Milling Machine Image Augmentation for Rotor Contact Visibility
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Milling machines face challenges in providing clear visibility of the cutting rotor's interaction with the work surface due to the rotor enclosure obstruction, limiting the operator's ability to monitor the milling operation effectively, especially in large machines where the operator station may not offer the most advantageous views.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a camera system on the milling machine to capture images of the rotor enclosure and work surface, with an electronic controller generating reference line augmentations to superimpose on the visual images, providing an augmented display that shows the lateral contact lines of the cutting rotor with the work surface, thus enhancing operator visibility and control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If a rotor enclosure is used to contain fragmented debris, then debris containment is improved, but visibility of the cutting rotor is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an imaging system as an intermediary between the operator and the cutting rotor. Cameras capture images of the rotor enclosure and work surface, and electronic controllers process these images to generate augmented visual displays showing contact lines. This intermediary system allows the operator to see the cutting rotor's interaction with the work surface despite the rotor enclosure blocking direct visual observation, thus resolving the contradiction between debris containment and visibility.
2Reliability
If the operator station is positioned for safe operation, then operator safety is improved, but viewing angle of the milling operation is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates visual copies of the milling operation through cameras and electronic displays. Instead of requiring the operator to directly observe the cutting rotor through the rotor enclosure, the system captures images and generates augmented visual representations (copies) of the contact lines and work surface interaction. These copies are displayed for the operator, allowing safe remote operation while maintaining effective monitoring capability.
3Loss of information
If multiple cameras are used to capture images from different lateral sides, then comprehensive visibility is improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a multi-functional imaging system where cameras mounted on the rotor enclosure serve multiple purposes: capturing images for display, providing data for contact line determination, and enabling augmented reality overlays. The electronic controllers perform multiple functions including image processing, contact line calculation, and visual output generation. This multi-functionality approach achieves comprehensive visibility while managing system complexity through integrated design.
Data Source
AI summary
A machine for milling pavement such as a rotary mixer or road planer includes a cutting rotor that is vertically adjustable with respect to the frame and that is accommodated in a rotor enclosure. The milling machine may be associated with a visual camera network having one or more cameras located about the milling machine with a field of view toward the rotor enclosure and work surface. An image augmentation system can generate a reference line augmentation to superimpose over one or more visual images obtained by the cameras and display the augmented images on a visual display.