Excavator Camera Selection Control for Accident Video Preservation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Work machines, such as hydraulic excavators, face challenges in distinguishing normal operational shocks from accident-related shocks using acceleration sensors, leading to difficulties in effectively recording and storing video data for accident investigation due to increased data volume and storage capacity limitations.
Innovation Solution
A work machine equipped with a track structure, swing structure, and work device, featuring multiple cameras that can shoot in different directions, a storage device, and a controller with camera selection and storage control sections to selectively record videos based on machine operations, ensuring proper storage and retrieval of relevant accident footage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple cameras are used to capture peripheral videos of the work machine, then the ability to grasp peripheral situations at the time of accident is improved, but the total data amount of videos increases and storage capacity is exceeded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the video recording function into segments based on operational phases. The storage device is partitioned into first storage areas for recording during operations and second storage areas for recording during non-operations. This segmentation allows selective recording only when necessary, reducing total data volume while maintaining accident investigation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the recording parameter (recording state) based on the operational state of the work machine. When the machine is in operation, videos are recorded in the first storage area; when idle, recording switches to the second storage area or stops. This dynamic parameter adjustment optimizes storage usage while ensuring accident footage is captured.
2Duration of action of moving object
If videos are constantly recorded in the storage device, then the recording-possible time is extended, but the storage device fills up and old videos are overwritten, causing loss of accident footage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary classification of recording conditions before actual recording occurs. By detecting whether the work machine is in operation or idle state beforehand, the system determines in advance which storage area to use and whether to record at all. This preliminary action prevents unnecessary recording and ensures accident footage is preserved in appropriate storage areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary control mechanism (the controller) that manages the relationship between multiple cameras and the storage device. This intermediary selectively activates specific cameras based on operational state and directs video output to appropriate storage areas, preventing storage overflow and ensuring critical footage is preserved.
3Extent of automation
If acceleration sensor is used to detect shock for triggering video recording, then the automatic recording function is improved, but normal operational shocks cannot be distinguished from accident-related shocks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the recording system dynamic by linking it to the operational state of the work machine rather than using a fixed threshold-based acceleration trigger. The system adapts its recording behavior based on whether the machine is currently operating or idle, allowing automatic recording while distinguishing between normal operational vibrations and potential accident conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional recording system that serves both automatic accident detection and operational documentation purposes. By combining operational state detection with video recording control, the system universally handles both normal operations and accident scenarios, eliminating the need for separate detection mechanisms.
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided are a plurality of cameras (96) mounted to an upper swing structure (12) so as to be capable of shooting in different directions, a video storage device (99) for storing videos taken by the plurality of cameras, a controller (40), and a hydraulic excavator (1). The controller has a camera selection section (40a) which when a lower track structure (11), the upper swing structure (12), or a work device (1A) makes an operation, selects a camera in accordance with the operation from among the plurality of cameras (96), and a storage control section (40b) which stores videos taken by the camera selected by the camera selection section (40a) during the operation of the lower track structure, the upper swing structure, or the work device in a video storage device (99).