Roadwork Milling Rotor Scratch-Height Detection by Camera
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cold planers require an operator on the road level to determine the scratch position, which is time-consuming and inefficient, and can lead to inaccuracies in measuring milling depth.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a machine with a frame, power source, milling rotor, camera, and image processor that automatically captures and analyzes images of the milling rotor to determine the scratch height, allowing for accurate measurement of milling depth without the need for a second operator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an operator on the road level is used to determine the scratch position, then the scratch position can be determined manually, but the process becomes time-consuming and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical method of determining scratch position with an automated optical measurement system. A camera captures images of the milling rotor and roadway surface, and an image processor automatically calculates the scratch height, eliminating the need for manual operator intervention and significantly improving operational efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables the cold planer to automatically determine its own scratch position without requiring external manual measurement. The onboard camera and image processor create a self-measuring system that autonomously identifies the scratch height, allowing the machine to self-calibrate and operate more efficiently.
2Ease of operation
If an operator on the road level is used to determine the scratch position, then the scratch position can be determined manually, but inaccuracies in measuring milling depth occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual estimation and physical measurement methods with automated optical imaging and digital image processing. The system captures precise images of the milling rotor position relative to the roadway surface and calculates scratch height through algorithmic analysis, eliminating human error and improving measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a visual copy (image) of the milling rotor and roadway surface relationship, then analyzes this copy to determine the scratch position. This indirect measurement through imaging allows for more precise determination of the scratch height compared to direct manual measurement, as the image can be analyzed with greater precision than human visual estimation.
3Measurement precision
If additional operators are deployed to determine scratch position, then manual measurement can be performed, but the cost and complexity of the operation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the scratch position determination function into the existing cold planer system using the same camera and control electronics already present for other machine functions. This multi-functional approach allows the system to perform both roadway condition monitoring and scratch height measurement without adding separate dedicated hardware, thereby reducing operational complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
Data Source
AI summary
A machine for roadwork can include a frame, a power source, and a milling rotor that can be operatively connected to the power source and the frame. The machine for roadwork can also include at least one camera and an image processor. The at least one camera can be configured to capture one or more images of the milling rotor. The image processor can be in communication with the at least one camera. The image processor may be configured to analyze the one or more images of the milling rotor captured by the at least one camera. The image processor may also be configured to determine a scratch height of the milling rotor based on one or more images. The scratch height can define a height of the milling rotor on condition that the milling rotor is in contact with a surface of the roadway.