National Stage Application of International Application No. PCT/KR2011/004604, filed Jun. 23, 2011 and published, not in English, as WO2011/162561 on Dec. 29, 2011.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates to a apparatus and method for controlling work trajectory of construction equipment, and particularly, to a trajectory controlling device and method for construction equipment, capable of automatically operating in the most suitable work trajectory at the point when an automated task is selected.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

In general, an excavator is configured with: respective work devices (for example, a boom, an arm, and a bucket); a boom cylinder, an arm cylinder, and a bucket cylinder for driving the work devices, respectively; a swing motor for the swing operation of an excavator body; and a motor and a hydraulic pump for supplying compressed oil as a power source to the respective cylinders. An excavator is hydraulic construction equipment that performs excavating, ridging, stationary work, and many other types of work.

In an excavator, after hydraulic oil drawn from a hydraulic tank is discharged by means of a main pump, the amount of hydraulic flow and hydraulic pressure being supplied to the boom cylinder, the arm cylinder, and the bucket cylinder is controlled by means of a control valve that is switched according to the manipulation of a joystick, and actuators actuate the boom, arm, bucket, etc. to enable an operator to perform a desired task.

In order to perform various tasks with an excavator, because an operator needs to simultaneously manipulate the joysticks of the respective work devices with skill according to each task, a high level of operating skill is required. Because the conditions at excavating sites are very poor and dangerous, there is an increasing need for research for intelligent excavators that are controlled automatically using predetermined control algorithms instead of being operated manually by an operator. That is, there is a need for an automated excavating solution that can be easily implemented by even an inexperienced operator.

By automatically performing simple repetitive excavating tasks without a human operator, an intelligent excavator may help to reduce labor costs and reduce the risk of accidents. As part of this scheme, in order for an operator to perform automated excavation work, it is necessary to receive information on the excavating conditions in real time through various sensors.

In order for an operator to perform various tasks with an excavator, because the operator needs to simultaneously manipulate the joysticks of the respective work devices with skill according to each task, a high level of operating skill is required.

In particular, when performing the same task repetitively, because an operator repeats the same manipulations with a high level of skill, this requires concentration over the course of many hours, which can reduce work efficiency. There is also the problem of having to perform the same task again when a faulty manipulation of the joystick by an inexperienced operator causes equipment to greatly deviate from a certain trajectory. There is thus a great need for a trajectory controlling technology for repetitively performing the same task in a reliable manner, while actively performing management according to excavating conditions, repetitively setting the same task, and automatically and repetitively performing the task.

The discussion above is merely provided for general background information and is not intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

SUMMARY

This summary and the abstract are provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. The summary and the abstract are not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor are they intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

The present invention is made to solve the problems, and an object of the present disclosure is to provide a trajectory controlling device and method for construction equipment, capable of automatically operating with the most suitable work trajectory at the point when an automated task is selected.

That is, the object of the present disclosure is to provide a trajectory controlling device and method for construction equipment, which employ a database and are capable of performing an automated task in a work trajectory at a point after the posture of a bucket that is not in a work trajectory of a selected point has been corrected, in consideration of the current posture of the bucket, when automated excavation is selected.

Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a apparatus and method for controlling work trajectory of construction equipment, which use teaching and playback to minimize positioning errors when an automated task is performed to follow a teaching trajectory designated by an operator.

In a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a work trajectory controlling device for construction equipment having at least one work device, and a driving unit for driving the work device, the work trajectory controlling device including: an actuating unit configured to generate a joystick signal through a manipulation by an operator; a data storage unit configured to store driving trajectory data on the work device, for the work device, to be driven upon starting of an automated task, to follow; and a driving controller configured, upon the starting of the automated task, to read trajectory data on the work device stored in the data storage unit, and control the driving unit to drive the work device to follow the read driving trajectory data, wherein when the automated task is selected, and an actual position of the work device falls within a reference error range between a position at which driving of the work device is started which is stored in the data storage unit, and a preset position at which driving of the work device is started, the driving controller performs controlling to start automated driving in a position at a time when the automated task is selected and controls the driving unit to follow the prestored driving trajectory over time while the automated driving is performed.

In a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a work trajectory controlling method for construction equipment having at least one work device, a driving unit configured to drive the work device, and an actuating unit configured to generate a joystick signal through a manipulation by an operator, the method including: checking whether an automated task is selected; and when the automated task is selected, comparing an actual position of the work device with a preset automated task starting position, and comparing a difference thereof with a preset reference error, wherein when results of the comparison show that a difference between the actual position of the work device and the preset automated task starting position is less than the reference error, preset trajectory data on the work device is read, and trajectory data is generated for an automated task starting at the actual position of the work device, after which the automated task is started, and the new trajectory data is generated to follow the preset trajectory data of the work device as time elapses.

According to the present disclosure, automated work is possible based on the current posture of a work device when an automated task is selected, and it is possible to prevent the automated task from being performed inefficiently due to an improper posture of the work device when the automated task is begun.

Moreover, work may be easily performed even by an inexperienced operator, through an automated task selection function.

Also, according to the present disclosure, when playback is selected to follow a teaching trajectory, a positioning error is compensated for to enable a work device to be driven in a trajectory desired by an operator.

Further, even when the position of a work device at the time playback is selected is different from a starting point of a teaching trajectory learned by an operator, the operator may perform work within desired work parameters in a short time when the difference is not great.

