Object Detection System Using Sensor Cross-Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing object detection systems in machines are prone to false detections, leading to reduced productivity and operator fatigue, as they inaccurately identify objects, prompting unnecessary avoidance actions.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing an imager and a sensor, where the sensor verifies the presence of detected objects by providing a different frame of reference, reducing or eliminating false detections by confirming the object's presence through independent data analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If object detection systems use single-sensor detection methods, then the system complexity is low, but false detection rate increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensors (imager and radar) into a single object detection system. The imager provides visual identification of objects while the radar provides distance and velocity measurements. By merging these different sensor types, the system achieves higher detection reliability through cross-validation, where the radar can confirm the presence of objects detected by the imager, reducing false positives without requiring overly complex processing algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a controller as an intermediary that receives and processes data from both the imager and radar sensors. This intermediary component coordinates the detection process by comparing results from both sensors, using the radar as a verification mechanism for imager detections. The controller mediates between the two sensors to determine final object presence, reducing false detections while maintaining manageable system complexity through structured data fusion.
2Measurement precision
If object detection systems increase detection sensitivity, then detection accuracy improves, but false positives increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the radar sensor provides verification feedback for objects detected by the imager. When the imager detects an object with high sensitivity, the system queries the radar to confirm the object's presence through independent measurement. This feedback loop allows the system to maintain high detection sensitivity while filtering out false positives, as the radar's independent detection capability provides a reliability check on the imager's sensitive detections.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds another dimension of detection by incorporating radar measurements alongside imager data. Instead of relying solely on visual characteristics from the imager, the system uses radar's electromagnetic wave-based detection to provide an additional verification dimension. This dimensional addition allows the system to maintain high detection precision while reducing false positives, as an object must satisfy detection criteria in both the visual domain and the radar domain.
3Reliability
If multiple sensors are used for verification, then false detections are reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection system into distinct functional modules: the imager module for initial object identification, the radar module for verification, and the controller module for data fusion and decision-making. This segmentation allows each sensor to operate independently with optimized parameters, reducing the complexity of coordinating multiple sensors while maintaining high detection reliability through structured verification processes.
Data Source
AI summary
An object detection system may include an imager configured to generate image data indicative of an environment in which a machine is present, and a sensor configured to generate sensor data indicative of the environment in which the machine is present. The object detection system may further include an object detection controller including one or more object detection processors configured to receive an image signal indicative of the image data, identify an object associated with the image data, and determine a first location of the object relative to the position of the imager. The one or more object detection processors may also be configured to receive a sensor signal indicative of the sensor data, and determine, based at least in part on the sensor signal, the presence or absence of the object at the first location.