Loader Camera Guidance for Obstructed Boom Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Operators of work vehicles equipped with boom mechanisms face challenges in visualizing and aligning the loader and its attachments due to obstructed views, leading to inefficient and unsafe material handling operations, as the boom mechanisms can block the operator's line of sight and hinder spatial perception.
Innovation Solution
A virtual guidance system comprising a camera device, guidance control unit, and display unit provides visual aids on a screen, including alignment targets and preview paths, to assist operators in positioning the loader and attachments relative to the work vehicle and ground, enhancing visibility and operational efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If boom mechanisms are used to extend reach capabilities for material handling, then the operator can handle loads outside human strength and reach capabilities, but the boom mechanisms block the operator's view and adversely affect spatial perception
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a virtual copy of the physical boom mechanism and tool carrier, displaying them on a screen mounted on the cab roof. This virtual representation allows the operator to see the position and movement of the boom without being blocked by the physical structure, resolving the contradiction between extended reach and maintained visibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions the visualization from the operator's direct line-of-sight dimension to a elevated overhead display dimension. By mounting the screen on the cab roof and providing a top-down view, the operator gains visibility from another spatial dimension that is not obstructed by the boom mechanism.
2Productivity
If the operator relies on quasi-rectilinear path of the tool carrier relative to target site, then material handling can be performed, but spatial perception is difficult from a single point of view on the seat
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides continuous visual feedback by displaying the actual position of the tool carrier and attachment on the screen, along with a desired position indicator. This feedback loop allows the operator to perceive spatial relationships accurately and make real-time adjustments to achieve proper alignment and positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The display screen acts as an intermediary between the operator and the physical tool carrier. Instead of directly observing the tool carrier from the seat, the operator views its representation on the screen, which provides enhanced spatial perception and control capability.
3Loss of information
If visual aids are provided on an overhead display, then the operator can visualize loader positioning and preview paths, but the system complexity increases with camera device, guidance control unit, and display unit
Solution Approach 1:
The camera device is configured to capture images from multiple positions on the boom mechanism, and the guidance control unit processes these images to generate various visual aids including alignment indicators and preview paths. This multi-functional approach consolidates multiple capabilities into a unified system, managing complexity through integration rather than separate components.
Data Source
AI summary
A virtual guidance apparatus and method assist an operator to maneuver a loader of a work vehicle for material handling of a workpiece. The virtual guidance apparatus includes a guidance control unit, one or more camera devices mounted on the associated work vehicle and operable to obtain an image of a loader of the associated work vehicle, and a display unit operatively coupled with the guidance control unit and displaying on a screen of the display unit that is viewable from an operator's seat of the associated work vehicle visual aids for guiding the operator in operating the loader to position a boom relative to level ground, to position a tool carrier on an end of the boom, to show a preview of a path of the tool carrier and of tools attached with the tool carrier, and to assist in positioning the workpiece load to be manipulated.