In addition, changes related to gravity brought about by changes in the posture of a work device may be compensated for in order to minimize positioning errors.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a configurative diagram of a work trajectory controlling device for construction equipment according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of using a database to control the work trajectory of construction equipment according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a detailed configurative diagram of a work trajectory controlling device in playback mode according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a method for controlling a work trajectory of construction equipment by using a database according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a method for controlling a work trajectory in teaching mode according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a method for controlling a work trajectory in playback mode according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[Description of Main Reference Numerals of Drawings]
100: Work trajectory controlling device 110: Actuating unit
120: Driving controller          130: Gravity compensating unit
140: Driving unit                150: Data storage unit

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The structure of the present disclosure and the effects derived therefrom will be clearly understood through the detailed description below. Before providing the detailed description of the present disclosure, it should be noted that the same components are identified by the same reference numerals whenever possible even in different drawings, and when it is determined that detailed description relating to well-known functions or configurations may make the subject matter of the present disclosure unnecessarily ambiguous, the detailed description will be omitted.

FIG. 1 is a configurative diagram of a work trajectory controlling device for construction equipment according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, a work trajectory controlling device 100 according to the present disclosure includes an actuating unit 110, a driving controller 120, a gravity compensating unit 130, a driving unit 140, and a data storage unit 150. Here, the work trajectory controlling device 100 controls the work trajectory of construction equipment, and includes at least one work device, and the driving unit 140 for driving the work device. When performing an automated task with the work trajectory controlling device for construction equipment according to the present disclosure, the position of a work device is described in terms of having a large positioning error or a small positioning error with respect to a preset reference value, and a case in which a work trajectory controlling device for construction equipment operates using a database and a case in which a work trajectory controlling device for construction equipment operates using teaching and playback are described. Also, an example of applying the present disclosure to an excavator among the work devices will be described.

First, a description will be provided starting with a work trajectory controlling device for construction equipment using a database according to the present disclosure.

Preset driving trajectory data for a work device is stored in the data storage unit 150, in order for an automated task to be started at a position corresponding to any of the positions of the work device. That is, the data storage unit 150 builds and stores a database with driving trajectory data for each set of position coordinates for the end of the excavator bucket. Here, the driving trajectory data includes joystick data and cylinder length data, or angle data on each link of the boom, the arm, and the bucket. In the present exemplary embodiment, the above-described driving trajectory data is described in terms of the position of the bucket, as an example. However, the present disclosure is not necessarily limited thereto, and trajectory data may be formed on the basis of the boom, the arm, and various other work devices. However, when the bucket forms the basis for the trajectory data as in the present exemplary embodiment, because the moving trajectory of the bucket that directly contacts the surface that is actually worked is very similar to the work parameters intended by the operator, it may be preferable to perform controlling with the position of the bucket at the center, as in the present exemplary embodiment.

To describe the driving trajectory data of the excavator, the data storage unit 150 stores driving trajectory data for each set of position coordinates that may begin at position coordinates of the end of the excavator bucket as a reference, and may include driving trajectory data from all points on which the end of the bucket may be disposed. Also, the driving trajectory data is made and stored as a database, in terms of the desirable bucket angles for performing tasks. At the time the excavator is delivered, driving trajectory data related to excavating at all points may be compiled in a database. Such driving trajectory data based on position may be set through the following example. First, the range over which the end of the bucket is driven for a task is divided into ranges of predetermined sizes. Excavating, flattening, trenching, and other tasks are predicted to respectively be performed from where the end of the bucket is disposed at the center of each range, and trajectory data based thereon is prestored.

Based on manipulations by an operator, the actuating unit 110 outputs information on whether automated task start has been selected and position information on the work device at the time when the automated task is started to the driving controller 120. Here, the actuating unit 110 may include a joystick or an automated task start button, or the like. In this case, a joystick signal, an automated task button signal, or the like is output according to the manipulations of the operator.

When an automated task is selected, the driving controller 120 reads driving trajectory data corresponding to the current position of the work device from the data storage unit 150, and controls the driving unit 140 to drive the work device to follow the driving trajectory data read from the data storage unit 150.

That is, when the automated task is selected, the driving controller 120 checks the posture of the work device. When the checked results show that the posture of the work device is a posture with which a designated task cannot be performed immediately, the driving controller 120 controls the driving unit 140 so that the work device is changed in posture so as to be capable of performing the designated task. Conversely, when it is found that the posture of the work device is a posture allowing the designated task to be performed immediately, the driving controller 120 checks whether the new position of the work device brought about by the change in posture will be largely different from a preset reference value.

Next, when the checked results for the reference value show that the new position will differ largely from the preset reference value, the driving controller 120 reads new driving trajectory data corresponding to a new position changed by a change in the posture of the bucket from the data storage unit 150, and then controls the driving unit 140 so that the work device is driven to follow the new driving trajectory data. Conversely, when the checked results for the reference value show that the new position will not differ largely from the preset reference value, the driving controller 120 controls the driving unit 140 so that the work device is driven to follow driving trajectory data corresponding to the initially selected position.

To describe an excavator equipped with a bucket from among work devices as an example, the driving controller 120 checks the posture of the bucket when an automated task is started. When the checked results show that the posture of the bucket is similar to a reference posture, the driving unit 140 is controlled so that driving trajectory data will be followed at the time of an operator's selection. Conversely, when the posture of the bucket differs largely from the reference posture, the driving controller 120 changes the posture of the bucket. The driving controller 120 changes the angle of bucket to a reference bucket angle at the time of the operator's selection, in consideration of the current bucket angle.

