Earthmoving Machine Display Overlaying Design Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional markers used in earthmoving operations are inadequate for providing necessary information to operators about areas of interest and can be obscured or difficult to view from the cab of earthmoving machines, complicating operations due to limited visibility and size constraints.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that uses a controller to receive and display a visual image of the work site with overlayed target design data, including spatial location and orientation of the earthmoving machine, providing real-time topographical information such as desired grades and elevations, using imaging devices and GPS data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If conventional markers (flags and stakes) are used to mark locations, then simple location marking is achieved, but the markers provide insufficient information about earthmoving requirements and can be obscured or removed during operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a visual copy of the work site through imaging devices (cameras) mounted on the earthmoving machine. This digital visual representation is then overlaid with target design data, replacing the need for physical markers while providing comprehensive information about earthmoving requirements, current grade, and target grade.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional physical markers (flags and stakes) to a multi-dimensional digital display system that combines visual images with overlaid graphical data. This allows presentation of elevation, grade, and location information in multiple dimensions simultaneously, providing comprehensive earthmoving information without physical markers.
2Illumination intensity
If operators rely on conventional markers and direct viewing from the cab, then simple viewing is maintained, but visibility of markers and work site is limited due to machine size and obstacles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces imaging devices as intermediaries between the work site and the operator. Cameras mounted on the machine capture visual images of the work site, which are then processed and displayed with overlaid target design data, allowing the operator to see beyond the limitations of direct line-of-sight viewing from the cab.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical viewing system (operator's direct line of sight from the cab) with an optical-electronic system using imaging devices and display screens. This substitution overcomes the physical limitations of the operator's position and machine size, providing enhanced visibility of the work site and markers.
3Manufacturing precision
If operators perform earthmoving operations based on limited visual information, then simple operations are maintained, but accuracy of earthmoving is reduced due to inability to identify reference markers and understand topography
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple information sources into a single integrated display: visual images of the work site, target design data showing desired grades and elevations, and identification of reference markers. This combination provides operators with comprehensive information needed to perform accurate earthmoving operations, eliminating the need to separately interpret multiple sources of information.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides real-time feedback to the operator by displaying the current visual state of the work site overlaid with target design information. This allows the operator to continuously monitor progress and adjust operations to achieve the desired grade and elevation, improving the accuracy of earthmoving operations.
Data Source
AI summary
System and method for presenting a visual image of a work site for an earthmoving machine. In one embodiment, target design data for the work site may be received. A spatial location and orientation for an earthmoving machine operating in relation to the work site may also be received. A visual image of at least a portion of the work site may be received from an imaging device mounted to the earthmoving machine. A visual image of the portion of the work site may be displayed with a subset of the design data overlaying the visual image, wherein the subset of the design data relates to the portion of the work site.