Shovel Gesture Recognition Control for Safe Ground Operation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing shovels require manual operation from inside the cabin, limiting their functionality and safety when operated by workers around the shovel.

Innovation Solution

A shovel equipped with an operating element and circuitry that recognizes workers in the surrounding area and responds to predetermined gestures by controlling the operating elements automatically.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If manual operation from inside the cabin is used, then the shovel can be operated reliably, but the functionality and safety are limited when workers need to operate around the shovel

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation capabilityVSAvoidoperation safety

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical operation with an automated gesture recognition system. The recognition part detects gestures through non-contact means (camera or sensor), and the control part automatically translates these gestures into machine operations, eliminating the need for workers to physically enter the cabin or approach dangerous areas.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a gesture recognition system as an intermediary between the worker's intent and the machine's action. The recognition part captures gesture information, the control part processes this information according to predetermined rules, and executes the corresponding operation, serving as a safe mediator that eliminates direct physical interaction between workers and the machine.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If gesture recognition system is added, then worker safety and usability are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveworker usabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control part serves multiple functions: it receives gesture information from the recognition part, determines the corresponding operation based on predetermined correspondence, executes the operation, and can also receive manual input from the operation device. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses the shovel's existing control infrastructure (control part and operation devices) to execute gestures, rather than requiring completely separate actuation mechanisms. The gesture recognition system leverages the existing control architecture, reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS12264456B2Shovel

Publication Date: 2025.04.01 SUMITOMO CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY

AI summary

A shovel includes an operating element and circuitry. The circuitry is configured to recognize a worker in an area surrounding the shovel and recognize a predetermined gesture made by the recognized worker. The circuitry is further configured to perform operation control on the operating element in response to the predetermined gesture made by the worker recognized by the recognition part.