Also, the driving controller 120 checks for a position change brought about by a change in the posture of the bucket. Here, the excavator includes the bucket, and the driving controller 120 determines whether there is a change in the posture of the excavator based on the posture of the bucket. When the checked position change results show that there is no large change in position, the driving controller 120 controls the driving unit 140 so that the initially selected trajectory data is ultimately followed. Conversely, when there is a large change in position, the driving controller 120 reads new driving trajectory data corresponding to the changed position from the data storage unit 150, and then controls the driving unit 140 so that the new driving trajectory data is followed. Here, whether or not the new driving trajectory data is to be read is selected based on a position change of the bucket corresponding to a change in the posture of the bucket.

In this case, the driving controller 120 has various sensors so that when it is sensed that a change in the posture of the bucket will be impeded by an obstacle such as a ground surface, the posture of the bucket may be changed by automatically driving other work devices such as the boom/arm in an optimized trajectory.

To describe in detail a case in which the bucket angle is preset at 10° by the work trajectory controlling device 100, during automated excavating, the driving controller 120 compares a preset bucket angle (for example, 10°) to the current bucket angle, and controls the driving unit 140 to move the bucket cylinder when the current bucket angle exceeds the preset angle, so that the bucket angle falls within the preset angle. If it is determined that the bucket is stuck on the ground surface or in a difficult-to-drive situation, the driving controller 120 controls the driving unit 140 to actuate the cylinders of the boom, arm, and bucket together in order to set the bucket angle in order to set the bucket angle.

If the position of the end of the bucket is changed after the bucket angle is set, the driving controller 120 reads new driving trajectory data for the changed position from the data storage unit 150.

Then, in order to perform an automated excavating task, the driving controller 120 may control a task starting point and the following of a trajectory so as to compensate for a positioning error based on driving trajectory data stored in the data storage unit 150, and may compensate for changes related to gravity brought about by posture changes, in order to minimize positioning errors for the end of the bucket of the excavator and control the driving of the excavator. Here, the driving controller 120 may apply a gravity compensating value, calculated by the gravity compensating unit 130, for drive control. Length data for each cylinder of the excavator may be substituted with angle data on each link of the boom, arm, and bucket. Here, when a new joystick signal is generated for a predetermined time from the actuating unit 110 during an automated task, the driving controller 120 controls the driving unit 140 to stop the automated task and follow the new joystick signal that is generated.

During automated excavating, the driving controller 120 obtains driving trajectory data (for example, joystick data (Joy_ref data) and cylinder length data (Cyl_ref data)) that is stored in the data storage unit 150. Also, the driving controller 120 adds a joystick signal (O_Joy), a positioning error signal (O_PI1), and a gravity compensating signal value (Ga), and outputs a drive control signal (Com_out) to the driving unit 140.

To describe in detail the outputting process of the drive control signal (Com_out), the driving controller 120 obtains a joystick signal (O_Joy) from joystick data (Joy_ref data). Also, the driving controller 120 subtracts a cylinder length signal and a current measured signal from the cylinder length data (Cyl_ref data) to obtain an error signal (Er). In addition, the driving controller 120 uses the error signal (Er) to calculate a positioning error signal (O_PI1) through a PI controller.

The gravity compensating unit 130 obtains a mass inertia moment through a current posture change of the excavator and calculates a gravity compensating value (Ga). This is to minimize a positioning error for the end of the bucket caused by a posture change of the excavator.

When the gravity compensating value (Ga) is determined, the driving controller 120 calculates a driving output value (O_joy+O_PI1+Ga) which is the sum of the joystick signal (O_Joy), the positioning error signal (O_PI1), and the gravity compensating value (Ga). Also, the driving controller 120 converts the added driving output value (O_joy+O_PI1+Ga) to a drive control signal (Com_out) to output to the driving unit 140.

If a new joystick signal is generated by the actuating unit 110 for a preset time (for example, 0.3 sec) during automated excavation, the driving controller 120 assumes an emergency situation and controls the driving unit 140 to stop the automated task and follow the joystick signal generated by the actuating unit 110.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of using a database to control the work trajectory of construction equipment according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the data storage unit 150 forms a database with driving trajectory data at coordinates (211) at which the end of the bucket is disposed, and stores the database. The data storage unit 150 designates a bucket position at which excavation is possible as a position coordinate value, and stores driving trajectory data corresponding to the designated position coordinate value as a database. Here, all position coordinates 210 are represented by (0, 0) to (x, y) in the database. Here, x and y are position coordinates representing positions at which excavation is possible in a basic length unit. For example, x and y represent the maximum position coordinates, at which an excavating task is possible within the range in which the excavator operates.

The data storage unit 150 stores driving trajectory data on the position coordinates 211 at a selected point. When the driving controller 120 requests driving trajectory data on the position coordinates 211, the data storage unit 150 relays driving trajectory data on the position coordinates 211 to the driving controller 120. Here, the driving trajectory data may include joystick data and cylinder length data, or angle data on each link of the boom, arm, and bucket, relayed from the driving controller 120.

A detailed description of each element will be provided for the case where the work trajectory controlling device 100 for construction equipment illustrated in FIG. 1 according to the present disclosure operates as a work trajectory controlling device for construction equipment using teaching and playback.

The present disclosure relates to a apparatus and method for controlling work trajectory of construction equipment which are capable of minimizing positioning errors when playback is selected, whereby an operator rides a work device (for example, an excavator and a wheel loader) and a trajectory for performing a certain task is stored in the work device (this task is hereinafter referred to as “teaching”), and the stored trajectory (for example, for the position of the end of a bucket) is followed to drive the work device automatically. Below, an excavator will be described as an example of a work device to which the present disclosure is applied.

