UAV Work View Modes for Excavator Blind Spot Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing work machine systems with image capture devices mounted on upper turning bodies of excavators face blind spots, and prior solutions do not provide operators with useful images for work support.
Innovation Solution
A work support apparatus incorporating a flying object with an image capture device, a flight mode designation unit, and a flight control unit, allowing the image capture device to acquire peripheral monitoring or work support images by designating specific flight modes, such as hovering behind the work machine or near the work device, to provide useful images to operators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an image capture device is mounted on the upper turning body of a work machine, then the structure is simple and easy to operate, but blind spots remain where the device cannot pick up images
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a flying object (drone) that operates in three-dimensional space above and around the work machine, transitioning the imaging system from a two-dimensional fixed mounting on the upper turning body to a multi-dimensional mobile platform. This allows the image capture device to access areas previously unreachable, eliminating blind spots while maintaining operational simplicity through automated flight control.
2Loss of information
If a flying object is used to eliminate blind spots, then peripheral monitoring is improved, but the images are not useful for work support
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic flight mode designation that allows the flying object to switch between different flight modes (first flight mode for peripheral monitoring, second flight mode for work support) based on operational requirements. The flight control unit adjusts the flying object's position, altitude, and orientation dynamically to capture images suitable for specific work tasks, making the system adaptable to various work support needs while eliminating blind spots.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a work support apparatus for a work machine including a lower traveling body, an upper turning body mounted on the lower traveling body, and a work device attached to the upper turning body. The work support apparatus, which provides a captured image for supporting work by the work machine, includes a flying object capable of flying over the air, an image capture device, a flight mode designation unit, and a flight control unit. The image capture device is mounted on the flying object and acquires the captured image. The flight mode designation unit designates a specific flight mode from among a plurality of flight modes set in advance for the flight action of the flying object. The flight control unit performs a flight control for making the flying object make a flight action corresponding to the flight mode designated by the flight mode designation unit.