Drone Camera Flight Modes for Excavator Blind Spot Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing work support systems for machines like excavators fail to provide operators with useful images from blind spots, limiting their ability to perform tasks effectively due to inadequate viewing angles and image capture capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A work support apparatus that includes an unmanned plane equipped with an image capture device and a flight control system, allowing the plane to hover and change flight modes to capture either peripheral monitoring images or work support images based on the operator's needs, with the flight control unit ensuring safe mode transitions to avoid contact with the machine.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If an image capture device is mounted on a flying object to eliminate blind spots, then the operator can monitor peripheral areas, but the captured images do not provide useful viewing angles for work support
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling the flying object to transition between multiple flight modes (first flight mode for peripheral monitoring and second flight mode for work support). The flight control device dynamically adjusts the flying object's position and orientation based on the designated flight mode, allowing the system to adapt to different operational requirements and provide useful viewing angles for work support while maintaining blind spot coverage capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by modifying the flying object's spatial parameters (position and orientation) according to the designated flight mode. In the first flight mode, the flying object maintains a position for peripheral monitoring, while in the second flight mode, it adjusts to positions that provide optimal viewing angles for work support, thereby changing the captured image parameters to match operational needs
2Ease of operation
If the flying object is controlled to follow the upper turning body for work support imaging, then useful work images can be captured, but the flying object may contact the upper turning body during mode transitions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the flight control device execute mode transition processing before the flying object is commanded to follow the upper turning body. During mode transitions between first and second flight modes, the system performs preliminary safety checks and positioning adjustments to ensure the flying object maintains a safe distance from the upper turning body, preventing contact while enabling work support imaging
Solution Approach 2:
The flight control device acts as an intermediary between the flight mode designation unit and the flying object. It mediates the transition by processing mode changes and coordinating the flying object's movement to avoid the upper turning body, ensuring both work support imaging capability and safety during transitions
3Device complexity
If a single flight mode is used for the flying object, then the system is simpler to control, but it cannot provide both peripheral monitoring and work support images
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by designing the flying object with multi-functionality through multiple flight modes. The first flight mode enables peripheral monitoring, while the second flight mode provides work support imaging. The flight control device manages these different functions by designating appropriate flight modes based on operational requirements, allowing a single flying object to serve multiple purposes without requiring separate systems
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is a work support apparatus for a work machine including a lower traveling body, an upper turning body mounted on the lower traveling body, and a work device attached to the upper turning body. The work support apparatus, which provides a captured image for supporting work by the work machine, includes a flying object capable of flying over the air, an image capture device, a flight mode designation unit, and a flight control unit. The image capture device is mounted on the flying object and acquires the captured image. The flight mode designation unit designates a specific flight mode from among a plurality of flight modes set in advance for the flight action of the flying object. The flight control unit performs a flight control for making the flying object make a flight action corresponding to the flight mode designated by the flight mode designation unit.