Boom-Mounted Camera Display Modes for Obscured Tool Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Work vehicles such as skid steer loaders and compact track loaders face operational awareness challenges due to limited visibility of the surroundings and obscured fields of view caused by moveable implements like boom assemblies, especially when the working tool is elevated, making it difficult for operators to identify external objects.
Innovation Solution
A detection system with imaging devices mounted on moveable portions of the vehicle processes image data to maintain an area of interest throughout the trajectory of movement, transitioning between operating modes to ensure the area of interest remains visible, either relative to a fixed reference or fixed relative to a moving background.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If a boom assembly is used to elevate the working tool, then the working tool can reach higher positions, but the operator's field of view is obscured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary imaging device (camera) mounted on the boom assembly to capture images of the working tool and surrounding terrain. This intermediary device transfers visual information from the obscured area to the operator, allowing the operator to see the working tool's position and surrounding objects without having direct line of sight. The imaging device acts as a mediator between the working tool and the operator's visual system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a visual copy of the obscured area by mounting an imaging device on the boom assembly to capture images of the working tool and terrain. These images are then displayed on a monitor in the operator cab, providing the operator with a replicated view of the area that would otherwise be obscured. This copying approach allows the operator to see the working tool's position and surrounding objects indirectly through the displayed images.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the boom assembly moves throughout its trajectory, then the working tool can perform various operations, but the area of interest moves relative to the background making it difficult to track
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the position of the working tool and the background terrain are continuously captured by the imaging device and displayed on the monitor. The system provides real-time visual feedback to the operator, allowing the operator to track the working tool's position and maintain awareness of its relationship to the surrounding terrain throughout the boom assembly's movement trajectory.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic image processing to adapt the display to the boom assembly's movement. The system dynamically adjusts the displayed images to maintain the working tool within the visible area of the monitor as the boom assembly moves through its trajectory. This dynamic adjustment ensures that the area of interest remains trackable despite the continuous movement of the boom assembly.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple operating modes are provided for different display configurations, then the operator can select the most appropriate view, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multiple operating modes within a single imaging and display system, allowing the same hardware to perform multiple display functions. The system can switch between different display configurations (e.g., different focal points, different areas of interest) depending on the operational context. This multi-functionality approach provides versatility in display options without requiring separate hardware systems for each mode.
Data Source
AI summary
A work vehicle is configured for visually representing an area of interest such as the blade of a work implement. A first portion (e.g., frame) includes an operator cab and a second portion (e.g., boom assembly) is moveable relative to the first portion, wherein the area of interest is at least partially obscured from operator view during movement of the second portion. An imaging device is mounted on the second portion and has a field of view including the area of interest throughout the movement of the second portion. During a first operating mode, a display unit is caused to statically display an area around the area of interest while the area of interest moves along with movement of the second portion. During a second operating mode, the display unit is caused to statically display the area of interest while the background moves along with movement of the second portion.