The work trajectory controlling device 100 is operated in teaching mode or in playback mode. Here, the actuating unit 110 generates a joystick signal through manipulation by an operator, and the operator may select and actuate teaching mode and playback mode.

First, teaching mode denotes a mode in which an operator teaches a task process of an excavator. When the operator manipulates a joystick in teaching mode, the work trajectory controlling device 100 stores the joystick signal according to the joystick manipulation and each piece of cylinder length data (hereinafter referred to as “driving data”) of the driving unit 140. Here, the operator may start or end teaching mode through a teaching start and end button, and the like provided on the actuating unit 110 of the excavator.

To specifically describe teaching mode, while operating in teaching mode, the actuating unit 110 transfers joystick signals generated according to the manipulation of the joystick by the operator to the driving controller 120. Here, the driving controller 120 receives the joystick signals from the actuating unit 110 and controls the driving of the driving unit 140. Also, when teaching mode is selected, the driving controller 120 processes driving data on the work device and the joystick signals corresponding to the manipulations of the operator, and stores generated trajectory data in the data storage unit 150. That is, the driving controller 120 stores the joystick signals transferred from the actuating unit 110 as joystick data in the data storage unit 150. Also, the driving controller 120 stores cylinder length data of the boom, arm, and bucket driven by the driving unit 140, or angle data for each link in the boom, arm, and bucket in the data storage unit 150.

The driving unit 140 drives the cylinders of the boom, arm, and bucket according to the drive control of the driving controller 120.

Second, the playback mode denotes a mode in which the work trajectory controlling device 100 automatically plays back the task process stored in the teaching mode.

The data storage unit 150 stores trajectory data (for example, joystick data and data on the length of each cylinder) taught in teaching mode. Also, the data storage unit 150 may store joystick data and angle data for each link of the boom, arm, and bucket as trajectory data.

When playback mode is selected, the driving controller 120 controls the driving unit 140 to automatically drive the work device to follow trajectory data stored in the data storage unit 150 in teaching mode. First, the position of the work device is compared to a starting position of the work device stored in the data storage unit 150 at the point when playback mode is selected. When the results of the comparison show that the positions are within a preset reference error range, the driving controller 120 performs controlling to start automated driving at the position at which playback mode is selected. Any of the work devices may be used to measure the positioning error range. For performing a task such as excavation, the present exemplary embodiment describes an example of a controlling method that sets the position of the bucket, which directly contacts the surface to be worked and can be said to be central to the task, as the basis for performing controlling. That is, a positional difference is determined between the current position of the end of the bucket and a preset initial position of the end of the bucket, so that the control of playback mode is made possible. Here, the driving controller 120 controls the driving unit 140 to follow a preset driving trajectory as the time elapses in which automated driving is performed. This is to enable a task to be performed within an initially input working range as time elapses, even when automated driving is started at a point not desired by an operator. The driving controller 120 compensates for a positioning error with respect to the trajectory data stored in the data storage unit 150, while automated driving of the work device is performed. In order to minimize a positioning error for the end of the bucket of the excavator in the present exemplary embodiment, the driving of the excavator is controlled by compensating for the effects of gravity corresponding to the posture of the work device. Here, the driving controller 120 applies a gravity compensating value calculated by the gravity compensating unit 130 and updates trajectory data, and controls the driving unit 140 on the basis of the updated trajectory data. Data on the length of each cylinder of the excavator from trajectory data may be substituted with angle data on each link of the boom, arm, and bucket. The gravity compensating unit 130 obtains a mass inertia moment through a change in the current posture of the excavator and calculates a gravity compensating value. This is to minimize a positioning error for the end of the bucket brought about by a change in posture of the excavator. These gravity compensating results are used to compensate for the flow discharged from a pump or the degree to which a control valve has been switched, and thus enables the driving speed of the work device initially intended by the operator to be followed. The system may be configured to enable the operator to perform controlling through playback start and end buttons, and the like provided on the actuating unit 110 for starting/ending the playback mode.

The controlling method above is described as an example in which the operator needs to move the work device back to the initial position for the desired task when desiring to reuse playback mode after playback mode is ended. However, the above-described playback mode is not necessarily limited thereto. That is, an application may be possible in which playback mode is selected to automatically repeat. When playback mode is thus automatically repeated, as described above, controlling is possible where a portion where a task could not be performed when playback mode is initially started may be automatically redone. This may be accomplished by performing playback mode again after the work device is automatically moved to the initial position for the task which is automatically stored in teaching mode, when being repeated a second time. Accordingly, even when playback is started with the work device in an inaccurate position through the inexperienced performing of a task, the area intended to be worked by the operator may be worked by repeating the task.

When the positioning error at the time playback mode is started is greater than a preset reference error, a notification may be issued that playback mode cannot be started because automated work is not possible in a work area intended by the operator, and the system may wait for an actuating signal to be input again by the operator. Conversely, in order to enable the work device to work actively, when the above-described positioning error is greater than the reference error, the method may be used of automatically controlling each work device so that the work device (more particularly, the bucket) is positioned at the playback mode starting point stored in teaching mode.

In the above playback mode state, when a new joystick signal is generated through an operator from the actuating unit 110 for a predetermined time, the driving controller 120 may stop playback mode and control the driving unit 140 according to the new joystick signal generated from the actuating unit 110, in anticipation of a similarity.

