Optical Hazard Detection for Aerial Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aerial devices and heavy machinery face hazards such as powerlines, which can cause damage and electrical discharges, requiring operators to visually avoid collisions, a method to automatically detect and prevent hazards is needed.
Innovation Solution
An optical hazard detection system equipped with an optical sensor and controller that captures images and determines hazard locations using triangulation, establishing a hazard zone to prevent the utility platform from striking hazards, integrated into aerial devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If operators visually identify hazards and manually avoid collisions, then the system remains simple without additional detection equipment, but the safety and reliability are compromised due to human error and limited visual detection capability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual visual detection system with an automated optical detection system using cameras and image processing algorithms. The controller automatically identifies hazards in captured images and generates avoidance commands, substituting human visual inspection with machine-based optical detection and image analysis to improve reliability while maintaining operational simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary optical hazard detection system that acts as a mediator between the aerial device and the environment. The system includes cameras, image processors, and controllers that serve as intermediaries to detect hazards, process visual information, and generate avoidance commands, thereby enhancing safety without requiring direct human visual monitoring
2Measurement precision
If the optical sensor captures multiple optical images to improve hazard detection accuracy using triangulation, then the measurement precision of hazard location is improved, but the loss of time for image acquisition and processing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by continuously capturing multiple optical images as the boom assembly moves through space, even before a hazard is definitively identified. The controller accumulates image data and uses triangulation methods to calculate hazard location, preparing the information in advance to enable rapid and precise hazard localization when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The optical sensor continuously captures images throughout the movement of the boom assembly, maintaining uninterrupted visual monitoring. This continuous image acquisition ensures that hazard detection and location precision are maintained without interruption, allowing the system to process images in real-time and respond immediately to detected hazards
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system effectively identifies and prevents collisions with hazards, enhancing safety by automating the detection and avoidance process, reducing the risk of damage and electrical discharges.
Implementation Method 1
an optical sensor configured to capture an optical image
Implementation Method 2
The controller is also configured to identify the location of a hazard at least in part using triangulation methods from the multiple optical images
Data Source
AI summary
An optical hazard detection system is described that may be used with an aerial device. The optical hazard detection system is utilized for determining a hazard in proximity thereto. The system comprises an optical sensor and a controller. The optical sensor is configured to capture optical images. The controller is configured to acquire the optical images from the optical sensor. The controller is also configured to identify a hazard at least in part from the optical images and to establish a hazard zone to prevent the utility platform from striking the hazard. The hazard zone is within a deployable range for the aerial device.