Multi-Camera Person Localization for Machinery Safety Interlocks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current industrial settings face challenges in accurately measuring person locations for safety due to the reliance on classical instrumentation and person-in-the-loop sensing, which can lead to preventable injuries from automated machinery, as existing technologies like RFID and manual reporting require active participation from personnel.
Innovation Solution
A Personnel Video Monitoring system using multiple calibrated video sources that perform person detection and triangulation to estimate accurate 2- or 3-D person locations, integrating this information into machinery control systems to inhibit or initiate automated actions, thereby ensuring safety without requiring personnel action.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If automated machinery is used to improve speed and efficiency, then productivity increases, but safety risks to personnel increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously captures video data from multiple cameras, processes it through computer vision algorithms to detect persons, and feeds this information back to the machinery control system in real-time. This closed-loop feedback enables dynamic adjustment of machinery operation based on detected person locations, allowing automated machinery to maintain high productivity while actively responding to safety conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The video-based person detection system serves as an intermediary between personnel and automated machinery. Rather than direct interaction or manual control, the system mediates by detecting persons through video analysis and translating this information into control signals that automatically adjust machinery operation, eliminating the need for personnel to take actions like wearing RFID tags or using lock-out keys.
2Loss of information
If RFID or manual location reporting is used to track personnel, then person location information can be obtained, but personnel must take specific actions which create failure points
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows personnel to be tracked passively without any action required on their part. Video cameras automatically capture images, computer vision algorithms automatically detect and track persons, and the system continuously updates location information without requiring personnel to wear RFID tags, report locations, or use lock-out keys. This self-service approach eliminates human error and creates a more reliable safety system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces active mechanical or electronic systems requiring personnel participation (RFID tags, manual reporting devices, lock-out keys) with a passive optical system using video cameras and computer vision. This substitution eliminates the need for personnel to interact with tracking devices, removing the failure points associated with human error, device malfunction, or improper usage.
3Ease of operation
If video data from multiple cameras is used to track persons passively, then accurate location information is obtained without personnel action, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses multiple video cameras not only for person detection but also for triangulation to determine 3D locations and for verifying detections through multiple viewing angles. This multi-functionality of the video system (detection, localization, verification) justifies the complexity by providing comprehensive safety monitoring without requiring additional specialized devices or personnel actions.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to systems and method for inhibiting or causing automated actions based on estimated person locations comprising multiple video sources configured to detect the location of one or more persons wherein at least one video source is calibrated for a known location and pose. The invention further comprises at least one processor operably connected to a calibrated video source wherein said processor aggregates possible person locations. These systems and method may be useful for initiating or interrupting the automated activity of equipment in the presence of personnel.