FIG. 3 is a detailed configurative diagram of a work trajectory controlling device in playback mode according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

When the playback button is selected, the driving controller 120 performs controlling to estimate the task starting point and trajectory in order to compensate for the positioning error of the bucket, and minimizes the error to compensate for the effects of gravity brought about by a change in the posture of the work device.

That is, at the start of playback, the driving controller 120 includes the processes of measuring the distance between the current position of the end of the bucket and the position of the end of the bucket when teaching mode is started, and of comparing a value of the difference between the current position of the end of the bucket and a preset initial position of the end of the bucket with a preset reference error (for example, 10 cm). This takes into account that when a playback task is begun after an ordinary operator positions a work device at an intended position, and the playback task is started, the posture/position of the work device at the time playback is started can only be different from a prestored playback initial position. As described above, when the difference value with the initial position is less than the reference error, and playback is started, the work device is operated directly at the position selected through the manipulation of the operator and is controlled to keep close to the taught driving trajectory as time passes. In this case, a portion of the work area intended by the operator at the start of playback may not have been worked, and in this case when playback is repeatedly performed, the work device is automatically positioned at the taught initial position for the next session of playback work, to thereby solve the problem of the unworked area. When there is a large difference between the posture/position of the work device at the start of playback and a prestored playback initial position, a method may be used for indicating that playback work is not possible and waiting for a further manipulation by the operator, or for automatically positioning the work device to the playback initial position and then performing work by following a taught trajectory. The present exemplary embodiment is described as an example of moving the work device and then performing playback work.

After the start of playback, the driving controller 120 receives pre-taught joystick data (Joy_ref data) and cylinder length data (Cyl_ref data). Also, the driving controller 120 adds a joystick signal (O_Joy), a positioning error signal (O_PI1), and a gravity compensating value (Ga), and outputs a drive controlling signal (Com_out) to the driving unit 140.

To describe the process of outputting the drive controlling signal (Com_out) in detail, the driving controller 120 receives the joystick signal (O_Joy) from the joystick data (Joy_ref data). Also, the driving controller 120 deducts a cylinder length signal and a currently measured signal from the cylinder length data (Cyl_ref data) to obtain an error signal (Er). The driving controller 120 also calculates a positioning error signal (O_PI1) from the error signal (Er) through a PI controller.

The gravity compensating unit 130 calculates the gravity compensating value (Ga) by obtaining a mass inertia moment from the current posture of the work device.

When the gravity compensating value (Ga) is determined, the driving controller 120 calculates a driving output value (O_joy+O_PI1+Ga) which is the sum of the joystick signal (O_Joy), the positioning error signal (O_PI1), and the gravity compensating value (Ga). Also, the driving controller 120 converts the summed driving output value (O_joy+O_PI1+Ga) to a drive controlling signal (Com_out) to output to the driving unit 140.

When a joystick signal is generated by the actuating unit 110 for a preset time (for example, 0.3 sec) or more during playback, the driving controller 120 assumes an emergency situation and controls the driving of the driving unit 140 according to the joystick signal generated by the actuating unit 110.

The method for controlling the work trajectory of construction equipment according to the present disclosure will be described as divided into a work trajectory controlling method for construction equipment using a database, and a work trajectory controlling method in teaching mode. First, a work trajectory controlling method for construction equipment using a database will be described.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a method for controlling the work trajectory of construction equipment by using a database according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

First, to describe the process of selecting an automated task for the work device, an operator positions the work device at a desired position through a joystick and the like provided on the actuating unit 110. Then, when the operator selects an automated task start through an automated task selecting button and the like provided on the actuating unit 110, the automated task for the work device is selected.

After the selection of the automated task, the work trajectory controlling device 100 calculates the current position of the bucket and receives driving trajectory data at those position coordinates from the database (DB) in step 402.

The work trajectory controlling device 100 also compares the current posture of the bucket with a preset reference posture, and checks whether a difference between a current bucket angle at the current bucket position and a bucket angle in the database exceeds a certain angle (for example, 10°) in step 404.

According to the results of the comparison, the work trajectory controlling device 100 changes the posture of the work device to the reference posture.

To describe the process of change to the reference posture in detail, when the results of the check in step 404 show that the difference between the current bucket angle and the initial bucket angle exceeds the certain angle, the work trajectory controlling device 100 moves the current bucket angle to the initial bucket angle in step 406. Here, the initial bucket angle may be preset as a bucket angle that is preferable to perform an excavating task or may be set by the operator. If the bucket is stuck on the ground surface or is in a difficult-to-drive state, the work trajectory controlling device 100 may actuate the cylinders of the boom, arm, and bucket to move the bucket, in order to set the bucket angle. This state in which the bucket cannot be moved can be determined by sensing changes in the hydraulic pressure and changes in posture of each work device, and in the present exemplary embodiment, various sensors are installed on each hydraulic line and joint portions for that purpose.

The work trajectory controlling device 100 receives trajectory data corresponding to a change in position of the work device according to a change in posture from the database, and controls the driving of the work device so that the work device is automatically driven to follow the read trajectory data.

That is, when the current bucket is moved to an initial bucket angle, and then the position of the end of the bucket is changed, the work trajectory controlling device 100 calculates the changed position of the bucket and receives driving trajectory data on the position coordinates at which the end of the bucket is positioned from the database in step 408.

Conversely, when the checked results in step 404 show that the difference between the current bucket angle and the initial bucket angle is below a certain angle, the work trajectory controlling device 100 performs step 410 onward.

Then, the work trajectory controlling device 100 starts automated excavation in step 410 by using the driving trajectory data on the current position according to the received database in steps 402 or 408.

