Excavator Work Area Setting Using Image-to-Coordinate Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional work support systems for machines like hydraulic excavators face challenges in accurately setting the work area due to the need for precise angle input and potential obstructions, leading to inefficiencies and unintended work area settings.
Innovation Solution
A work support system that includes a posture detection device, an imaging device, and a controller. The system allows operators to intuitively set the work area by specifying positions within an image of the work machine, with the controller converting these image coordinates into real-space coordinates to define the work area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the operator inputs a predetermined threshold angle to set the swing range, then the work area can be defined, but the operator needs to quantitatively grasp the angle to the swing stop position, making it difficult to set the swing range as intended
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical angle input system with an image processing system. The imaging device captures the work site, and the controller automatically calculates the work area based on image analysis, eliminating the need for manual angle input and quantitative angle grasping by the operator.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a visual copy of the work site through imaging to define the work area. Instead of using abstract angle measurements, the system uses visual representation from the imaging device to allow the operator to intuitively specify the work area boundaries based on the captured image.
2Measurement precision
If the swing stop position is set by moving the upper swing body, then the work area can be positioned, but part of the work machine may become an obstruction, making accurate positioning difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an imaging device as an intermediary to define the work area. Instead of using the work machine itself as the reference for positioning, the system uses images captured by the imaging device to visually represent and define the work area boundaries, eliminating the obstruction problem caused by the machine body.
3Measurement precision
If fixed markers are installed at the work site to define the off-limits area, then the work area can be set based on the site environment, but if the work area changes or there is movement between work sites, it is necessary to relocate the markers each time, which reduces work efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces static fixed markers with a dynamic image-based system. The imaging device can capture and update the work area definition in real-time, allowing the work area to be dynamically adjusted without physical marker relocation. This makes the system adaptable to changing work conditions and different work sites.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging device serves multiple functions: capturing the work site, defining the work area boundaries, and providing visual reference for operation. This single device replaces the need for multiple fixed markers that would need to be relocated, making the system universal across different work sites and conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
In the work support system equipped with a front work device provided on a hydraulic excavator, an angle sensor that detects the posture information of the front work device, and a controller that provides work support for the hydraulic excavator based on a predetermined and stored work area, a camera capable of imaging the appearance of the hydraulic excavator at the work site, and a touch display capable of specifying any position within the image captured by the camera, the controller configured to extract the image area occupied by the hydraulic excavator from the image captured by the camera and based on the number of pixels in the longitudinal direction of the hydraulic excavator in the extracted image area, the posture information of the hydraulic excavator, and the actual dimensions of the hydraulic excavator, convert the position specified in the image by the touch display into the coordinate values of real space coordinates, and controller set the work area such that the position of the converted coordinate values becomes the endpoint. Accordingly, the intended work area can be set intuitively and easily.