Asphalt Finisher Camera System for Blind Area Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing operator support systems for asphalt finishers only allow operators to view blind areas around the hopper, failing to provide a comprehensive view of surrounding blind areas, which limits their ability to safely and effectively operate the machine.
Innovation Solution
An image generating apparatus that uses multiple cameras mounted on the asphalt finisher to capture images from various angles, projecting these onto a space model and generating an output image that displays blind areas in an intuitive and understandable manner, allowing operators to view the entire surroundings, including the hopper, screed, and road surface, through a display system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If multiple cameras are mounted on the asphalt finisher to capture images from various angles, then the coverage of blind areas is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The viewing area is divided into multiple zones (hopper area, screed area, road surface area, etc.), with each camera specifically positioned to capture one or more zones. This segmentation allows comprehensive coverage while using a minimal number of cameras strategically placed at key locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from traditional single-plane image display to a three-dimensional spatial model representation. By mapping camera images onto a 3D model of the asphalt finisher, the system provides comprehensive spatial awareness without requiring cameras positioned at every possible angle, thus reducing the number of cameras needed.
2Device complexity
If a traditional single-plane image display is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the operator's understanding of surrounding blind areas deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system projects camera images onto a three-dimensional spatial model of the asphalt finisher, allowing operators to view blind areas from multiple virtual angles simultaneously. This 3D representation provides comprehensive spatial understanding without requiring complex multi-screen display systems, as all information is integrated into a single interactive 3D view.
Solution Approach 2:
A virtual three-dimensional spatial model serves as an intermediary between the actual physical environment and the operator's perception. This virtual model synthesizes data from multiple cameras and presents it in an intuitively understandable format, improving comprehension without requiring the operator to mentally integrate multiple complex 2D images.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2(A)~2(C)
Figure 3(A)~3(C)
AI summary
An image generating apparatus for a paving machine (100) that generates an output image based on input images respectively captured by three cameras (2F, 2L, 2R) attached to an asphalt finisher (60) includes coordinates correlating means (10) for correlating coordinates in a space model MD disposed around the asphalt finisher (60) with coordinates in input image planes in which the input images are positioned and output image generating means (11) for generating the output image by correlating the values of the coordinates in the input image planes with the values of coordinates in an output image plane in which the output image is positioned, via the coordinates in the space model (MD). The space model (MD) includes a first plane area (R1) parallel to a road surface and a second plane area (R2) that intersects the road surface, and the second plane area (R2) is set at the front end of the asphalt finisher (60) in a traveling direction of the asphalt finisher (60).