Line Array Camera Man Overboard Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current man overboard detection systems rely on unreliable methods such as eye-witness accounts or thermal imaging, which are ineffective in obscured conditions, and existing technologies like dual line-array cameras and scanners have limitations in accurately detecting human bodies in water.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising multiple line array cameras configured to capture one-dimensional data sets, with a control system that determines object presence, velocity, and type by analyzing variations in data sets from multiple cameras, compiling a two-dimensional image to accurately identify persons and activate response protocols.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If thermal imaging cameras are used to detect a body in the water, then detection capability is improved when body temperature differs significantly from water temperature, but detection reliability deteriorates when temperature difference is small or waves obscure the view

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection capabilityVSAvoiddetection reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the detection task into multiple components: multiple line array cameras capture one-dimensional data from different positions, the control system processes variations in these data sets to detect objects, and two-dimensional images are compiled for identification. This segmentation allows reliable detection without relying on thermal imaging limitations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from one-dimensional line array camera data to two-dimensional compiled images, adding a dimensional aspect to the detection process. This enables more accurate object identification and verification while maintaining reliability in various environmental conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Measurement precision

If dual line-array cameras are used to determine velocity and trajectory, then detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The line array cameras serve multiple functions: they capture one-dimensional data for object detection, determine velocity and trajectory through data variation analysis, and compile two-dimensional images for identification. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized devices, managing complexity while maintaining accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates compiled two-dimensional images from one-dimensional line array data, producing a copy that represents the object in a more recognizable format. This copying process enables accurate identification without requiring additional complex imaging hardware.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Area of stationary object

If scanners are placed all around the ship to detect falling bodies, then detection coverage is improved, but false alarm rate increases due to difficulty in recognizing human bodies

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection coverageVSAvoidfalse alarm rate
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The control system analyzes variations in data sets from multiple line array cameras to determine if a detected object is a human body. This feedback mechanism verifies object identity before triggering alerts, significantly reducing false alarms while maintaining comprehensive detection coverage through the multi-camera arrangement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3574648B1Line array cameras for a man over board detection system
Publication Date: 2023.12.13 CARRIER CORP
  • EP3574648B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1E
  • EP3574648B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3574648B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

An object detection system is provided comprising: at least one line array camera configured to capture one or more data sets within a field of view of the line array camera using a one-dimensional array of pixels within each line array camera, each data set being a one-dimensional output from the one-dimensional array of pixels at a point in time; and a control system configured to determine when an object has moved through a field of view in response to the one or more data sets and determine whether the object is a person in response to the one or more data sets; wherein the control system is configured to determine that a person has moved through a field of view in response to at least one of variations within each data set and variations between each data set.