Boom-Mounted Imaging for Loader Blind-Spot Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Operators of skid steer loaders and compact track loaders face limited operational awareness due to the obstruction of their field of view by moveable boom assemblies, which can obscure external objects and reduce their ability to identify surrounding terrain effectively.
Innovation Solution
A detection system comprising imaging devices such as cameras and lidar sensors is mounted on the work vehicle to maintain a field of view of a predetermined area of interest, processing input data to generate output signals for a representative display that maintains image display parameters throughout the trajectory of the boom assembly's movement, with optional features like zoom adjustment and dynamic processing based on kinematic sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a boom assembly is moved to modify terrain during operation, then work capability is improved, but the operator's field of view is obscured
Solution Approach 1:
An imaging device is introduced as an intermediary between the operator and the obscured terrain. The imaging device captures images of the area of interest when the boom assembly moves into positions that would block the operator's view, and transmits these images to a display unit in the operator cab, allowing the operator to see around obstacles without moving the boom out of working position
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical solution of physically moving the operator's position or the boom assembly to maintain visibility is replaced with an optical/electronic system. Instead of mechanically repositioning components to maintain line-of-sight, the system uses imaging devices and electronic transmission to substitute the visual information pathway
2Loss of information
If an imaging device is mounted high above the work vehicle to maintain field of view, then visibility is improved, but device complexity and impracticality increase
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging device is mounted on the boom assembly itself, which serves dual functions: as a working component for terrain modification and as a mounting platform for the imaging device. This eliminates the need for separate high-mounted support structures, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining the ability to capture images of the area of interest throughout the boom's trajectory
Data Source
AI summary
A method is provided for displaying an area of interest proximate a work vehicle. A first portion of the work vehicle includes a frame supporting an operator cab. A second portion of the work vehicle, e.g., a boom assembly, is moveable relative to the first portion, and at least partially obscure the area of interest from an operator seated in the operator cab during at least a portion of a trajectory of movement for the second portion. An imaging device is mounted on the boom assembly and has a field of view including the defined area of interest throughout the available trajectory of movement. The method may include dynamically processing (e.g., cropping and resizing) raw image data to maintain display parameters throughout the available trajectory of movement.