Base Station Sensor Suite for Restricted Zone Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for securing restricted areas, such as those around work machines, are inadequate as they rely on expensive and cumbersome tracking devices that fail to detect undesired objects or persons without transmitters, posing risks to public and operators.
Innovation Solution
A base station system with a sensor suite and controller is deployed near the restricted zone to detect undesired objects using various sensors, generating an alert signal that activates warning indicators on the base station or mobile devices, ensuring real-time detection and alerting of both objects and personnel within the detection range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If tracking devices are worn by each operator, then operator safety alerting is improved, but device cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the tracking and alerting function from individual operator devices and consolidates it into a centralized base station system. The base station continuously monitors the restricted zone and alerts operators of undesired objects without requiring each operator to wear expensive tracking devices, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining safety reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The base station serves multiple functions: it monitors the restricted zone, detects undesired objects, alerts operators, and provides situational awareness for all personnel in the area. This universal system replaces the need for individual operator tracking devices, reducing overall system complexity while improving safety coverage.
2Reliability
If tracking devices are worn by each operator, then operator safety alerting is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the safety monitoring function from expensive individual tracking devices and implements it through a more cost-effective base station system. The base station uses sensors and processing capabilities to detect undesired objects and alert operators, eliminating the need for each operator to purchase and wear expensive tracking equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The base station system provides self-service safety monitoring for the entire restricted zone without requiring individual operators to invest in personal tracking devices. The system automatically detects and alerts all operators, making safety monitoring a shared resource rather than an individual expense.
3Reliability
If physical barriers are used to secure restricted areas, then area security is improved, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical barriers with an electronic detection and alerting system. The base station uses sensors to detect undesired objects and provides alerts to operators, eliminating the need for physical fences or walls that would obstruct visibility and movement in the restricted zone while maintaining security effectiveness.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system effectively enhances safety by automatically detecting and alerting operators and surrounding personnel of undesired objects, improving security without the need for expensive tracking devices and enabling customizable geofence definitions for precise area coverage.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor suite is configured to detect one or more undesired object in a subzone
Implementation Method 2
a sending module emitting a steady signal configured toward a surface; and a receiving module configured to receive a reflection of the steady signal after it has bounced off the surface
Data Source
AI summary
One or more undesired objects can be detected in a restricted zone at worksite. In one example, a base station is configured to be placed in or around the restricted zone. The base station includes a housing, a sensor suite, and a base station controller. The sensor suite is configured to detect one or more undesired object in a subzone at least partially overlapping with the restricted zone and generate an output signal based on the undesired object. The subzone is limited by a range of detection from the sensor suite. The base station controller can receive the output signal from the sensor suite and transmit an alert signal. A warning indicator can receive the alert signal and activate in response to receiving the alert signal. The warning indicator can be positioned on the base station or on a mobile device located remote from the base station.