Work Machine Target Detection with Dual-Sensor Intervention Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Three-dimensional measurement devices in work machines are susceptible to disturbances such as dust, rain, and lighting, which affect the accuracy of detecting the presence or absence of a work target.

Innovation Solution

A control system for a work machine that combines a three-dimensional measurement device with a detection device, where intervention control is performed only when both devices detect the work target, and stopped when either device fails to detect it, using a non-contact sensor and a stereo camera for enhanced accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If a three-dimensional measurement device is used to detect the work target, then automation of work can be implemented, but detection accuracy deteriorates due to environmental disturbances such as dust, rain, and lighting

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomation of workVSAvoiddetection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines a three-dimensional measurement device (stereo camera) with a detection device (non-contact sensor) into an integrated control system. The control unit processes data from both devices and performs intervention control only when both detect the work target, thereby merging their functions to overcome the limitations of each individual device and achieve both automation and high detection accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring detection results from both the three-dimensional measurement device and the detection device, and adjusting intervention control accordingly. When either device fails to detect the work target, the control unit stops intervention control, creating a closed-loop feedback mechanism that maintains detection accuracy while enabling automation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Speed

If intervention control is performed based on single device detection, then response speed is improved, but detection reliability deteriorates due to false detection under environmental disturbances

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresponse speedVSAvoiddetection reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the detection functions of the three-dimensional measurement device and the detection device, requiring both to confirm the presence of the work target before intervention control is activated. This combination maintains fast response speed while significantly improving detection reliability by eliminating false detections caused by environmental disturbances

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary detection using both devices before executing intervention control. The control unit预先 verifies detection results from both the three-dimensional measurement device and the detection device, ensuring reliable detection before activating automation, thus preventing false actions while maintaining operational speed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4283052B1Working machine control system, and working machine control method
Publication Date: 2026.01.14 KOMATSU LTD
  • EP4283052B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4283052B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4283052B1 patent drawingFigure 3(A)~3(C)

AI summary

A control system of a work machine includes: a three-dimensional measurement device 20 that measures a work target of a work machine 1; a detection device 25 that detects the work target; and a working equipment control unit 87 functioning as an intervention control unit that performs intervention control of the work machine 1 when both the three-dimensional measurement device 20 and the detection device 25 have detected the work target.