Feature: Sensor Technology
technologies is not so much in the capture of images, but in processing them. For a machine to understand human movement in real-time requires a large amount of computational power to ensure high speed and accuracy. Since no two environments are the same, developing a system that can not only understand the nuances of human movement, but also adapt to diff erent scenes and lighting levels, has traditionally been a barrier to such technologies becoming viable on a wide scale. Omron’s AM1 human detection system
tackles these challenges quite literally from a diff erent perspective. Designed for optimising human productivity in industrial settings, it utilises a single top- down camera, combined with sophisticated soſt ware optimised specifi cally to detect and interpret human movement. In doing so, it can provide a more accurate picture of where in a given space human workers are located, while also reducing the likelihood of overlapping and blind spots. T e AM1 soſt ware has been trained to understand typical patterns of human
movement, and can track up to 10 individuals within a 7m x 7m area with an accuracy exceeding 95 per cent. Having this capability allows
organisations to track where and how workers are moving, or how long they’re staying at a particular station for. T is information can in turn be used to detect bottlenecks, and ensure that space utilisation and workfl ows are as effi cient as possible. In practice this could mean removing obstacles, or shortening routes that are most frequently used, or reducing the likelihood of workers having to cross each other’s path. By identifying and understanding the problems earlier, solutions can be found more quickly, underpinned by a data-driven approach. AM1’s accuracy is achieved through
the system’s 10fps frame rate. Image data from the camera (or multiple cameras) is fed into a processing hub via Ethernet, which is powered by an Intel OpenVINO accelerator. T is is the crucial innovation that allows the system to turn raw data into useful information quickly. Once
processed, the information is then conveyed for human operators to a standard PC or PLC. Omron’s vast library of data, accumulated through years of developing vision solutions, means that the system does not need to be trained on particular individuals, and can detect any human body type. As such, no specifi c programming skills are required for users. Aside from optimising productivity, other
potential uses for this technology could involve occupancy detection to determine the appropriate HVAC conditions, or intrusion detection during non-work hours. T ere are also potential use cases in shared residences for optimising the layout and environment of communal areas. While the accurate detection of humans
across all environments continues to present challenges, systems like Omron’s AM1 are proving that human motion detection has fi nally reached maturity as a viable technological solution. In the future these systems hold immense promise for revolutionising productivity, as well as other aspects of society.
12 October 2024
www.electronicsworld.co.uk
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