Attachment Recognition System for Excavator Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Operators face challenges in optimizing equipment settings for changing attachments on construction machines like excavators, leading to inconvenient manual adjustments and increased failure rates due to abnormal operations.
Innovation Solution
An image processing method and apparatus that automatically recognizes and sets attachments by detecting the type and functional values of attachments using a camera, allowing for automatic optimization of equipment settings and reducing failure rates by matching registered or user-input settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual equipment setting is performed through ECU when attachment is changed, then the operator can control the setting process, but the operator convenience deteriorates and the setting optimization becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects the attachment type using image processing and self-configures the equipment settings without requiring operator intervention. The ECU receives the attachment type information and automatically adjusts functional values, making the system serve itself rather than requiring manual operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical process of checking attachment types and manually inputting settings through the ECU is replaced by an automated image processing system using a camera and computer vision algorithms to detect and identify attachments, which then automatically transmits this information to the ECU for automated setting adjustment.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual equipment setting is performed when attachment is changed, then the operator can input settings, but the setting optimization becomes difficult and abnormal operations occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system establishes a feedback loop where the image processing system continuously monitors the attachment type and provides real-time information to the ECU, which automatically adjusts settings. This closed-loop feedback ensures the equipment settings always match the current attachment configuration, improving both adaptability and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection and identification of the attachment type using image processing before the equipment operates. This advance detection allows the ECU to pre-configure the appropriate settings before any operational commands are executed, ensuring optimal and safe operation from the start.
3Extent of automation
If image processing is used to automatically detect attachment, then the equipment setting optimization is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary image processing system that acts as a mediator between the physical attachment and the ECU. The camera captures images, processing algorithms identify the attachment type, and this intermediate system translates visual information into actionable data for the ECU, simplifying the overall integration while maintaining high automation.
4Reliability
If automatic attachment recognition is implemented, then the failure rate is reduced, but the initial setup and registration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary registration of attachment types and their corresponding functional values during the setup phase. This advance preparation creates a database of known attachments, enabling the automated recognition and configuration system to operate smoothly during normal use, reducing failure rates while managing setup complexity through one-time initial configuration.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The method effectively optimizes equipment settings for changing attachments, reducing failure rates by automatically setting correct functional values, ensuring normal operation of both equipment and attachments.
Implementation Method 1
image capturing means attached thereto
Implementation Method 2
detecting a kind and a type of the attachment using an attachment image captured by the image capturing means
Data Source
AI summary
A method and an apparatus for automatically recognizing and setting an attachment for a construction machine are disclosed. The method for automatically recognizing and setting an attachment includes detecting a kind and a type of the attachment from an attachment image, determining whether the attachment is a registered attachment, and automatically setting inherent functional values that match the attachment if the attachment is a registered attachment as the result of determination and automatically setting a user input attachment ID and functional values if the attachment is not a registered attachment. By automatically recognizing and setting the attachment that is attached to (or changed on) a construction machine (for example, excavator) using image processing, equipment setting can be optimized and easily adopted.