Hydraforce Valve Controllers. The Hydraforce valve controllers output a pulse width
modulated (PWM) signal with amplitude of 20V. The duty cycle of the PWM signal is proportional
to the reference voltage. Control parameters such as the output signal’s ramp time as well as dither
frequency and dither amplitude are adjusted directly on the controller with a potentiometer [12].
Care must be taken in adjusting these gains. Incorrect gains can add adverse dynamics to the
hydraulic system that may cause ringing or instability [22].
Vision system. The excavator is equipped with three CCD video cameras. The first camera,
located on the pan/tilt//zoom drive, is the main camera. The focal length of this camera can be
changed, but it is currently set to 7mm. The field of view extends past the bucket, while providing
vision information closer to the tracks.
The second camera is a wide-angle camera that can be manually positioned and locked into
place. This camera is normally positioned downward enabling the operator to visualize the
orientation of the cab with respect to the tracks. This is important, because the excavator bucket can
strike the tracks if brought too close. The excavator is less stable in operation where the boom is
perpendicular to the tracks and, driving the tracks requires the operator to identify their location
with respect to the cab. The final camera faces the rear of the excavator, aiding in backing up as
well as gaining a reference of where the excavator is located on the dig site.