Ship Section Camera Calibration Unit for Man-Overboard Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current man-overboard monitoring systems on ships face challenges in accurately distinguishing between human beings and other objects, leading to high false alarm rates, which can be life-threatening and non-compliant with regulatory requirements such as ISO/PAS21195, especially in scenarios where moving objects like spray or birds are misinterpreted.
Innovation Solution
A calibration unit for monitoring devices, comprising a graphic user interface and software modules, allows users to input and evaluate intrinsic and extrinsic camera parameters, along with 3D modeling, to accurately calibrate cameras for precise monitoring, reducing false alarms by differentiating between humans and other objects through video data analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If video monitoring is used to detect man-overboard events, then detection capability is improved, but false alarm rate increases due to misidentification of moving objects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces simple motion detection algorithms with advanced image processing and pattern recognition systems that analyze visual characteristics, shapes, and behaviors of detected objects to distinguish humans from other moving objects like spray or birds, thereby reducing false alarms while maintaining detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes detection parameters by incorporating multiple analysis dimensions including object shape, size, movement pattern, and temporal behavior characteristics, transforming the detection approach from simple motion presence to multi-parameter verification that reduces false positives
2Measurement precision
If monitoring coverage is expanded to detect all moving objects, then detection sensitivity is improved, but false positive rate increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different analysis methods and parameter thresholds to different regions of the monitoring area, such as focusing on water surface regions for man-overboard detection while applying different criteria for aerial regions, thereby improving detection sensitivity where needed while reducing false positives in other areas
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts detection parameters and analysis depth based on environmental conditions, time of day, and detected object characteristics, intensifying analysis for suspicious targets while reducing scrutiny for obviously non-threatening objects, thus balancing sensitivity and false positive rate
3Measurement precision
If calibration parameters are precisely determined, then monitoring accuracy is improved, but calibration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-calibration functionality where the system automatically determines calibration parameters by analyzing known reference objects in the scene or by using manufacturer-provided camera parameters, eliminating the need for manual calibration procedures and reducing complexity while maintaining precision
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates pre-configured calibration data and manufacturer-provided camera parameters that are loaded before operation, allowing the monitoring system to start with accurate calibration without requiring on-site calibration procedures, thus reducing operational complexity while maintaining high accuracy
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a calibration unit (2) for a monitoring device (1), wherein the monitoring device (1) is designed as man-overboard monitoring of a ship section (4), wherein the monitoring device has at least one camera (5a, 5b) for video-monitoring the ship section (4) and for providing video data, wherein the camera (5a, 5b) has at least one intrinsic calibration parameter (11) and at least one extrinsic calibration parameter (12), wherein the video data is provided to the calibration unit (2), comprising an input module (9) for a user to input one or more calibration elements (10) and comprising an evaluation module (8), wherein the evaluation module (8) is designed to determine the unknown calibration parameters (11, 12) based on the calibration elements (10), in particular their orientation and/or extension.