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US 11,001,991 B2Granted
Optimizing loading of a payload carrier of a machine
AssigneeCaterpillar Inc.
InventorsChristopher Ha, Shawn Nainan Mathew, Yang Liu, Qi Wang
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A method for loading a payload carrier of a machine includes receiving, from a camera on the machine, a two-dimensional image of an interior of the payload carrier as material is loaded into the payload carrier. The method further includes filtering the image to identify a contour of the loaded material and determining an area of the contour. The method further includes controlling a display device indicate the determined area.
Claims16
A method for loading of a payload carrier of a machine, the method comprising:
- receiving, from a camera on the machine, a two-dimensional image of an interior of the payload carrier as material is loaded into the payload carrier;
- filtering the image to identify a contour of the loaded material;
- determining an area of the contour of the loaded material;
- determining that the area is equal to or greater than to a threshold;
- based at least in part on determining that the area is equal to or greater than the threshold, performing one or more of the following:
- controlling a display device in an operator station of the machine to indicate that the payload carrier of the machine is full;
- activating an indicator light in the operator station to indicate to stop loading the payload carrier;
- providing a visual indication on the display device to indicate to stop loading the payload carrier;
- controlling the machine to raise the payload carrier from a ground surface;
- controlling the machine to move an apron of the payload carrier from an open position to a closed position to prevent further loading of the payload carrier;
- controlling the machine to reduce speed or to stop;
- and
- controlling the machine to change a current operating mode of the machine to an autonomous haul mode.
10 more elements
A camera for assisting loading of a payload carrier of a machine, the camera comprising:
- a memory storing instructions;
- and
- a processor configured to execute the instructions to:
- receive a two-dimensional image of an interior of the payload carrier as material is loaded into the payload carrier;
- filter the image to identify a contour of the loaded material;
- determine an area of the contour;
- determine that the area is equal to or greater than to a threshold;
- and
- based at least in part on determining that the area is equal to or greater than the threshold, provide a signal to a controller associated with the machine, the signal causing performance of one or more of the following:
- control a display device in an operator station of the machine to indicate that the payload carrier is full;
- activate an indicator light in the operator station to indicate to stop loading the payload carrier;
- provide a visual indication on the display device to indicate to stop loading the payload carrier;
- control the machine to raise the payload carrier from a ground surface;
- control the machine to move an apron of the payload carrier from an open position to a closed position to prevent further loading of the payload carrier;
- control the machine to reduce speed or to stop;
- and
- control the machine to change a current operating mode of the machine to an autonomous haul mode.
14 more elements
A machine, comprising:
- a display device;
- a camera configured to capture a two-dimensional image of an interior of a payload carrier of the machine when material is loaded into the payload carrier;
- and
- a controller configured to:
- receive the image from the camera;
- filter the image to identify a contour of the loaded material;
- determine an area of the contour;
- determine that the area is equal to or greater than to a threshold;
- and
- in response to determining that the area is equal to or greater than the threshold, provide a signal causing performance of one or more of the following:
- control the display device to indicate that the payload carrier is full;
- activate an indicator light in an operator station of the machine to indicate to stop loading the payload carrier;
- provide a visual indication on the display device to indicate to stop loading the payload carrier;
- control the machine to raise the payload carrier from a ground surface:
- control the machine to move an apron of the payload carrier from an open position to a closed position to prevent further loading of the payload carrier;
- control the machine to reduce speed or to stop;
- and
- control the machine to change a current operating mode of the machine to an autonomous haul mode.
15 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.