Stereo Camera Optical Axis Inclination for Earth-Moving Machine Topography Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing topography data collection during earth-moving operations is inaccurate when the work implement obstructs the view of stereo cameras, reducing image pick-up accuracy.
Innovation Solution
An image pick-up apparatus with first and second image pick-up portions, where the optical axes are inclined away from the work implement's central axis at different angles, and a controller that disallows image pick-up when the boom's angle with respect to the ground exceeds a predetermined angle, ensuring the work implement is not within the camera's view.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the work implement is raised to a high position to avoid obstructing the stereo camera view, then the image pick-up accuracy is improved, but the work efficiency is reduced and the boom operates at excessive angles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the spatial arrangement by inclining optical axes in the horizontal direction (plan view) rather than requiring vertical adjustment of the work implement. The first and second optical axes are inclined at different angles with respect to the central axis in plan view, creating a three-dimensional camera arrangement that captures topography without requiring the boom to be raised, thus maintaining both measurement precision and work efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs asymmetric arrangement of the stereo camera optical axes, where the first optical axis is inclined at a first angle and the second optical axis is inclined at a second angle with respect to the central axis in plan view. This asymmetric configuration allows the cameras to capture images from different horizontal angles, enabling accurate topography measurement without obstructing the work implement
2Measurement precision
If the work implement is raised to avoid obstructing the camera view, then the image pick-up accuracy is improved, but the antenna signal reception is obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from vertical spatial arrangement to horizontal angular arrangement of the camera system. By inclining optical axes in plan view rather than raising the work implement vertically, the solution simultaneously improves image pick-up accuracy while preventing obstruction of the antenna signal reception path
3Device complexity
If the optical axes are inclined at the same angle with respect to the central axis, then the device structure is simplified, but the ability to capture unobstructed topography images is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent deliberately introduces asymmetry in the optical axis arrangement, with the first optical axis inclined at a first angle and the second optical axis inclined at a second angle with respect to the central axis in plan view. This asymmetric configuration enhances the ability to capture unobstructed topography images by creating diverse viewing angles, while the overall symmetric stereo camera structure maintains reasonable device complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A stereo camera provided in an earth-moving machine includes a first image pick-up portion and a second image pick-up portion. An optical axis of the first image pick-up portion and an optical axis of the second image pick-up portion are inclined away from a work implement at angles different from each other with respect to a central axis of the work implement in a plan view as a distance from a main body is greater.