GB2577673A

GB2577673A - Hazard marker recognition system on moving platform

Info

Publication number: GB2577673A
Application number: GB1812885.0A
Authority: GB
Inventors: David Stamp Gary
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2018-08-08
Filing date: 2018-08-08
Publication date: 2020-04-08
Also published as: GB201812885D0

Abstract

A hazard marker recognition system comprising a, or several, capture device(s) 203 which may comprise, for example, RFID tags, radio beacons/transducers, Infra-red or ultraviolet detectors, mounted on a moving platform which can move in any direction 202, to detect visible and non-visible hazard markers 206, 207, 209, 212, 213 such as barcodes, regulatory signage, chevron tape, lights or bespoke indicators. A moving platform can be of various sizes, whereby the hazards detected in the area of the moving platform can be relayed to the vehicle operator via a control system 214 which is able to be calibrated by the user and in use can ascertain the distance to and/or risk of harm of the object, to decrease speed, change direction, sound an alarm or apply brakes. The system can be used to avoid hazards in a 3D environment and may prevent collisions with varying hazards.

Description

HAZARD MARKER RECOGNITION SYSTEM ON MOVING PLATFORM

Field of the invention

The present invention relates to a method and device for detecting hazard markers from a moving platform.

Background information and prior art

Safety is a major aspect where movement of vehicles is concerned, particularly machine movement in areas containing known hazards. These hazards are often identified with signs and markers but rely upon the driver to observe, interpret and take action to avoid harm.

The present invention uses established image captures techniques to scan for hazard markers, for example but not exclusively, overhead cables, boundaries, deep trench. The system further analyses the nature of the hazard identified by the marker and communicates this to the vehicle control system.

Statement of invention

Specific implementations of the present invention aim to provide a hazard marker detection system able to identify surrounding marked hazards and alert the platform control system thus avoiding harm.

In the best mode implementation, hazard marker detector comprising of at least one but not exclusively an image capture system, and/or an RFID reader and/or radio antenna and/or infra-red sensor is mounted on a moving platform.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, the platform itself may be moving in any direction.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the detected images and scans are processed to identify any hazard markers According to a third aspect of the present invention, depending upon platform position and velocity, a filter identifies only those hazard markers, which pose a potential risk.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, where there is the likelihood of risk involving the platform and marked hazard, a suitable signal is communicated to the platform control system such that harm may be avoided.

Introduction to drawings

For a better understanding of the invention and to show how the same may be carried out into effect, there will now be described by way of example only, specific embodiments, methods and processes according to the present invention with reference to accompanying drawings which: Figure 1 Illustrates schematically a field of view comprising a hazard marker Figure 2 Illustrates schematically a field of view comprising a number of visible hazard markers Figure 3 Illustrates schematically a field of view comprising a number of non-visible hazard markers Figure 4 Illustrates schematically a field of view with a moving platform and identifying position and distance of a hazard marker.

Figure 5 Illustrates in plan view a plethora of hazard marker capture devices to extend the field of view.

Detailed description

There will now be described by way of example the best mode contemplated by the inventor for carrying out the invention. In the following description numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be apparent however, to one skilled in the art, that the present invention may be practised without limitation to these specific details including but not limited to, methods that apply material selection and fabrication techniques. In other instances, other well-known methods and structures have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure the present invention.

Specific implementations according to the present invention provide for a system to detect hazard markers relative to a moving platform.

There will now be described in detail, a specific system and device for detecting hazard markers relative to a moving platform and method of operation, according to a specific implementation of the present invention.

