Ground-Projected Machine Guidance for Safer Excavator Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Operators of working machines, such as excavators, face challenges in maintaining focus on their surroundings due to the need to split attention between the work implement and augmented reality information displayed on fixed or mobile screens, which can increase operational risks.
Innovation Solution
An information system that projects images onto the surrounding area using an illumination arrangement controlled by a unit receiving construction data and the working machine's location, allowing for external presentation of information without the need for head-mounted displays, enabling the operator to maintain focus on the work environment while providing accessible information to multiple personnel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If augmented reality information is displayed on fixed or mobile screens, then the operator receives information assistance, but the operator must split attention between the display and the work implement, increasing operational risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions AR information from 2D screens (fixed displays or HMDs) to 3D spatial projection onto the ground surface surrounding the working machine. This dimensional change allows information to be presented in the operator's peripheral vision without requiring attention shift, maintaining focus on the work implement while receiving information assistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The ground surface acts as an intermediary medium between the information system and the operator. Instead of directly presenting information on screens that require visual attention, the system projects information onto the ground, using the environment itself as the display medium, thereby eliminating the need for the operator to divert attention from the work implement.
2Loss of information
If head-mounted displays are used to provide augmented reality information, then the operator can see work implement information, but the operator is forced to wear additional equipment that increases complexity and potential operational risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the AR information presentation function from the operator's body (HMD) and relocates it to the external environment (ground surface). This removes the need for the operator to wear additional equipment, reducing device complexity while maintaining information delivery to the operator's field of view.
Solution Approach 2:
The working machine itself serves as the information presentation system by projecting images onto the ground surface around it. The machine provides its own information display capability without requiring separate HMD equipment for the operator, eliminating the need for additional wearable devices.
3Reliability
If information is projected onto the surrounding area, then the operator can maintain focus on the work environment, but the system requires construction data processing and location tracking capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit of the working machine performs multiple functions: it controls the work implement, processes construction data, tracks the machine's location, and generates AR images for projection. By making the control unit multi-functional, the system avoids adding separate dedicated hardware for data processing and location tracking, thereby managing complexity while enabling reliable projection-based information delivery.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution allows operators to maintain focus on the work environment, reduces operational risks, and provides accessible information to multiple personnel without the need for dedicated displays, enhancing safety and efficiency by projecting relevant construction and operational data directly onto the ground surface.
Implementation Method 1
an illumination arrangement arranged to project an image onto an area externally of said working machine
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure generally relates to an information system for a working machine, specifically adapted for projecting an image onto an area externally of the working machine based on construction data relating to a surrounding of the working machine. The present disclosure also relates to a corresponding method and computer program for such a working machine.