Blade Tracking via Optical Targets and Multi-Camera Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing blade tracking systems in heavy equipment are limited by reliability due to environmental factors and high costs, particularly when using GPS and laser guidance systems, and image tracking systems struggle with accuracy in multiple degrees of freedom and limited range of motion.
Innovation Solution
A cost-effective method utilizing camera systems with optical targets mounted on the blade to track position and rotation, switching between multiple camera views to maintain accuracy even when the blade moves out of the camera's field of view, achieving precision within 1 mm or less.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GPS and laser guidance systems are used to track blade position, then measurement precision can be achieved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses optical targets mounted on the blade that create visual copies of position information. Instead of using complex GPS or laser systems, the invention attaches targets to the blade that can be imaged by a camera, creating a simplified optical copy of the blade's position and orientation that is easier and cheaper to detect
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical and electronic tracking systems (GPS receivers, laser guidance systems) with an optical imaging system. By substituting cameras and image processing for complex mechanical/electronic systems, the invention reduces device complexity while maintaining measurement precision
2Device complexity
If vision systems are used to track the blade working edge, then cost is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to environmental factors and limited range of motion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the tracking function into multiple segments: multiple cameras are positioned at different locations to cover different ranges of motion, and multiple optical targets are placed on the blade. This segmentation ensures that at least one camera can always see at least one target, maintaining reliability across the full range of blade movement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic camera switching based on blade position. The system automatically selects which camera view to use depending on the blade's current position and orientation, ensuring continuous reliable tracking throughout the range of motion. This dynamic adaptation prevents tracking loss that would occur with a fixed single-camera system
3Device complexity
If a single camera is used to track the blade, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates when the blade moves out of the camera's field of view
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic camera selection based on real-time blade position. When the blade moves within a certain range, one camera is used; when it moves to a different range, another camera automatically takes over. This dynamic switching maintains measurement precision across the entire workspace without requiring all cameras to operate simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends the tracking capability from a single fixed viewpoint to multiple viewpoints by adding cameras at different positions. This creates a multi-dimensional observation system where each camera covers a specific spatial dimension or range, allowing continuous tracking as the blade moves through three-dimensional space
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods and apparatus to track a blade are disclosed. A disclosed example apparatus includes a blade (102) that is pivotable, first and second optical targets (204) operatively coupled to the blade, and a first camera (2020) for collecting first imaging data of the first optical target within a first field of view. The example apparatus also includes a second camera (2026) for collecting second imaging data of the second optical target within a second field of view. The example apparatus also includes a selector (604) to select the first or second imaging data, and a processor to determine an orientation of the blade based on the selected first or second imaging data.