Camera-Based Movable Barrier Obstacle Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing movable barrier systems, such as loop detectors, struggle to reliably detect non-metallic objects and can be costly and difficult to install, leading to potential damage from premature closure due to incomplete obstacle detection.
Innovation Solution
A camera-based system that captures frames of a region of interest, defines a field of view, and enters a failsafe mode if the region is partially or completely outside the camera's view, preventing the movable barrier from operating and reducing the risk of collision with obstacles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If loop detectors are used to detect obstacles, then metallic objects can be detected, but non-metallic objects cannot be reliably detected and installation is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electromagnetic loop detector system with an optical camera-based detection system. The camera captures images of the region of interest, and image processing algorithms detect obstacles regardless of material composition. This substitution eliminates the need to cut or excavate concrete for installation, as the camera can be mounted above the barrier to capture the path area, thereby resolving both the detection reliability issue for non-metallic objects and the installation difficulty.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an image processing system as an intermediary between the camera and the barrier control system. This intermediary processes captured images to identify obstacles, defines regions of interest, and determines whether objects are in the barrier's path. This intermediary layer enables reliable detection of all object types while maintaining ease of installation through non-invasive camera mounting.
2Measurement precision
If loop detectors are used to detect vehicles, then vehicle detection is effective, but smaller metallic objects like motorcycles are difficult to detect
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electromagnetic field-based loop detector with an optical imaging system that captures visual information of all objects in the path. The camera system detects obstacles based on their visual presence and characteristics rather than metallic properties, enabling precise detection of motorcycles, bicycles, pedestrians, and other non-metallic or small objects that loop detectors miss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from metallic material response (electromagnetic field disruption) to visual characteristics (image features such as shape, size, position, and motion). This parameter change allows the system to detect objects of all sizes and materials with high precision and reliability, including small metallic objects like motorcycles that are difficult to detect with traditional loop detectors.
3Reliability
If the camera field of view does not cover the entire region of interest, then the system may miss obstacles, but adjusting the camera position may increase complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent addresses the field of view limitation by transitioning from a single-camera two-dimensional view to a multi-camera three-dimensional coverage system. Multiple cameras are positioned at different locations and angles to collectively capture the entire region of interest, including the full path area. This multi-dimensional approach ensures complete obstacle detection coverage without requiring complex adjustments to individual camera positions or sophisticated mechanical mounting systems.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, apparatuses, and methods are provided herein that may be used to monitor a movable barrier operated by a movable barrier operator. In some embodiments, a system includes a camera configured to capture frames, and a control circuit. The camera has a field of view that defines a boundary of each of the frames. The control circuit is configured to receive a first frame, identify a stationary object in the first frame, and define a region of interest “ROI” relative to the stationary object in the first frame. The control circuit is further configured to receive a second frame, identify the stationary object in the second frame, determine whether at least a portion of the ROI is outside of the second frame, and cause the movable barrier operator to enter a failsafe mode upon the at least a portion of the ROI being outside of the second frame.