Hakusan, Japan, April 4, 2024 – EIZO Corporation (TSE: 6737) today announced that it has collaborated with Hitachi Construction Machinery Co, Ltd. (TSE: 6305) to realize a remote control solution for operating construction machinery using 3D image display technology.

The construction industry is currently facing challenges related to safety, productivity, working conditions, and labor shortages. As a result, the demand for remote control and automatic operation of construction machinery has increased. The solution realized by EIZO and Hitachi Construction Machinery aims to contribute to early recovery from natural disasters and address social issues such as the shortage of construction equipment operators.

In developing a solution for remote construction work, where equipment is operated by using images transmitted from a camera installed at the construction site and displayed on a remote monitor, there are two major challenges related to safety and efficiency. When operating machines in real time using a monitor screen as a visual guide, it is often difficult for operators to perceive depth in the images, making it difficult to interact with the environment or grasp objects. Stable transmission of images to the screen is also required for real-time interaction when operating remotely.

To address these challenges, Hitachi Construction Machinery realized a solution that uses 3D image display technology to display images with a realistic sense of depth on remote monitors. With an enhanced sense of perspective, the operator can interact more efficiently interact with the job site. For example, they can distinguish the color of soil or sand to predict moisture content in real-time from a safe, remote location. In addition the lightweight, anti-fog glasses allow operators to comfortable and clearly view 3D images while performing remote operations.

EIZO contributed to the system by utilizing technologies from throughout its Imaging Chain, which includes image processing, camera image transmission, and 3D monitors.

Diagram of the Remote Control Solution Realized in Collaboration with Hitachi Construction Machinery

EIZO’s image processing system receives images from the two cameras installed at the site and automatically corrects lens distortion and visual deterrents in real time to ensure that images are clear, and details are easy to see.

The processed data is then transmitted through the Streaming Gateway function of EIZO’s powerful IP decoding box, which combines the two camera images into a single image while maintaining synchronization between the two. The result is an image captured in real time with extremely low delay for more accurate and safer operation of construction machinery. Finally, the two combined images are displayed on EIZO’s 3D monitor to create a 3D environment for the operator to interact.

EIZO’s 3D monitors are designed for endoscopic surgeries in the healthcare field. These surgeries require the monitor to reproduce images with a true sense of depth in order to safely perform delicate procedures. EIZO worked closely with Hitachi Construction Machinery to realize 3D display technology that reproduces the sense of depth unique to construction sites and their operations.

About Hitachi Construction Machinery

Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd. (TSE: 6305), headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, is a construction machinery manufacturer which globally deploys development, manufacturing, sales, and service businesses for its hydraulic excavators, wheel loaders, compaction equipment, and mining machinery, etc. In addition to its new machinery business, Hitachi Construction Machinery is expanding its "value chain businesses" of parts and services, remanufacturing (parts and machines), rentals, and used equipment as it aims to grow together with customers as a true solutions provider that offers innovative solutions to customers. With roughly 25,000 employees around the world, the consolidated sales revenue for Hitachi Construction Machinery was 1,279.5 billion yen for fiscal year 2022 (ended March 2023) with an overseas sales revenue ratio of 82%. For more details, please see the company's website.

About EIZO

EIZO (TSE:6737), which means image in Japanese, is a visual technology company that develops and manufactures high-end visual solutions to enrich people in their professional and personal lives. EIZO offers total imaging solutions with a range of monitors, software, video capture, processing, and distribution solutions, cameras, and advanced integrated technologies to meet the specialized needs of customers in business, creative fields, healthcare, air traffic control, maritime, security & surveillance, and more. Headquartered in Hakusan, Japan, EIZO has R&D and manufacturing facilities in Japan, China, Germany, and the United States, and representation in more than 120 countries.

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