Video Analytics for Worker Proximity and PPE Hazard Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing worker safety monitoring systems face challenges such as high costs, signal interference, and unreliability in detecting worker proximity to hazards and proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), particularly in environments where wireless communication is prone to disruptions and requires extensive infrastructure.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented video analytic sensor system using low-cost closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras for image-based detection of worker proximity and PPE items, utilizing machine vision to track workers and PPE without active identification elements, reducing reliance on wireless communication and minimizing interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wireless communication-based monitoring systems are used to detect worker proximity and PPE usage, then real-time monitoring capability is improved, but signal interference and system reliability deteriorate in hazardous environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces wireless communication-based detection systems with video camera-based image processing systems. Instead of using radio frequency signals that are susceptible to interference in hazardous environments, the system uses optical detection through video cameras to monitor worker proximity to safety zones and detect PPE usage, thereby eliminating signal interference issues while maintaining real-time monitoring capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an image processing computer as an intermediary between the video cameras and the monitoring function. The image processing computer receives video feeds, analyzes worker positions and PPE usage through image recognition algorithms, and generates monitoring data, thereby mediating the detection process to achieve reliable monitoring without direct wireless communication between workers and the control system
2Measurement precision
If active identification elements are used on workers for tracking, then worker identification and tracking precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a visual copy of the worker using video camera imaging rather than requiring physical identification elements on the worker. The image processing system captures video feeds, extracts worker position and PPE information from these visual copies, and uses this data for monitoring, thereby achieving precise tracking without adding complex identification devices to workers
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the video camera system multi-functional by using it for both security surveillance and worker safety monitoring. The same video feeds are used for general security purposes and simultaneously processed to detect worker proximity to safety zones and PPE usage, eliminating the need for separate tracking systems and reducing overall device complexity
3Area of stationary object
If extensive infrastructure is deployed for wireless monitoring coverage, then monitoring coverage area is improved, but installation cost and maintenance needs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repurposes existing security video camera infrastructure for dual purposes: traditional security surveillance and worker safety monitoring. By processing existing video feeds through image recognition algorithms, the system achieves comprehensive monitoring coverage without requiring additional sensors, transmitters, or receivers, thereby eliminating extensive new infrastructure deployment and reducing installation costs
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the worker safety monitoring function with the existing security surveillance system. Both functions share the same video camera infrastructure, network connections, and processing resources, thereby combining multiple monitoring needs into a single integrated system that reduces overall installation and maintenance costs while maintaining comprehensive coverage
Data Source
AI summary
A video analytic worker safety monitoring system includes at least one video camera having a field of view including a defined safety zone in a workplace, the defined safety zone including or being proximate to a workplace hazard such as an electrical hazard, a machine hazard, or a medical procedure hazard. An image processor receives a video feed from the at least one camera, wherein the image processor is configured to, based on image analysis of the received video feed, detect worker safety deficiency events.