Stereo Vision Monitoring for Automated Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for securing automated systems, such as robots, with camera-based surveillance devices are not optimal due to the requirement for a large minimum distance between image recording units and the monitored area, leading to inflexible and costly solutions that can impair system operability and result in false alarms.
Innovation Solution
A method and device using at least two image recording units with overlapping fields of view to identify disjoint image areas, generating an alarm signal only when such areas cover a virtual protection area, ensuring complete monitoring and preventing foreign objects from entering the protected zone, while avoiding false shutdowns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If camera-based surveillance devices are used to secure automated systems, then security is improved, but the minimum distance between image recording units and the monitored area increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional image recording to three-dimensional spatial monitoring by introducing depth information through stereoscopic evaluation of multiple images. This dimensional enhancement allows the system to achieve reliable security monitoring at closer distances by accurately determining object positions in three-dimensional space and evaluating them against a virtual protection volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a virtual protection volume as an intermediary between the image recording units and the monitored area. This virtual boundary, defined by distance values from the image recording units, enables precise security monitoring without requiring physical barriers or large separation distances, thereby resolving the contradiction between security reliability and minimum distance requirements.
2Reliability
If light barriers and protective fences are used, then security is improved, but system operability deteriorates due to manipulation risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical security systems (protective fences, doors) with an optical-based image recording and evaluation system. This substitution eliminates the need for physical barriers that can be manipulated, while maintaining security through virtual monitoring boundaries that cannot be physically breached, thereby improving both security and system operability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the physical protection boundary through the virtual protection volume defined by distance values. This virtual boundary replicates the security function of physical barriers without their drawbacks, allowing the system to maintain security monitoring while remaining fully operable and resistant to manipulation.
3Reliability
If mechanical barriers are used to cordon off working areas, then security is improved, but installation flexibility and cost-effectiveness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic virtual protection volume that can be easily adjusted and reconfigured through software parameters (distance values) rather than fixed mechanical structures. This dynamic approach allows the security boundary to adapt to different working areas and configurations without requiring physical reinstallation, thereby achieving high installation flexibility while maintaining security.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves adaptability by changing parameters (distance values defining the virtual protection volume) rather than physically reconfiguring mechanical barriers. This parameter-based approach allows rapid adaptation to different spatial configurations and monitoring requirements, eliminating the inflexibility and high cost associated with mechanical barrier reinstallation.
4Adaptability or versatility
If image recording units are placed close to the monitored area, then installation flexibility is improved, but false alarm rate increases due to undetected foreign objects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different evaluation criteria to different spatial zones by defining a virtual protection volume with specific distance thresholds. Objects within this volume trigger alarm evaluation, while objects outside remain disregarded even if detected. This localized quality approach allows close placement of image recording units for installation flexibility while maintaining reliability by selectively evaluating only relevant objects in the protected zone.
Data Source
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AI summary
A spatial area (18) is monitored with the aid of at least one first and one second image recording unit (14, 16), which have a common viewing area. At least one virtual protection area (28) is defined within the common viewing area. A first and a second image of the spatial area are recorded with the aid of the first and of a second image recording unit (14, 16). The images are compared with one another in order to identify mutually disjoint image areas in the images. An alarm signal is produced if a disjoint image area covers the virtual protection area (28).