Work Machine Surroundings Sensing for Closest Object Position
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional surroundings observation devices for working machines face challenges in accurately determining the closest position of an object to the machine, as the lowermost position in captured images may not always represent the closest point, and existing solutions complicate the processing load and time due to conversion of coordinates to virtual planes.
Innovation Solution
A surroundings observation device with an image capturing system that captures images of objects around the working machine, using a specifying part to enclose objects with a polygonal frame and determine the closest position based on operation patterns, reducing processing load by setting detection regions and responsive actions within a linear or low distortion area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the lowermost position of the object in the captured image is used to calculate distance, then the calculation is simple, but the accuracy of determining the closest position deteriorates because the lowermost position cannot always represent the closest position to the working machine
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the coordinate selection adaptive to the working machine's operation state. The control part dynamically determines which coordinate to use (first coordinate, second coordinate, or intermediate coordinate) based on the detected operation state from the operation state detection part. This allows the system to adaptively select the most appropriate coordinate for calculating distance to the closest position, resolving the contradiction between calculation simplicity and position determination accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If complex coordinate conversion to virtual plane is performed to accurately determine closest position, then measurement precision improves, but processing load and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the necessary information for determining closest position without performing full coordinate conversion to a virtual plane. Instead of converting all image coordinates to three-dimensional space, the system selectively uses coordinates from the captured image based on the operation state. This extraction approach maintains measurement precision by selecting appropriate coordinates while significantly reducing processing load and time by avoiding comprehensive coordinate transformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-establishing the relationship between operation states and the corresponding coordinates to be used. The control part has predetermined rules for selecting coordinates based on detected operation states, so when an object is detected, the system can immediately select the appropriate coordinate without performing complex real-time calculations. This preliminary preparation reduces processing time while maintaining accuracy.
3Measurement precision
If the working machine operation state is considered to determine closest position, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by making the control part perform multiple functions: detecting operation states, determining appropriate coordinates based on those states, and calculating distances to closest positions. The same control part that manages the working machine's operations also handles the surroundings observation and distance calculation, eliminating the need for a separate complex observation system while improving position determination accuracy through operation-state-aware coordinate selection.
Data Source
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AI summary
A specifying part (41) sets: a first end point (Lr) which is on a straight line (L) and attributes to a first apex (Kr) of a plurality of apexes of a frame (K) that is at a first side in a front orthogonal direction and closer to a to-machine side; a second end point (Ll) which is on the straight line (L) and attributes to a second apex (Kl) of the plurality of apexes of the frame (K) that is at a second side in the front orthogonal direction and closer to the to-machine side; and a midpoint (Lc) between the first end point (Lr) and the second end point (Ll). The specifying part (41) determines one of the first end point (Lr), the second end point (Ll), and the midpoint (Lc) as a coordinate indicative of a position of an object (A) according to an operation pattern of an operating part (21).