Articulated Work Machine Digital Panning for Turning Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
The limited range of view during turning in articulated work machines, such as articulated dump trucks, due to the use of rear-facing mirrors, hinders operator clarity of the machine's surroundings.
Innovation Solution
A digital panning system with dual image capturing devices and display devices, coupled with a controller, that maps and filters images based on the articulation angle to provide synchronized viewing of the left and right sides of the machine, using a processor to selectively display target regions on separate viewing frames.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If rear-facing mirrors are used for viewing the surroundings during turning, then the operator can see the work machine's surroundings, but the range of view is limited and operator clarity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses digital image capturing devices to capture images of the surroundings and displays them on display devices, creating a digital copy of the visual information. This allows the operator to view the surroundings through multiple display frames that can pan and zoom, providing a broader and clearer view than traditional mirrors without the limitations of reflective surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional mirror reflection to a multi-dimensional digital display system. The display devices can show images from different angles and distances, with the ability to pan across the captured image and zoom in on specific areas, adding temporal and spatial dimensions to the viewing experience.
2Ease of operation
If digital image capturing devices and display devices are added to provide synchronized viewing, then operator visibility is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller serves multiple functions: it processes images from both capturing devices, synchronizes their operation based on joint angle position, controls the display devices, and manages the panning and zooming functions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the image processing, synchronization, and display control functions into a single integrated system controlled by the controller. The dual image capturing devices and display devices are coordinated through the controller, merging what could be separate independent systems into a unified operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If images are digitally mapped and filtered to display target regions on viewing frames, then synchronized viewing is achieved, but processing requirements and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the displayed image regions based on the joint angle position of the articulation. As the articulation angle changes, the controller automatically pans and zooms the displayed images to maintain synchronized viewing of the surroundings from both the fore and rear portions, adapting the display to the current mechanical state.
Data Source
AI summary
A digital panning system for a work machine with an articulating joint assembly includes the fore portion of the work machine, the rear portion of the work machine, a first image capturing device, a second image capturing device, a first display device, a second display device, and a controller. The controller has a processor with a digital mapping and filtering analyzer coupled to the devices wherein the processor is configured to receive a first and second set of display pixels; selectively digitally map and filter a first and second target region from the first and second set of display pixels to display on a first and second viewing frame. The first target region and second target region are selected in response to a received joint signal. The joint signal is indicative of the articulation angle of the fore portion relative to the rear portion at the joint assembly.