Work Vehicle Imaging Control for Boom-Obstructed Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Operators of skid steer loaders and compact track loaders face limited visibility due to the movement of boom assemblies, which obscure their field of view, making it difficult to identify external objects concealed by the work implement.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a detection system with multiple imaging devices, such as cameras and lidar sensors, mounted on the work vehicle to maintain a field of view of a predetermined area of interest, including the use of kinematic sensors to determine the position of the boom assembly and selectively activate imaging devices to provide continuous image data to a display unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the boom assembly moves to perform work operations, then the work capability is improved, but the operator's field of view is obscured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces imaging devices (cameras, sensors) as intermediaries to capture visual information from areas obscured by the boom assembly. These devices are mounted on the moveable boom to follow its trajectory, acting as mediators that transfer visual data from hidden areas to the operator's display system, thereby resolving the conflict between boom movement and visibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates visual copies of the obscured areas by mounting imaging devices on the boom assembly itself. These cameras capture images of the terrain and objects that would otherwise be hidden, producing duplicate visual representations that are then displayed to the operator, allowing awareness of areas not directly visible from the cab.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple imaging devices are mounted on the work vehicle, then the field of view coverage is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal control system that manages multiple imaging devices with different functions (cameras, sensors, displays, kinematic sensors). This multi-functional system coordinates all components through a single control architecture, allowing the system to perform multiple tasks (capturing images, tracking boom position, selecting appropriate views, displaying information) while maintaining manageable complexity through integration.
Data Source
AI summary
A method is provided for visually representing an area of interest proximate to or otherwise associated with a work vehicle including a first portion including a frame, an operator cab supported by the frame, and a second portion (e.g., boom assembly) moveable relative to the frame. The area of interest is at least partially obscured from an operator during movement of the second portion. First and second imaging devices are mounted on the work vehicle, at least one of the imaging devices having a field of view including the area of interest at any given time throughout movement of the second portion. The method includes selectively providing image data corresponding to the area of interest from either the first or the second imaging device to a display unit, wherein a display of the area of interest is substantially maintained thereon throughout the movement of the second portion.