Asphalt Finisher Camera System Blind Spot Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current road machines with camera systems have blind areas around the hopper wings, making it difficult for operators to visually assess the state of paving material accumulation and surrounding objects, leading to reduced visibility and increased operator fatigue.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an image generating system that uses multiple cameras to capture images from various angles, processing and displaying them to create an overhead view, including a local image of the paving material area, allowing operators to view blind spots without leaving their seat.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple cameras are used to capture images from various angles, then the coverage of visible areas is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The visible area is divided into multiple segments captured by different cameras (front camera, rear camera, left camera, right camera). Each camera captures a specific portion of the environment, and these segmented views are then synthesized into a comprehensive overhead view, resolving the contradiction by achieving wide coverage through systematic division rather than using a single complex camera system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms multiple two-dimensional camera views into a three-dimensional overhead perspective through image processing and synthesis. This dimensional transformation allows the operator to view blind spots and surrounding areas from an aerial perspective, effectively expanding the visible area while managing device complexity through software-based synthesis
2Measurement precision
If the operator checks blind areas directly with eyes, then the measurement precision is improved, but the operator fatigue increases and safety decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates virtual copies of the physical environment by capturing images with multiple cameras and synthesizing them into an overhead view display. This virtual copy allows the operator to accurately assess blind areas and surrounding conditions without physically moving or straining to see, maintaining measurement precision while eliminating the need for direct visual inspection of hard-to-reach areas
Solution Approach 2:
The overhead view display system acts as an intermediary between the operator and the blind areas. Instead of the operator directly observing difficult-to-see regions, the system mediates by processing camera images and presenting synthesized views that make blind spots visible, thereby improving safety and reducing fatigue while maintaining assessment accuracy
3Device complexity
If a conventional camera system is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the blind areas increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple camera views (front, rear, left, right) into a single synthesized overhead view. By combining the information from multiple simple camera systems rather than using one complex camera, the system eliminates blind areas while managing complexity through integration and synthesis of multiple straightforward imaging components
Data Source
Figure 1A
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Figure 1C
AI summary
As asphalt finisher (100) serving as a road machine according to an embodiment of the invention includes a tractor (1) and a screed (3) placed behind the tractor (1). The asphalt finisher (100) includes a work apparatus configured to feed a paving material in front of the screed (3) and a display device (52) configured to display a peripheral image that is an image showing the surrounding area of the asphalt finisher (100), and to display a local image (SG) in a highlighted manner, the local image (SG) being an image showing an area fed with the paving material by the work apparatus.