Front-Loader Environmental Visualization for Utility Vehicle Blind Spots
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing agricultural utility vehicles face challenges in providing efficient and comprehensive environmental visualization, particularly in capturing blind spots and poorly visible regions, which hinders precise maneuvering and operation of front loaders.
Innovation Solution
A dual-camera system mounted on the front region and cab of the utility vehicle processes image data to enhance visibility, with a display unit showing selective camera feeds and providing additional information like physical quantities and trajectory lines to assist operators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single camera is mounted on the utility vehicle to visualize surroundings, then the device complexity is low, but the visibility of blind spots and poorly visible regions is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The environment visualization is divided into multiple segments captured by different cameras positioned at various locations on the utility vehicle. A first camera captures the front region, a second camera captures the cab region, and additional cameras capture side and rear regions. This segmentation allows comprehensive coverage of blind spots while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular camera units.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-camera viewpoint to a multi-camera three-dimensional visualization system. By positioning cameras at different spatial locations (front, cab, sides, rear) and combining their feeds, the system creates a comprehensive 360-degree environmental model that eliminates blind spots and provides multi-dimensional situational awareness.
2Reliability
If multiple cameras are used to capture all regions, then the visibility of blind spots is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The multi-camera system is designed with universal functionality where each camera serves multiple purposes. The same camera feeds are used for both monitoring blind spots and providing overall environmental visualization. The system can selectively display different camera combinations based on operational needs, making the complex system adaptable to various working conditions without requiring additional hardware.
3Manufacturing precision
If comprehensive environmental visualization is provided, then the precision of maneuvering is improved, but the time required to process and display multiple camera feeds increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by continuously capturing and pre-processing images from all cameras simultaneously, even before maneuvering operations begin. This allows real-time environmental updates to be ready for immediate display, eliminating processing delays during critical maneuvering moments and enabling precise real-time control.
4Ease of operation
If selective display of camera feeds is implemented, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases due to switching mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides self-service through automatic camera feed selection based on the utility vehicle's operational state. Sensors detect whether the vehicle is moving, stationary, or performing specific maneuvers, and the system automatically selects and displays the most relevant camera feeds without requiring manual operator intervention for switching, thereby simplifying operation without complex switching mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for visualizing an environment of a utility vehicle equipped with a front loader via a visualization system, includes generating first image data using a first camera mounted on a front region of the utility vehicle in front of the cab of the vehicle, generating second image data using a second camera mounted on the cab, processing the first and second image data using a data processing unit, and optically displaying the processed first and second image data using a display unit.