Loader Vision Positioning for Boom and Tool Carrier Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machines with hydraulic boom mechanisms face challenges in visibility and spatial perception, leading to inefficient and time-consuming operations due to the need for trial and error in aligning loader booms and implements, which affects productivity and operator comfort.
Innovation Solution
A vision system is used to provide loader height and angle indications to operators, enabling accurate positioning and automated control of loader movements for efficient and safe operations, including loader positioning and load handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the operator manually positions and aligns the loader boom and tool carrier, then the equipment can be operated without additional systems, but the operator spends excessive time on alignment and experiences increased stress due to limited visibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical positioning with an automated vision-based system. Cameras capture images of the loader boom and tool carrier, and a processor automatically calculates their positions and orientations, substituting the operator's manual alignment efforts with an automated optical-mechanical system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates visual copies (images) of the physical loader components using cameras. These digital representations are then processed to determine precise positioning information, allowing the operator to see and adjust positions based on captured images rather than direct visual observation of the actual components.
2Loss of information
If the operator attempts to visually align the tool carrier with the implement, then no additional equipment is needed, but the boom blocks the view of the tool carrier making alignment difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces cameras as intermediary devices that capture images of the tool carrier and implement. These cameras act as mediators between the physical components and the operator's perception, allowing the operator to see the alignment status through captured images even when the boom physically blocks the direct line of sight.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from two-dimensional visual observation to three-dimensional spatial understanding by using multiple cameras to capture images from different angles. The processor then synthesizes this data to calculate precise position and orientation information, adding a dimensional aspect to the alignment process.
3Productivity
If the operator performs trial and error operations to engage the implement, then simple equipment is used, but productivity is reduced and stress is elevated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback system where cameras continuously capture images of the loader components and implement, the processor analyzes these images to determine relative positions, and this information is fed back to the operator to guide alignment adjustments. This closed-loop feedback eliminates trial-and-error operations by providing real-time positional information.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary positioning calculations using image data before the actual engagement operation. By pre-determining the required adjustments based on captured images and calculated positions, the operator can make informed adjustments in advance rather than relying on trial and error during the engagement process.
Data Source
AI summary
A positioning assist apparatus includes a vision system that generates target device data representative of an obtained image of a set of target devices carried on the boom or tool carrier of the loader or on both, and positioning assist logic executable by a processor to determine a current position and/or pose of the loader based on the target device data, and to generate current loader position data representative of the determined current position of the loader. The loader positon is based on loader height as may be represented by boom angle, and tool carrier angle. Data is generated for display to an operator to visually communicate movement instructions to the operator and/or to generate control signals controlling the loader, each to move the loader from the determined current position to a desired position in response to a return to position (RTP) command received by the apparatus.