At Height Safety Detection Using Dual Object Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing at-height safety systems, such as automatic belay devices, are prone to user errors due to forgetting to attach the rope, requiring multiple sensors, and are limited to climbing walls, lacking flexibility and data collection capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A detection apparatus with dual detection means for people and items, using passive and active identification tags, integrated with a processing unit to ensure both are present in a predetermined area, providing a cost-effective and flexible system for various at-height applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple sensors are fixedly located at spaced apart locations on the climbing wall to detect rope position and climber height, then the system can provide automatic belay warning, but the system becomes complex, intrusive and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple detection functions (rope position detection and climber height detection) into a single integrated detection unit. This single unit uses a camera to capture images that simultaneously contain both the rope position indicator and the climber, eliminating the need for multiple separate sensors fixed at different locations on the wall.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical sensors that would be physically mounted on the climbing wall with an optical detection system using a camera. This substitution eliminates the need for fixed mechanical installations at multiple spaced locations, reducing system complexity and intrusiveness while maintaining detection accuracy.
2Device complexity
If a single detection unit is used to detect both rope position and climber presence, then the system becomes simpler and less intrusive, but must accurately distinguish between multiple objects in the detection area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using distinct visual indicators with specific characteristics: the rope position indicator has a first color (e.g., red) while the climber wears a second color (e.g., green) clothing. The image processing algorithm is trained to recognize these specific local visual qualities, enabling accurate differentiation between the rope indicator and the climber within the single captured image.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes color as a distinguishing feature for object identification. The rope position indicator is configured with a first color and the climber wears clothing of a second color, allowing the image processing algorithm to reliably distinguish between the two objects based on their color characteristics in the captured image.
3Reliability
If the system is designed specifically for climbing wall applications, then it provides targeted safety monitoring, but it lacks flexibility for other at-height applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the detection unit as a universal system that can be applied to multiple at-height applications beyond climbing walls. The system monitors any scenario where a person's position relative to a reference point needs to be tracked, making it adaptable to rope access, construction work at height, bridge maintenance, and other industries where fall protection is needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a dynamic and adaptable system where the detection unit can be configured for different applications by adjusting the reference object being monitored. The system can switch between monitoring rope position on climbing walls, worker position on construction sites, or other at-height scenarios, providing versatility without requiring multiple specialized systems.
Data Source
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AI summary
An at height safety system and method of use thereof An at height safety system is provided including detection apparatus for location at at least one required position or in at least one pre-determined area that is to be monitored in use. Identification means are provided on or associated with an item that is to be monitored in use. The detection apparatus includes first detection means arranged for detecting the presence of a person in use and at least second detection means arranged for detecting the identification means in use. Processing means are provided for processing one or more signals and/or data received from the first and/or at least second detection means.