Excavator Object Detection Alert Filtering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing excavator systems generate excessive alerts due to detecting objects outside the predetermined working area, leading to operator fatigue and potential collisions, as they do not effectively filter out alerts for objects outside the defined operational zone.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising sensors and cameras that define a working area and suppress alerts for objects detected outside this area, ensuring alerts are only issued for objects within the operational zone, thereby reducing operator distraction and preventing unwanted collisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the system detects all objects within the field of view, then the detection coverage is improved, but the number of false alerts increases leading to operator fatigue
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the detection space into a working area (where alerts are generated) and an outside area (where alerts are suppressed). This is achieved by defining the working area based on the excavator's position and operational parameters, then segmenting alert generation logic to only trigger within the working area boundaries.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies different alert generation rules to different spatial zones. Objects detected within the working area trigger alerts, while objects outside the working area do not trigger alerts despite being detected. This local differentiation of detection quality resolves the contradiction between comprehensive detection and false alert reduction.
2Reliability
If the system provides alerts for all detected objects, then the safety monitoring is improved, but the operator distraction increases
Solution Approach 1:
The alert system is segmented to differentiate between relevant alerts (objects within working area) and irrelevant alerts (objects outside working area). The system maintains comprehensive safety monitoring by detecting all objects but segments alert generation to only notify the operator about objects within the working area, thus reducing distraction while preserving safety monitoring.
3Measurement precision
If the system defines a predetermined working area, then the alert accuracy is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The working area definition system leverages existing excavator operational data and positioning systems to automatically define the working area, rather than requiring separate manual configuration. This multi-functional approach uses existing system capabilities (positioning, operational parameters) to establish the working area boundaries, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining alert accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
A machine may receive, from one or more sensors, first data indicating a first position of a work implement within an environment and second data indicating a second position of the work implement within the environment. Based on the first position and the second position, the machine may define a working area of the work implement. The machine may receive, from one or more cameras, image data depicting at least a portion of the environment and at least a portion an object disposed within a field of view of the one or more cameras. The machine may determine, based on the image data, that the object is located outside of the working area. Based on determining that the object is located outside of the working area, the machine may refrain from causing output of an alert indicating the presence of the object outside the working area.