Sensor ROI Setup Using Trajectory Track Maps Without Calibration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for establishing regions of interest (ROIs) for sensors require calibration and a priori maps, which can disrupt traffic, necessitate specialized knowledge, and are inaccurate due to traffic variability and map unavailability.

Innovation Solution

A method for setting up protective fields without calibration, using sensor alignment and data processing to track object trajectories, automatically generating a track map that allows users to define ROIs based on detected paths and trajectories, eliminating the need for precise alignment and a priori maps.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If calibration is performed using reference objects or reference sensors, then the sensor's mounting position can be determined, but the process requires specialized knowledge and trained personnel

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor mounting position determinationVSAvoidspecialized knowledge requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-calibration by automatically determining the sensor's mounting position through tracking moving objects and generating a track map, eliminating the need for external reference objects or trained personnel to perform manual calibration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical calibration process using reference objects with an automated computational method that uses trajectory tracking and data processing to determine sensor position

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If calibration is performed to determine sensor mounting position, then accurate ROI establishment is possible, but traffic must be disrupted and lanes may need to be closed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor mounting position accuracyVSAvoidtraffic flow
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor system performs automatic calibration during normal traffic operations without requiring external intervention or traffic disruption, maintaining both measurement precision and traffic productivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system collects trajectory data and performs calibration in advance during normal traffic flow, so that ROI establishment can be performed without subsequent traffic disruption

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If an a priori map is used for ROI establishment, then the sensor's mounting position can be calibrated, but the map may not be available or accurate due to traffic variability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting position calibrationVSAvoidmap availability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the dependency on external a priori maps with an automated system that generates its own spatial reference frame by tracking moving objects and creating a track map

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates its own calibration reference data by autonomously tracking objects and generating trajectory information, eliminating the need for external map data

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Measurement precision

If reference objects are used for calibration, then the sensor position can be determined, but the process requires specialized equipment and know-how

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor position determinationVSAvoidspecialized equipment requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the calibration function from the physical reference objects and implements it through software-based trajectory tracking and automated data processing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces physical reference objects with an automated computational approach that uses moving objects themselves as reference points for calibration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP4585960B1Calibration-free installation of rois for a sensor
Publication Date: 2025.11.12 SICK AG
  • EP4585960B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4585960B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4585960B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Method for the calibration-free establishment of protective fields for a sensor on an object field, comprising the steps of aligning the sensor at a mounting position, wherein the field of view of the sensor detects a predetermined view of the object field and commissioning the sensor at the mounting position, wherein the sensor tracks moving objects of the object field and provides a trajectory of a moving object to a data processing unit for creating a track map, until respective paths in the track map result from a plurality of trajectories of objects moving on prescribed routes of the object field, so that the prescribed routes of the object field can be recognized on the basis of the respective paths and an ROI can be established and/or corrected on the basis of a two-dimensional map of the track map.