Excavator Image Capture Control for Automated Work Progress Recording
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Solution Overview
Problem
Improving work efficiency at construction sites by enhancing imaging capabilities in work machines like excavators.
Innovation Solution
Equipping excavators with a multi-camera system and sensors to capture and record work progress images, integrating image processing and management systems to automate the imaging process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a camera is mounted on a work machine to image surroundings, then work site monitoring capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging device mounted on the work machine is designed to serve multiple functions: capturing work progress images, monitoring work site surroundings, and providing operational records. This multi-functionality allows the system to improve monitoring capability while avoiding the need for separate dedicated devices, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
2Measurement precision
If binocular cameras are used to take depth images and build three-dimensional models, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using complex binocular camera systems, the patent employs a single imaging device that captures two-dimensional images. The three-dimensional information is then reconstructed through image processing techniques that analyze the work machine's position, orientation, and movement data combined with the captured images. This copying approach creates a virtual 3D model from 2D data, achieving depth measurement precision without the hardware complexity of binocular systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical binocular camera system with a combination of a single imaging device and computational processing. By substituting the physical depth-sensing mechanism with image processing algorithms that utilize the work machine's motion data and positioning information, the system achieves three-dimensional modeling capability while significantly reducing device complexity.
3Ease of operation
If manual imaging processes are used to record work progress, then ease of operation is maintained, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging device is integrated into the work machine's control system and operates automatically based on the work machine's operational state. The system self-services by capturing images at predetermined timings during work operations without requiring manual intervention. This automation maintains ease of operation while dramatically improving productivity by continuously recording work progress without adding operational steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is pre-configured with predetermined imaging timings and conditions that are set in advance based on the work cycle. The imaging device automatically triggers at these pre-determined moments during work operations, eliminating the need for manual timing decisions during operation. This preliminary setup maintains operational simplicity while ensuring consistent, timely capture of work progress images, thereby improving overall productivity.
Data Source
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AI summary
An excavator 100 includes an imaging device 40 that captures an image in a periphery of the excavator 100, and a controller 30. The controller 30 causes the imaging device 40 to capture the image, when an imaging range of the imaging device 40 includes a predetermined subject region designated in advance in the periphery of the excavator 100.