RF Anti-Collision Monitoring for Human Detection Through Barriers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing anti-collision systems in automated industrial contexts, particularly offshore drilling platforms, face challenges in reliably detecting human operators amidst barriers and metal structures, and often require wearable devices or complex image processing, leading to inefficiencies and safety risks.
Innovation Solution
A method using radiofrequency radar signals to scan a work volume, detect human operators by monitoring vital signals, and triangulate their position without requiring wearable devices or complex image processing, allowing for the prediction and prevention of collisions between human operators and machines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If optical systems with multifocal vision are used to detect human operators, then the ability to identify and locate operators is improved, but the processing time becomes too long for fast emergency response
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces optical detection systems with radar-based detection systems. The radar system uses electromagnetic waves to detect operators, eliminating the need for complex optical image processing while maintaining detection capability and enabling faster response times suitable for emergency situations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from optical frequency to radiofrequency. This parameter change allows for faster processing speeds and real-time detection without the computational burden of optical image analysis, while still maintaining the ability to detect and locate human operators accurately.
2Adaptability or versatility
If radar signals are used to detect operators through barriers, then the detection capability in complex environments is improved, but the complexity of signal processing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex optical processing systems with radar-based detection. The radar system inherently penetrates non-conductive barriers and uses phase modulation detection to identify operators, simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining versatility in complex environments with metal structures and barriers.
3Reliability
If wearable identification devices are required for operators, then the reliability of operator identification is improved, but the ease of operation and operator comfort deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the detection system to identify operators automatically based on their physiological characteristics (phase modulation of radar signals by body movements and vital signs). Operators do not need to wear any identification devices; the system detects them passively through their natural biological signals, maintaining both reliability and convenience.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces wearable identification devices with a passive radar detection system that identifies operators through electromagnetic wave interaction with the human body. This substitution eliminates the need for operators to wear or carry any equipment while maintaining reliable identification capability.
4Productivity
If automated machines operate at high speed, then the productivity is improved, but the risk of collision with human operators increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous real-time radar monitoring of the work volume to track operator positions. This continuous detection enables the system to maintain high machine speeds while constantly monitoring for potential collision risks, allowing immediate response when operators enter hazardous zones.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a feedback mechanism where radar-detected operator positions are continuously fed back to the control system. This feedback loop enables real-time adjustment of machine operations to prevent collisions, maintaining both high productivity through automated operation and high reliability through active collision prevention.
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
This approach enhances safety by reliably detecting human operators and preventing collisions, even in environments with conductive barriers and metal structures, without imposing wearable devices, and improves response times by simplifying the detection process.
Implementation Method 1
storing information on at least the current position of at least one vehicle (4) within a target work volume (3); scanning said target work volume (3) by means of a radiofrequency radiation signal so as to detect the presence of at least one human operator (5)
Implementation Method 2
each sensor node (6) being adapted to detect, on a reflected echo signal received by means of the respective receiving unit (8), the presence of a phase modulation typical of vital signals of a human operator (5)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
An anti-collision method comprising the following steps of storing information on at least the current position of at least one vehicle (4) within a target work volume (3); scanning a target work volume (3) by means of a radiofrequency radiation signal, so as to detect the presence of at least one human operator (5) within the target work volume (3); determining the current position of the at least one human operator (5) within the target work volume (3); comparing the current position of the human operator (5) with the current position of the at least one vehicle (4), if the current position of the at least one human operator (5) at least partially overlaps the current position of the at least one vehicle (4), then the method comprises the further step of activating at least one safety device.