Work Vehicle Camera System for Obstructed Forward Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Operators of large work vehicles face challenges in visibility due to obstructions within the cab, making it difficult to navigate and manage the work attachment effectively, especially when maneuvering in tight spaces or uneven terrain.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a forward-looking camera system comprising two cameras, one on each side of the vehicle, mounted on actuators that allow them to capture images of the area in front and between the ground-engaging members, with a control system combining these images to provide a comprehensive view on the user interface, enhancing the operator's field of vision and situational awareness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If the operator uses the cab windows to view the area in front of the work vehicle, then the operator can see the forward area, but the view is obstructed by the work attachment and cab structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses cameras to capture images of the area in front of the work vehicle, creating a visual copy of the forward view. These images are then displayed on displays within the cab, allowing the operator to see the area that would otherwise be obstructed by the work attachment and cab structure. This copying approach eliminates the need for direct line-of-sight through the cab windows.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces cameras and displays as intermediary devices between the operator and the forward area. Instead of viewing the area directly through obstructed windows, the operator views images captured by cameras positioned on the work vehicle. These intermediary devices transmit visual information around the obstructions, providing an unobstructed view of the forward area.
2Productivity
If the work attachment is positioned to perform work operations, then the work function is achieved, but the attachment obstructs the operator's view through the cab windows
Solution Approach 1:
The cameras capture images of the area in front of the work vehicle, including areas that would be blocked by the work attachment during operations. These visual copies are displayed in the cab, allowing the operator to monitor the forward area and terrain even when the attachment is in working position, thus maintaining both productivity and visibility.
3Ease of operation
If the operator relies on direct viewing through cab windows, then no additional equipment is needed, but the operator cannot effectively navigate tight spaces or uneven terrain
Solution Approach 1:
The camera system creates visual copies of the terrain and surrounding area, which are displayed on multiple screens in the cab. This provides the operator with enhanced situational awareness of tight spaces and uneven terrain that would be difficult to assess through obstructed window views, improving navigation capability without adding complexity to the basic cab structure.
Data Source
AI summary
An work vehicle includes a chassis. A prime mover, an operator cab and a camera are supported by the chassis. The operator cab has a user interface. A first ground-engaging member and a second ground-engaging member positioned on opposite sides of the chassis are configured to move the work vehicle in a direction of travel when actuated by the prime mover. A work attachment is movably coupled to the chassis by a coupling mechanism. The camera is configured to capture an image of an area between the one of the first and second ground-engaging members and the work attachment and an area in front of the work attachment. A control system includes a controller in communication with the user interface and the camera. The controller is configured to display the image captured by the camera on the user interface.