Referring to Figure 1. herein, there is illustrated a field of view 11011 viewed using a capture device 11031 mounted upon a platform 11021. Within the field of view 11011 overhead cables 1104111051 are present and supported on poles 1107111081. A hazard warning sign 11061 is attached to the cable support pole 11071. The invention described herein 11031, detects the hazard warning sign 11061 in the field of view 11011 and processes the data to establish the nature and severity level of the hazard and communicates such hazard to the platform control system 11091 which can take suitable action to avoid harm including but not exclusively, slowing, stopping, an audible warning. In this example, but not exclusively, the platform could be a crane where the height and position of the jib is known by the vehicle control system 11091 and the recognised sign 11 061 could contain additional cable height information such that the vehicle could safely pass under the cable hazard 1104111051 and only a warning is provided for driver awareness. Similarly, the height of the cables 110411051 and the position of the jib could result in a collision so a more urgent alarm is passed to the driver and the vehicle control 11091 may disconnect drive and apply the brakes.

Referring to Figure 2. herein, there is illustrated a field of view 12011. A plethora of hazards 12041120512081210121 11 are present within the field of view 12011. The invention described herein 12031, detects the hazard warning markers 12061120711209112121 in the field of view 11011 and processes them to establish the nature and severity level of each hazard. In this example, but not exclusively, hazard marker 12061 is a regulatory sign depicting overhead cables. In this case, supplementary information 12131 is detected as part of the hazard marker 12061 which contains specific height restriction details. The hazard type 12061 and supplementary height details 12131 are passed to the platform control system 12141. Additionally, hazard marker 12071 is detected. Hazard marker 12071 is a 2D barcode and data is embedded within the barcode containing specific details and parameters of the hazard, in this case a wide and deep ditch 12081. Such hazard markers 12071 are easily created on-site and printed on A4 paper meaning hazards are marked immediately. Additionally, hazard marker 12091 is detected. Hazard marker 12091 is a chevron pattern either tape medium or a more solid barrier with suitable markings. This type of hazard marker has no additional parameters but serves as boundary identification. Additionally, hazard marker 12121 is detected. Hazard market 12121 is a traditional traffic cone and has no additional parameters but also serves to mark a generalised area with hazard.

Referring to Figure 3. herein, there is illustrated a field of view 13011. A plethora of hazards 13041130513081310131 11 are present within the field of view 13011. The invention described herein 13031, detects the hazard warning markers 13 061130711309113121 in the field of view 11011 and processes them to establish the nature and severity level of each hazard. In this example, but not exclusively, hazard marker 13061 is a radio transducer which transmits a digital data stream detailing the presence of overhead cables 130413051. Additionally, hazard marker 13071 is detected. Hazard marker 13071 uses Infrared light pulses to digitally encode details concerning the hazard 13081. Additionally, hazard marker 13091 is detected. Hazard marker 13091 uses RFID tag technology to identify the nearby presence of a hazard 13101. Additionally, hazard marker 13121 is detected. Hazard marker 13121 is a visible flashing light used to identify the nearby presence of a hazard 13111.

Referring to Figure 4. herein, there is illustrated a field of view 14011 viewed using a capture device 14031 mounted upon a platform 14021. Present within the field of view 14011 are overhead cables 1404114051. A hazard warning marker 14061 positioned is nearby. The invention described herein 14031, detects the hazard warning marker 14061 in the field of view 14011 and processes the marker to establish the nature and severity level of the hazard and communicates such hazard to the platform control system 14121. The hazard marker 14061 is detected and of known type meaning its physical size is previously known. The capture device 14031 can assess the distance between the platform 14021 and hazard marker 14061 from the size of the captured image and the known size of the marker 14081. Similarly, the position of the marker 14061 relative to the platform 14021 can be obtained from the position of the marker within the captured image 14091. Using details of platform movement 14071 comprising speed and direction 14111, the imminent danger of potential harm can be assessed and communicated to the platform control system 14121.

Referring to Figure 5. herein, there is illustrated in plan view a platform 15011. A plethora of hazard marker capture systems 15021150411506115081 are arranged to increase the field of view 15031150511507115091. Each system can operate autonomously or in synchronisation and communicate potential hazards to the platform control system 151 01.