Object detection system and method

Abstract

A detection system used to alert an operator of a work machine of humans or objects dangerously close to the machine or a work tool attached to the machine. The detection system uses one or more cameras to capture images of an area surrounding the machine. The captured images are displayed on an interface electronically connected to a processor. Prior to operation, one or more zones surrounding the work tool or work machine are defined and projected on the images displayed on the interface. The processor analyzes the images captured by the cameras and determines if a characteristic of a predetermined object is within one or more of the identified zones. If the processor determines the characteristic of the predetermined object is within one of the zones, the processor will identify the object on the display and trigger a warning system to alert to the operator to take necessary precautions.

1 . A method, comprising:
 starting an engine supported on a work machine;   capturing one or more images of areas surrounding the work machine using one or more cameras supported on the work machine; in which the one or more areas include a previously-defined three-dimensional zone;   displaying on a monitor one or more of the captured images in combination with a rendering of the boundaries of any portion of the three-dimensional zone contained within the image;   determining whether any captured image includes a characteristic of one or more objects and whether the characteristic is situated within the three-dimensional zone; and   sending a hazard signal to an operator of the work machine if the characteristic is within the three-dimensional zone.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 designating each boundary of the three-dimensional zone on a user interface.   
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2 , in which the user interface is supported on the work machine. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , in which the work machine is positioned at ground level, the method further comprising:
 designating a lower boundary of the three-dimensional zone; in which the lower boundary is above ground level.   
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 highlighting the characteristic within the three-dimensional zone on the monitor.   
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , in which the monitor is supported on the work machine. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , in which the hazard signal comprises:
 automatically shutting down the engine.   
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7 , further comprising:
 restarting the engine upon confirmation that the characteristic is no longer within the three-dimensional zone.   
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 moving a work tool supported on the work machine if no hazard signal is sent.   
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 1 , in which the work machine comprises a movable work tool, and in which the hazard signal comprises:
 automatically stopping movement of the work tool.   
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 10 , further comprising:
 moving the work tool upon confirmation that the characteristic is no longer within the three-dimensional zone.   
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 1 , in which the three-dimensional zone comprises non-overlapping first and second sections; and in which the hazard signal differs depending on which section the characteristic is within. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12 , in which the second section is fully surrounded by the first section. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13 , in which the characteristic is within the first zone and the hazard signal comprises a warning signal. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 13 , in which the characteristic is within the second zone and the hazard signal comprises shutting done the engine. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 1 , in which work machine comprises a work tool; and in which the three-dimensional zone does not include an area immediately surrounding the work tool. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 1 , in which the determining step is completed by a processor supported on the work machine and in communication with the monitor. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 1 , in which the one or more objects are moving objects. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 8 , further comprising:
 re-capturing one or more images of areas surrounding the work machine using the one or more cameras supported on the work machine;   displaying the one or more re-captured images on the monitor in combination with the rendering of the boundaries of any portion of the three-dimensional zone contained within the re-captured images;   determining whether any re-captured image includes a new characteristic of one or more objects and whether the new characteristic is situated within the three-dimensional zone; and   sending a new hazard signal to the operator of the work machine if the new characteristic is within the three-dimensional zone.   
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 11 , further comprising:
 re-capturing one or more images of areas surrounding the work machine using the one or more cameras supported on the work machine;   displaying the one or more re-captured images on the monitor in combination with the rendering of the boundaries of any portion of the three-dimensional zone contained within the re-captured images;   determining whether any re-captured image includes a new characteristic of one or more objects and whether the new characteristic is situated within the three-dimensional zone; and   sending a new hazard signal to the operator of the work machine if the new characteristic is within the three-dimensional zone.