Tractor Vision System Blind Spot Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Tractors often have blind regions around them that are obstructed from the driver's view, posing a risk to the operator and nearby individuals, especially when these regions are in front of the tractor, and existing solutions only partially address this issue.
Innovation Solution
A vision system comprising cameras and an analysis unit that detect and process images from blind regions, providing the driver with a visual and auditory alert of obstacles and enabling the tractor to automatically adjust its movement to avoid hazards, with the system being adaptable to various tractor sizes and configurations, including those with accessory groups that obstruct the view.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the dimensions of components that create obstacles to vision are minimised, then the size of blind regions is reduced, but the structural integrity and functionality of the tractor are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces cameras as intermediary sensing devices mounted on the tractor to detect obstacles in blind regions. These cameras capture visual information that is then processed by a control unit, which generates alarm signals or autonomous navigation commands. This intermediary system allows the tractor to 'see' around obstacles without physically removing the obstacles themselves, thus preserving structural integrity while reducing blind spot risks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical approach of minimizing component dimensions with an electronic/optical sensing system. Instead of physically altering the tractor's structure to reduce blind regions, the system uses cameras and image processing to detect and communicate obstacle presence, substituting mechanical design modifications with electronic sensing and information processing.
2Area of stationary object
If the position of the driver is improved, then the view of blind regions is enhanced, but the ergonomic design and operational comfort are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses cameras mounted at strategic positions on the tractor as intermediaries to capture views of blind regions. The captured images are transmitted to the driver's station, allowing the driver to see around obstacles without changing their seated position. This intermediary visual transmission system preserves driver comfort while enhancing blind region visibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-dimensional driver viewpoint to a multi-dimensional visual information system by mounting cameras at multiple positions (front, sides, rear) and transmitting composite views to the driver. This allows the driver to access visual information from multiple spatial dimensions without physically moving to different positions, maintaining ergonomic comfort while expanding situational awareness.
3Adaptability or versatility
If accessory groups are mounted on the tractor, then the functionality is enhanced, but the blind regions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic camera mounting system where additional cameras can be positioned on or near accessory groups based on their specific operational requirements. The system adaptively configures the sensing network to match the dynamic changes in tractor configuration, ensuring comprehensive blind region coverage regardless of which accessories are mounted and how they affect visibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal vision system that can accommodate various accessory groups and configurations. The camera network and control unit are designed to be adaptable to different tractor setups, allowing the same basic system to serve multiple functionality requirements while maintaining blind region detection capabilities across diverse operational configurations.
Data Source
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AI summary
A tractor (1) comprising a driving area (2) for housing a user, comprising a screen (20). The tractor comprises a vision system (10) comprising: i) a detection group (100) comprising at least one camera (100') suitable to observe a predefined region (500) proximal to the tractor (1); ii) an analysis group (200), suitable to process and analyse the images acquired by the detection group (100), to verify the presence of a stationary (S) or moving (S') subject in the predefined region (500); iii) a signalling group (300) suitable to signal to the user what is detected by the detection group (100) and verified by the analysis group (200) by means of a processed video signal on the screen (20) and/or with an acoustic signal.