Loader Imaging Layout for Continuous Bucket-Area Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Operators of work vehicles, such as four-wheel drive loaders, face limited visibility due to moving work implements, which obscure their field of view, making it difficult to identify external objects and terrain contours during operation.
Innovation Solution
A detection system comprising multiple imaging devices, including cameras and lidar sensors, is mounted on the work vehicle to maintain a field of view of a predetermined area of interest throughout the vehicle's trajectory, with image data from these devices processed to provide a continuous display of the area of interest to the operator, even as the work implement moves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a work implement is moved to perform loading operations, then productivity is improved, but visibility of the area of interest is obscured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses imaging devices (cameras) to create visual copies of the area of interest and displays them on a display unit. This allows the operator to see a replicated view of the loading area and terrain contours without needing direct line-of-sight, thus maintaining visibility information while the work implement moves to perform loading operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary system consisting of imaging devices and a display unit that mediates between the operator and the obscured area of interest. The imaging devices capture images of the loading area, and the display unit presents these images to the operator, serving as an intermediary that provides visual information without requiring direct visibility.
2Productivity
If the work implement traverses the field of view, then work coverage is improved, but operator awareness of external objects is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging devices capture visual copies of the external environment including terrain contours and loading area features, displaying them on the display unit. This provides the operator with continuous awareness of external objects and the work area, even when the work implement traverses through what would otherwise be the direct field of view.
3Loss of information
If multiple imaging devices are mounted on the work vehicle, then visibility of the area of interest is maintained, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging devices are designed to serve multiple functions: capturing images of the loading area, tracking terrain contours, monitoring external objects, and providing continuous visual feedback to the operator. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by delivering comprehensive visual information from a single integrated system.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented system and method provide visual representation of an area of interest proximate to a work vehicle (e.g., a loader) during operative movement. A first vehicle portion comprises a frame, and a second vehicle portion (e.g., front-mounted bucket) is moveable relative to the first portion, and may for example obscure the area of interest from view during at least part of a trajectory of bucket movement. At least two imaging devices are mounted on the work vehicle, at least one of which has a field of view including the area of interest at any given time throughout the trajectory of bucket movement. Image data is provided to a display unit representing the area of interest and based on inputs from one or more of the imaging devices, wherein a display of the area of interest is substantially maintained thereon throughout bucket movement.