Work Tool Vision System Dynamic Zoom Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing work tool vision systems in machines like earth movers and construction equipment face challenges in maintaining an unobstructed view of the work tool as it moves, leading to difficulties in monitoring its movement due to fixed camera positions and limited zoom capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A work tool vision system that uses a sensor and an electronic controller unit to sense the position of the work tool, compare it to a template image, and adjust the view by zooming and centering on the work tool, ensuring it remains in the frame even as it moves, using algorithms to crop and undistort the image for clear visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a fixed camera is used to monitor the work tool, then the camera structure is simple and cost-effective, but the work tool may move out of the camera view or to the edge of the frame
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the camera system adjustable and adaptive. The camera can dynamically change its viewing angle and zoom level based on the work tool's position, transforming a static fixed camera into a dynamic monitoring system that tracks the work tool throughout its movement range.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback mechanisms where the camera continuously monitors the work tool position, and this information is used to adjust the camera's viewing parameters. The feedback loop ensures the work tool remains within the optimal viewing area by automatically adjusting the camera angle and zoom based on real-time position data.
2Measurement precision
If the camera zooms in on the work tool, then the detail visibility improves, but the work tool may fall out of the camera view when it moves
Solution Approach 1:
The zoom capability is made dynamic rather than fixed. The system automatically adjusts the zoom level based on the work tool's distance from the camera and its position within the frame, allowing the camera to maintain optimal detail visibility while adapting to different working conditions and distances.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes camera parameters (zoom level, focal length) based on the work tool's position and size in the frame. By dynamically adjusting these parameters, the system maintains high detail visibility for the work tool while preserving adequate view coverage to prevent the tool from moving out of frame.
3Ease of manufacture
If the camera position is fixed relative to the work tool, then the mounting is simple, but the view changes as the work tool moves making monitoring difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The camera mounting system incorporates dynamic adjustment capabilities, allowing the camera to change its orientation and position relative to the work tool during operation. This dynamic mounting maintains a consistent optimal viewing angle regardless of the work tool's movement, making monitoring easier while remaining practical to implement.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for monitoring the movement of a work tool of a machine using a work tool vision a comprises sensing data related to the image of a work tool, selecting a template of an image of a work tool, and displaying the sensed image of the work tool after modifying the sensed image of the work tool by at least zooming on a portion of the sensed data of the image if the sensed data of the image of a work tool matches the template of an image of a work tool.