Virtual Perimeter Sensing for Fewer False Work Machine Stops
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional object detection systems in work machines, particularly in agricultural and forestry applications, frequently result in unnecessary interventions due to false positives, and operating in areas with standing crops poses additional challenges, leading to inefficient resource usage and frequent work stoppages.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a virtual sensing perimeter using distributed object detection stations that selectively activate long-range sensing only when necessary, allowing work machines to transition between normal and hierarchical intervention modes based on detected threats and environmental conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the object detection system continuously monitors the entire work area at full sensitivity, then safety is improved, but resource consumption increases and false positives cause unnecessary work stoppages
Solution Approach 1:
The work area is divided into multiple zones with different risk levels and monitoring requirements. The system segments the perception field into a first perception field (higher risk area) and a second perception field (lower risk area), allowing different detection sensitivities and resource allocation for different spatial regions, thereby reducing false positives while maintaining safety where needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The object detection system dynamically adjusts its operating mode based on real-time conditions. The controller can switch between a first operating mode (full monitoring) and a second operating mode (reduced monitoring), changing detection sensitivity and resource consumption dynamically rather than maintaining constant high-level monitoring throughout the work area.
2Measurement precision
If the object detection system operates at full power continuously, then detection precision is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic or intermittent detection in the second perception field rather than continuous full-power monitoring. The controller selectively activates full detection precision only when objects are detected in the first perception field or when conditions warrant heightened monitoring, reducing energy consumption while maintaining adequate detection capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
Different detection precision levels are applied to different spatial regions. The first perception field receives full detection precision with higher resource allocation, while the second perception field uses reduced precision monitoring. This local differentiation of quality allows the system to optimize energy consumption by applying high detection precision only where most critical.
3Reliability
If the work machine reduces speed and increases sensitivity to avoid objects, then safety is improved, but work efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The work machine's operating parameters (speed, detection sensitivity) are dynamically adjusted based on the detection results from different perception fields. When objects are detected in the first perception field, the machine slows down and increases sensitivity. When the area is clear, the machine maintains normal speed with standard sensitivity, optimizing the balance between safety and efficiency based on real-time conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method are provided for distributed perception sensing via an object detection station arranged such that an associated one or more object detection sensors have respective fields of perception including at least a portion of a virtually defined perimeter extending at least partially about a working area. The object detection station detects a motion incident corresponding to a violation of the virtually defined perimeter, wherein a detected source of the motion incident is classified with respect to one or more defined source types, and one or more signals at least corresponding to the motion incident are wirelessly communicated to one or more working machines operating within the working area. At least one of the working machines may then be selectively transitioned from a normal operating mode to a hierarchical intervention mode with respect to the detected source and/or a relative position thereof within the working area.