Stereo Camera Position Measurement System for Work Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stereo camera systems for work machines, such as excavators, face challenges in accurate position measurement due to environmental conditions like rain or snow, which can degrade measurement accuracy or prevent measurement altogether, as they do not effectively assess the imaging conditions during image capture.
Innovation Solution
A position measurement system comprising a pair of imaging devices mounted on a work machine, a calculation unit for stereo measurement, and a determination unit to assess the imaging conditions based on the performance results, allowing for the evaluation of the state between the imaging device and the object, as well as the posture of the imaging device, to determine handling matters such as wiper operation or calibration needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If stereo measurement is performed in rainy or snowy conditions, then position measurement can be attempted, but measurement accuracy deteriorates or measurement cannot be performed
Solution Approach 1:
The determination unit performs preliminary assessment of imaging conditions (rain, snow, fog, darkness) before the calculation unit performs stereo measurement. By evaluating image quality metrics and environmental factors in advance, the system determines whether stereo measurement should be executed, thereby preventing inaccurate measurements in adverse conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the determination unit's evaluation of imaging conditions to control whether the calculation unit performs stereo measurement. The determination result feeds back to the measurement process, enabling the system to adaptively adjust or cancel measurement operations based on real-time environmental assessment
2Productivity
If the imaging device captures images in adverse environmental conditions, then image capturing can proceed, but measurement accuracy is deteriorated
Solution Approach 1:
The determination unit performs preliminary evaluation of imaging conditions by analyzing captured images for adverse factors (raindrops, snow, fog, darkness) before stereo measurement is performed. This preliminary assessment enables the system to identify degraded image quality that would compromise measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The determination unit provides feedback on imaging condition quality to control the stereo measurement process. When adverse conditions are detected, the system can cancel or adjust measurement operations, preventing propagation of measurement errors from poor quality images
3Reliability
If no condition assessment is performed, then the system is simpler, but there is no way to grasp imaging conditions for reliable measurement
Solution Approach 1:
The determination unit serves multiple functions: it assesses imaging conditions, evaluates image quality, determines environmental factors (rain, snow, fog, darkness), and controls the stereo measurement process. This multi-functional component adds reliability without requiring separate dedicated systems for each function
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own captured images to assess imaging conditions and determine whether measurement should proceed. The determination unit analyzes the images produced by the imaging devices themselves, eliminating the need for external sensors or separate assessment systems
Data Source
AI summary
A position measurement system includes: at least a pair of imaging devices mounted on a work machine; a calculation unit provided at the work machine and configured to perform stereo measurement by using information of an image of an object captured by at least the pair of imaging devices; and a determination unit configured to determine condition related to image capturing by the imaging device based on a performance result of the stereo measurement.