Method and apparatus for generating an indication of an object within an operating ambit of heavy loading equipment

摘要

A method, apparatus and system for generating an indication of an object within an operating ambit of heavy loading equipment is disclosed. The system includes a plurality of sensors disposed about a periphery of the loading equipment, each being operable to generate a proximity signal in response to detecting an object within a coverage region of the sensor, the proximity signal including an indication of at least an approximate distance between the sensor and the object. A processor circuit is operably configured to define an alert region extending outwardly and encompassing swinging movements of outer extents of the loading equipment. The processor circuit is operably configured to receive proximity signals from the plurality of sensors, process the signals to determine a location of the object relative to the loading equipment, and initiate an alert when the location falls within the alert region.

主权项

1. An apparatus for generating an indication of an object within an operating ambit of heavy loading equipment, the apparatus comprising a processor circuit operably configured to:
define an alert region extending outwardly from the loading equipment and encompassing swinging movements of outer extents of the loading equipment during operation; receive proximity signals from a plurality of sensors disposed about a periphery of the loading equipment, each sensor being operable to generate a proximity signal in response to detecting an object within one of a plurality of detection zones defined for each sensor, said detection zones extending outwardly from said sensor, said proximity signal including information identifying said detection zone within which the object is located, wherein adjacently disposed sensors on the periphery of the loading equipment each have at least one detection zone that overlaps with a detection zone of the adjacently disposed sensor; process said proximity signals by combining said information identifying respective detection zones associated with the adjacently disposed sensors to determine a location of the object relative to the loading equipment; and initiate an alert when said location falls within said alert region.