Depth Estimation to Enable Preventing Excavator Accidents

Based on Patent Research | CN-114140609-A (2022)

Preventing excavator accidents due to inaccurate distance estimation to personnel remains a key safety concern in mining and quarrying. Operators often find it difficult to reliably judge distances, increasing the risk of collisions with workers. Depth estimation, a computer vision technique, now offers a precise solution. This technology calculates the exact distance to identified personnel. It improves operator awareness and enhances overall site safety, directly preventing potential accidents.

SOLUTION OVERVIEW

Automated Depth Improves Manual Estimation

Depth Estimation technology provides a critical safety enhancement for Mining and Quarrying operations. It works by first employing object detection, using techniques like YOLOv3, to precisely identify personnel in the vicinity of heavy machinery. Subsequently, binocular vision systems calculate the exact distance to these identified individuals. This process directly addresses the challenge of unreliable human distance judgment, offering operators accurate, real-time data to prevent potential collisions on site.

This system integrates seamlessly into existing workflows, offering automated, continuous monitoring that reduces reliance on manual safety checks. Operators gain an objective, constant understanding of their surroundings, significantly improving situational awareness. It functions much like a sophisticated parking sensor system for an excavator, specifically tailored to detect and measure distances to workers in a dynamic quarry environment. Implementing this technology elevates overall site safety and operational efficiency.

HOW IT WORKS

Capturing Accurate Depth from Video

Capturing Real-time Site Views

High-resolution cameras are strategically positioned to continuously monitor the work area around excavators in the quarry. These cameras gather vital visual data, providing a constant stream of information about the dynamic environment for subsequent processing. This initial step ensures comprehensive coverage of potential hazard zones.

Identifying On-site Personnel

The system then processes these captured images using advanced computer vision techniques, like object detection. It precisely locates and outlines each worker, distinguishing them from other objects within the heavy machinery's operational zone. This ensures that only relevant individuals are tracked for safety.

Measuring Exact Personnel Distances

With personnel accurately identified, specialized binocular vision technology calculates their precise distance from the excavator. This process involves comparing views from multiple cameras to generate accurate, real-time depth measurements. It translates visual data into concrete, actionable distance information.

Providing Real-time Safety Alerts

The system immediately relays these calculated distances and potential proximity risks to the excavator operator. This real-time information provides critical situational awareness, enabling operators to take timely actions and prevent potential collisions. It functions as an essential, objective safety enhancement on site.

Potential Benefits

Enhanced Site Safety

This system directly prevents excavator accidents by providing accurate, real-time distance data to personnel. It significantly reduces collision risks, making Mining and Quarrying sites safer for all workers.

Improved Operator Awareness

Operators gain continuous, objective understanding of their surroundings, overcoming unreliable human distance judgment. This constant monitoring enhances situational awareness during critical operations.

Precise Distance Measurement

Utilizing binocular vision and object detection, the technology accurately calculates exact distances to identified personnel. This precision ensures reliable data for proactive accident prevention.

Seamless Operational Integration

The Depth Estimation system integrates effortlessly into existing workflows, offering automated, continuous monitoring. This reduces reliance on manual safety checks and streamlines operations.

Implementation

1 Hardware Installation. Mount high-resolution binocular cameras and processing units onto excavators. Ensure secure, weather-resistant placement for quarry conditions.

2 Calibrate Vision Sensors. Precisely calibrate the stereo camera system. This ensures accurate depth measurement and reliable personnel distance calculations.

3 Configure AI Model. Configure object detection (YOLOv3) and depth estimation algorithms. Define alert thresholds for personnel proximity within safety zones.

4 Integrate & Test System. Integrate the system with excavator controls and operator displays. Conduct on-site testing to validate detection accuracy and real-time alerts.

5 Operator Training. Train excavator operators to interpret real-time distance data and safety alerts. Ensure full understanding for safe, efficient operation.

Source: Analysis based on Patent CN-114140609-A "Excavator peripheral personnel distance measurement method based on improved YOLOv3 and binocular vision" (Filed: March 2022).