Working Machine Camera Detection for Animate Object Collision Alerts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Off-highway vehicles or working machines face challenges in detecting animate objects, such as workers or animals, within their vicinity, particularly during reversing, slow speed maneuvers, loading, unloading, and implement coupling/uncoupling, leading to potential collisions.
Innovation Solution
A working machine equipped with a collision avoidance system featuring multiple cameras and a machine learning algorithm to identify animate objects, providing alerts and adjusting display modes to enhance operator awareness and prevent collisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cameras and machine learning algorithms are added to detect animate objects, then collision avoidance capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical or manual monitoring methods with an automated vision-based detection system. Cameras capture images of the work environment, and a machine learning algorithm (neural network) automatically processes these images to detect animate objects, substituting human visual inspection and mechanical sensors with intelligent computational methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a display device as an intermediary between the detection system and the operator. The display presents processed visual information about detected animate objects, serving as a communication bridge that translates complex algorithmic outputs into actionable visual cues for the operator, thereby managing the complexity of the overall system.
2Loss of information
If the display shows camera output to alert operators of animate objects, then operator awareness is improved, but loss of information occurs due to display mode switching
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic display mode switching based on detected conditions. The display adapts its content automatically: showing camera output when animate objects are detected, and switching to other operational displays when no threats are present. This dynamic adaptation ensures critical safety information is prioritized while maintaining normal operational visibility during safe conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the environment through cameras and provides feedback to the display based on detection results. When animate objects are detected, the system feeds back camera imagery to the display, creating a closed-loop information system that automatically adjusts displayed content based on real-time environmental assessment, ensuring operators receive relevant safety information without manual intervention.
Data Source
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AI summary
A working machine includes a body, a ground engaging propulsion structure supporting the body, and a working arm mounted to the body. The machine also includes a control system and a collision avoidance system. The collision avoidance system has a camera mounted on the body of the working machine configured to monitor an area in its field of view and to generate an output signal to the control system in response to a detected animate object in said field of view. The control system includes a processor configured to execute a machine learning algorithm trained to determine whether the detected animate object is an animate object to determine whether an animate object is within the field of view of the at least one camera from the camera output signal. The system provides an output to alert an operator of the working machine if it is determined that an animate object has been detected in the field of view of the at least one camera.