Dynamic Work Machine Viewing for Swing Angle and Travel Direction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Operators of work machines with a rotatable upper house face challenges in maintaining visibility during operations due to limited visibility when the upper house is swiveled relative to the under carriage, especially when the machine is moving or turning.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic image processing system that combines images from multiple cameras mounted on the upper house to generate a combined view, dynamically adjusting the displayed image based on the swing angle and direction of travel to ensure the operator sees the periphery of the machine in the direction of travel, oriented consistently with the front of the house.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the upper house is swiveled or rotated relative to the under carriage during movement, then the work machine can perform multi-directional operations and improve operational versatility, but the operator's visibility of the direction of travel deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses cameras mounted on the upper house to capture images of the surrounding environment, creating visual copies of the area in the direction of travel. These images are then processed and displayed on screens in the operator compartment, allowing the operator to see what would otherwise be invisible due to the swiveled position of the upper house.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary system consisting of cameras, image processing units, and display screens. This intermediary system bridges the gap between the operator's limited direct view and the need for comprehensive visibility, translating physical visual access into electronic visual information that can be displayed regardless of the upper house's orientation.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple cameras are mounted on the upper house to capture peripheral images, then the combined view coverage is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple images captured by different cameras into a single combined view. The image processing system aligns, stitches, and integrates the peripheral images from multiple cameras to create a unified panoramic or multi-angle display, allowing comprehensive coverage while managing complexity through integrated processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms multiple two-dimensional camera views into a unified three-dimensional spatial representation or panoramic view. By processing images from multiple angles and combining them into a cohesive display that represents the full peripheral environment, the system adds a dimensional aspect to the operator's situational awareness.
3Loss of information
If the displayed image is dynamically adjusted based on swing angle and direction of travel, then the operator visibility of the direction of travel is improved, but the processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic display system that automatically adjusts the presented imagery based on real-time swing angle and direction of travel data. The system continuously monitors the upper house's orientation and the machine's movement, dynamically selecting and transforming the appropriate camera views to always show the operator what is ahead in the direction of travel, regardless of the upper house's position.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes display parameters (which camera views are shown, how they are oriented, and their composition) based on swing angle and direction of travel parameters. By dynamically adjusting these display parameters in response to changing operational conditions, the system maintains optimal visibility without requiring physical repositioning of cameras or operators.
Data Source
AI summary
A work machine has an under carriage coupled to traction elements and an upper house that is rotatably coupled to the under carriage. A plurality of image sensors mounted to the upper house capture overlapping images around portions of a periphery of the work machine. An image processing system combines the images from the image sensors to generate a combined image around the periphery of the work machine. A dynamic display generation system identifies a portion of the combined display to display to an operator based on a swing angle identifying an angle by which the upper house is rotated relative to the under carriage, and based on a direction of travel of the work machine.