The work trajectory controlling device 100 outputs joystick signals, which are stored at 10 ms intervals, every 10 ms in step 412.

Also, the work trajectory controlling device 100 calculates an error (Er=Cyl_ref−Cyl_cur) between cylinder length data (Cyl_ref) stored for each cylinder and currently measured data (Cyl_cur) in step 414.

Subsequently, the work trajectory controlling device 100 checks whether the error between the cylinder length for even one of three cylinders, from the cylinder lengths stored for each cylinder, and the currently measured cylinder length is a preset cylinder length error value (for example, 5 cm) or greater in step 416.

When the checked results in step 416 show that the error between the reference cylinder length and the currently measured cylinder length is greater than the preset cylinder length error value (for example, 5 cm), the work trajectory controlling device 100 shows the operator a message that the task cannot be performed and ends trajectory control in step 418.

Conversely, when the checked results in step 416 show that the error between the reference cylinder length and the currently measured cylinder length is below the preset cylinder length error value (for example, 5 cm), the work trajectory controlling device 100 calculates a positioning error signal (O_PI1=Kp*Er+Ki*sum(Er)) to perform feedback control through a proportional integral (PI) controller in step 420.

Next, in step 422, the work trajectory controlling device 100 calculates a compensating value (Ga) by obtaining a mass inertia moment from the current posture of the work device, and obtains a PI controlling signal (O_PI=O_PI1+Ga) to which gravity compensation has been applied according to the positioning error signal (O_PI1) calculated in step 420, and posture. For example, because the boom, arm, and bucket of an excavator are heavy, the pressures required to move the boom, arm, and bucket are different when they are all spread out and when they are all converged. Therefore, the work trajectory controlling device 100 compensates for when the effects of gravity on the boom, arm, and bucket are different, so as to perform fast and accurate control. That is, when the boom, arm, and bucket are spread out, the work trajectory controlling device 100 adds a gravity compensating value (Ga) corresponding to a gravity compensation to the positioning error signal (O_PI1) calculated in step 420 so that a greater output can be generated.

The work trajectory controlling device 100 also calculates a driving output value (O_co=O_joy+O_PI1+Ga) as a final output in step 424 by adding the joystick output signal (O_joy) received in step 412, the positioning error signal (O_PI1) from step 420, and the PI controlling signal (O_PI) calculated in step 422.

The work trajectory controlling device 100 checks in step 426 whether an executing length matches a buffer length stored in the data storage unit 150.

When the results of the checking in step 426 show that the executing length does not match the buffer length, the work trajectory controlling device 100 outputs the driving output value calculated in step 424 and performs the steps again from step 412. Conversely, when the executing length and the buffer length match, the work trajectory controlling device 100 ends trajectory control together with a task completed message.

If, during work trajectory control, a new joystick signal is generated by the operator for a preset time (for example, 0.3 sec), the work trajectory controlling device 100 may assume an emergency situation, and end the automated task and control the work device according to the new joystick signal.

A work trajectory controlling method in teaching mode will be described from among work trajectory controlling methods for construction equipment using teaching and playback according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a method for controlling a work trajectory in teaching mode according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

The work trajectory controlling method according to the present disclosure is applied to a work trajectory controlling device 100 for construction equipment that includes at least one work device, a driving unit 140 for driving the work device, and an actuating unit 110 for generating a joystick signal corresponding to a manipulation by an operator, and is capable of selective operation in teaching mode and playback mode.

The work trajectory controlling device 100 checks in step 502 whether a start button signal for indicating teaching start has been input by an operator.

When teaching mode is selected, the work trajectory controlling device 100 stores the joystick signal generated by the manipulation of the operator and the driving data of the work device as trajectory data. That is, when the checked results in step 502 show that the start button is input, after the start button signal, the work trajectory controlling device 100 stores an angle at which the joystick is moved by the operator in preset time intervals (for example, 10 ms), and senses and stores the cylinder length for each of the boom, arm, and bucket in step 504. For example, the work trajectory controlling device 100 may store the joystick angle and cylinder length at 10 ms intervals. The work trajectory controlling device 100 may also sense and store the angles of each link of the boom, arm, and bucket. Here, the work trajectory controlling device 100 may calculate the cylinder length or angles of each link of the boom, arm, and bucket in order to mechanically calculate the position of the end of the bucket. Conversely, when the checked results in step 502 show that the start button signal is not input, the work trajectory controlling device 100 continuously monitors whether the start button signal is input.

Then, the work trajectory controlling device 100 checks in step 506 whether an end button signal indicating the end of teaching is input.

When the checked results in step 506 show that the end button signal is input, the work trajectory controlling device 100 stores the joystick angles and cylinder lengths of the boom, arm, and bucket stored until the present as one piece of trajectory data. Conversely, when the end button signal is not input, the work trajectory controlling device 100 performs the steps again from 504, in which trajectory data is stored.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a method for controlling a work trajectory in playback mode according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

The work trajectory controlling device 100 checks in step 602 whether a playback start button signal, indicating that playback is started by an operator, is input.

When the checked results in step 602 show that the playback start button signal is input by the operator, the work trajectory controlling device 100 measures the distance between the current position of the end of the bucket and the position of the end of the bucket when teaching is started, and checks whether a difference value between the current position of the end of the bucket and a preset initial position of the end of the bucket exceeds a preset reference error (for example, 10 cm) in step 604. Conversely, when the playback start button signal is not input by the operator, the work trajectory controlling device 100 performs step 602 onward until the playback start button signal is input.

