In this article we will discuss how to aim and angle Blindsight sensors. This is a critical first step which directly impacts the performance of the AI.
Overview
Blindsight sensors should be installed 2 metres off the ground or higher for optimal performance
Each individual sensor has a 93 degree field of view
Blindsight's AI is optimised to see up to 10m (however objects that are partially obscured and environmental conditions such as darkness or fog impact the detection distance)
A general rule for sensor aiming: the sensor should be able to see a maximum distance of twice the desired alert zone. For example, if your alert zone distance is 6 meters, the sensor should be able to see 12 meters away.
Installation
Where the sensors are installed will vary based on the machine, and the danger zones you wish to monitor. Please refer to our use case guides.
In this article, we'll use a Grader as an example.
In the image below, our sensors have been installed facing the rear danger zone. This was an ideal position for this particular machine as the sensors are at the preferred height of 2 metres, and unlikely to be bumped out of position.
The side view shows how a sensor should be angled, to focus down on the danger zone as much as possible.
The top view shows how the sensors should be aimed so that there are no blind spots and minimal overlap.
Here's an on the ground image of the physical sensor placement.
Note the centre line; the centre line is stepped out by the fitter and marked with cones and what we'll use to measure overlap.
Here is an image of what the sensors can actually see in the management console. Again, please note the centre line which is annotated in red.
Alert Zone & Critical Zone Configuration
Now that you're happy with what the sensors can see, it's time to configure the Alert Zones.
Alert Zones allow you to control the distance at which Blindsight alerts an operator to a person near the machine, crop out any objects in the sensors field of view, and define a "near miss", also known as a "Critical Alert".
Alert Zone: An Alert Zone is an area of interest used for alerting operators and Health and Safety users to objects within a danger zone. The Alert Zone is typically configured to detect objects within 5-7 metres.
Critical Zone: A Critical Zone is a secondary area of interest for drawing attention to near misses in reporting. The Critical Zone sits inside the general Alert Zone, and is typically configured to detect objects within 2-3 metres.
Exclusion Zone:An Exclusion Zone allows you to ignore static objects in the sensors field of view. For example, when the sensor can see a part of the vehicle it is mounted on (itself), you could draw an Exclusion Zone to mask out the vehicle so the AI does not detect it.
Configuration Steps
Step 1. Map your alert zones on the ground around the machine with cones. Imagine you are drawing lines on that ground that if people step over, an alert is triggered.
Step 2. Login to the management console and open the BPU you wish to configure.
Step 3. Go to the ALERT ZONES tab and drag the orange alert zone points to the cones you have on the ground and click "Save".
Step 4. Repeat step 3 in the "Critical Zone" tab. The blue critical zone will be a smaller zone that you would consider a "near miss" if someone entered it. This is typically 1-3 metres.
Step 5. Turn on the "Enable Critical Zone" toggle and "Save".
Step 6. Repeat step 3 in the "Exclusion Zone" tab. The red exclusion zone is only required when the Blindsight sensor can see some part of the vehicle that we do not want to detect. (the rippers on this grader are something we will want to mask out as below)
Step 7. Turn on the "Enable Exclusion Zone" toggle and "Save".
USE THE SENSOR DROP DOWN MENU TO REPEAT THE PROCESS FOR ALL SENSORS!