When the checked results in step 604 show that the position difference value between the current position and the initial position of the end of the bucket exceeds the preset reference error, the work trajectory controlling device 100 controls the bucket to move the current position of the end of the bucket to the preset initial position in step 606. The work trajectory controlling device 100 controls each actuator to move the bucket so that the position of the end of the bucket is within 10 cm of the position difference value. Here, when a selection is made so that an automated task is repeatedly performed through playback mode selection when the position difference is greater than the reference error, the work trajectory controlling device 100 performs controlling so that the automated task is performed after the work device is returned to the position at which teaching mode is started after the automated task is first performed.

Conversely, when the checked results in step 604 show that the position difference value between the current position and the initial position of the end of the bucket is less than the preset reference error—that is, the position of the end of the bucket is within 10 cm, the work trajectory controlling device 100 outputs a playback signal every 10 ms in order to automatically drive the work device at the current position, and uses the signal as a reference playback signal. Here, even when there is a difference between the initial position and the teaching position of the work device when a position compensating method as described below is used, when the playback task is performed, data is compensated for so as to follow a taught trajectory within the shortest time possible and is used for driving the work device.

In more detail, the work trajectory controlling device 100 receives a prestored joystick signal (O_joy) every 10 ms in step 608.

The work trajectory controlling device 100 also calculates an error (Er=Cyl_ref−Cyl_cur) between cylinder length data (Cyl_ref) stored for each cylinder and currently measured data (Cyl_cur) in step 610.

Next, the work trajectory controlling device 100 checks in step 612 whether the error between the cylinder length for even one of three cylinders, from the cylinder lengths stored for each cylinder, and the currently measured cylinder length is a preset cylinder length error value (for example, 5 cm) or greater.

When the checked results in step 612 show that the error between the reference cylinder length and the currently measured cylinder length is the preset cylinder length error value (for example, 5 cm) or greater, the work trajectory controlling device 100 shows the operator a message that the task cannot be performed and ends trajectory control in step 614.

Conversely, when the checked results in step 612 show that the error between the reference cylinder length and the currently measured cylinder length is below the preset cylinder length error value (for example, 5 cm), the work trajectory controlling device 100 calculates a positioning error signal (O_PI1=Kp*Er+Ki*sum(Er)) in step 616 to perform feedback control through a proportional integral (PI) controller.

Next, in step 618, the work trajectory controlling device 100 calculates a compensating value (Ga) by obtaining a mass inertia moment from the current posture, and obtains a PI controlling signal (O_PI=O_PI1+Ga) to which gravity compensation has been applied according to the positioning error signal (O_PI1) calculated in step 416, and posture. For example, because the boom, arm, and bucket of an excavator are heavy, the pressures required to move the boom, arm, and bucket are different when they are all spread out and when they are all converged. Therefore, the work trajectory controlling device 100 compensates for when the effects of gravity on the boom, arm, and bucket are different, so as to perform fast and accurate control. That is, when the boom, arm, and bucket are spread out, the work trajectory controlling device 100 adds a gravity compensating value (Ga) corresponding to a gravity compensation to the positioning error signal (O_PI1) calculated in step 616 so that a greater output can be generated.

The work trajectory controlling device 100 also calculates a driving output value (O_co=O_joy+O_PI1+Ga) as a final output in step 620 and controls the work device by adding the joystick output signal (O_joy) received in step 608, the positioning error signal (O_PI1) from step 616, and the PI controlling signal (O_PI) calculated in step 618. That is, the work trajectory controlling device 100 may calculate a gravity compensating value by using a change in the effects of gravity brought about by a change in the posture of the work device, and may apply the calculated gravity compensating value to control the work device to follow a driving speed of the work device, which is included in the trajectory data stored in teaching mode.

The work trajectory controlling device 100 checks in step 622 whether the executing length matches a buffer length stored in the data storage unit 150.

When the results of the checking in step 622 show that the executing length does not match the buffer length, the work trajectory controlling device 100 outputs the driving output value calculated in step 622 and performs the steps again from step 408. Conversely, when the executing length and the buffer length match, the work trajectory controlling device 100 ends trajectory control together with a task completed message.

As described above, the work trajectory controlling device 100 controls the operation of a work device by following prestored trajectory data when playback mode is selected. Here, the work trajectory controlling device 100 compares the position of the work device at the point when playback mode is selected to the starting position when teaching mode is started, and when the difference in positions is less than a preset reference error, performs an automated task that follows the trajectory data at the selecting point of playback mode selected by an operator, and performs controlling to follow the stored trajectory data as time elapses.

If, during trajectory control, a joystick signal is input by a user for a preset time (for example, 0.3 sec) or more, the work trajectory controlling device 100 assumes an emergency situation and performs drive control according to the joystick signal.

As described above, although certain exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail, it is to be understood by those skilled in the art that the spirit and scope of the present disclosure are not limited to the certain exemplary embodiments, but are intended to cover various modifications and changes without departing from the subject matter of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the exemplary embodiments disclosed in the specification of the present disclosure do not limit the present disclosure in any way. The scope of the present disclosure is to be defined by the scope of the appended claims below, and all technology that lies within a similar scope shall be construed as falling within the scope of the present disclosure.

The present disclosure is capable of performing an automated task using a work trajectory at a point after the posture of a bucket that is not in a work trajectory at a selected point has been corrected, in consideration of the current posture of the bucket, when automated excavation is selected. Also, the present disclosure may control a task starting point and the following of a trajectory to compensate for a positioning error when playback is selected to follow a teaching trajectory, and may minimize positioning errors by compensating for changes related to gravity due to changes in the posture of a work device.

Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to exemplary and preferred embodiments, workers skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

Claims

1. A work trajectory controlling device for construction equipment having at least one work device, and a driving unit configured to drive the work device, the work trajectory controlling device comprising:

an actuating unit configured to generate a joystick signal through a manipulation by an operator;

a data storage unit configured to store driving trajectory data on the work device, for the work device, to be driven upon starting of an automated task, to follow; and

a driving controller configured, upon the starting of the automated task, to read trajectory data on the work device stored in the data storage unit, and control the driving unit to drive the work device to follow the read driving trajectory data,

wherein when the automated task is selected, and an actual position of the work device falls within a reference error range between a position at which driving of the work device is started which is stored in the data storage unit, and a preset position at which driving of the work device is started, the driving controller performs controlling to start automated driving in a position at a time when the automated task is selected and controls the driving unit to follow the prestored driving trajectory over time while the automated driving is performed.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the data storage unit stores driving trajectory data on the work device to be driven for each position of the work device when the automated task is performed; when the automated task is selected, and a posture of the work device is a posture in which the work device is unable to immediately perform a designated task, the driving controller performs controlling such that the work device is changed to a posture in which to perform the designated task; and when a new position of the work device brought about by the change in posture is greater than a preset reference error for a preset position, the driving controller reads new driving trajectory data corresponding to the new position and then controls the driving unit to drive the work device to follow the new driving trajectory data.

3. The device of claim 2, wherein the work device includes a bucket, and the driving controller determines whether a change has been made in a posture of the work device based on a posture of the bucket and selects whether or not to read the new driving trajectory data according to an amount of change in position of the bucket corresponding to a change in the posture of the bucket.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein when the automated task is selected, and a posture of the work device is a posture in which the work device is unable to immediately perform a designated task, the driving controller performs controlling such that the work device is changed to a posture in which to perform the designated task; and when a new position of the work device brought about by the change in posture is greater than a preset reference error for a preset position, the driving controller changes a position of the work device to a position at which driving of the work device is started,

and then controls the driving unit to follow the prestored driving trajectory.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein the work device includes a bucket, and the driving controller reads the preset driving trajectory data on the work device based on a position of the bucket.

6. The device of claim 1, wherein when a new joystick signal is generated from the actuating unit for a predetermined time during the performing of the automated task, the driving controller ends the automated task and controls the driving unit to follow the generated new joystick signal.

7. The device of claim 1, wherein the driving controller further includes a gravity compensating unit configured to calculate a gravity compensating value through a posture of the work device.

8. The device of claim 1, wherein the actuating unit is capable of selecting and actuating teaching mode and playback mode; and the driving controller stores the trajectory data in the data storage unit in accordance with a manipulation by the operator, when the teaching mode is selected, and controls the driving unit when the playback mode is selected such that the work device is automatically driven to follow the trajectory data of the work device stored in the data storage unit.

9. The device of claim 8, wherein when playback mode is selected by the operator, a current position of an end of a bucket of the work device and a preset initial position of the end of the bucket are compared in terms of a positional difference, and the driving unit is controlled such that after the end of the bucket is moved to the preset initial position, an automated task is performed to follow a prestored driving trajectory.

10. The device of claim 8, wherein when a new joystick signal is generated from the actuating unit for a predetermined time during the performing of the automated task, the driving controller ends the automated task and controls the driving unit to follow the generated new joystick signal.

11. The device of claim 8, further comprising:

a gravity compensating unit configured to calculate a gravity compensating value corresponding to a posture of the work device,

wherein the driving controller applies the gravity compensating value to update the trajectory data, and controls the driving unit based on the updated trajectory data.

12. A work trajectory controlling method for construction equipment having at least one work device, a driving unit configured to drive the work device, and an actuating unit configured to generate a joystick signal through a manipulation by an operator, the method comprising:

checking whether an automated task is selected; and

when the automated task is selected, comparing an actual position of the work device with a preset automated task starting position, and comparing a difference thereof with a preset reference error,

wherein when results of the comparison show that a difference between the actual position of the work device and the preset automated task starting position is less than the reference error, preset trajectory data on the work device is read, and trajectory data is generated for an automated task starting at the actual position of the work device, after which the automated task is started, and the new trajectory data is generated to follow the preset trajectory data of the work device as time elapses.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the comparing with the reference error includes:

a posture comparing step of comparing a current posture of at least one of a plurality of work devices with a preset reference posture; and

a posture changing step of changing a posture of the work device to the reference posture, according to results of the comparison, wherein

an actual position of the work device is revised to a changed position of the work device according to the change in posture.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the determining of a change in position of the work device, after dividing a virtual range in which the work device is capable of being driven for a task into a plurality of ranges, is based on whether to move the work device from a range in which the work device is positioned initially to another range, through a change in posture of the work device, and

the driving trajectory data are stored in the database to correspond to each of the plurality of ranges.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the construction equipment is capable of selecting teaching mode and playback mode through a manipulation of an operator, and

the checking of whether the automated task is selected includes:

selecting the teaching mode for storing a joystick signal generated by a manipulation of the operator and the driving data on the work device as trajectory data; and

selecting a playback step for selecting to start the automated task to follow the trajectory data stored in the teaching mode selecting step.

16. The method of claim 12, wherein in the trajectory playback step, a gravity compensating value is calculated using a change in effects of gravity according to a change in a posture of the work device, and the calculated gravity compensating value is applied to control the work device to follow a driving speed of the work device included in the trajectory data stored in the teaching mode.