Spill detector based on machine-imaging

US6812846B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS NV · NL

Inventors

• Srinivas Gutta · Buchanan, US
• Vasanth Philomin · Stolberg, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Sep 28, 2001
• Grant date: Nov 2, 2004
• Expiry date: Sep 28, 2021

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G08B13/19695
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

Cameras and image processing techniques are applied to the problem of spill detection. Fixed background data may be removed using a technique based on image subtraction. The remainder of one or more images may be segmented. The segments may then be tested to identify and remove from further analysis segments corresponding to non-spill foreground objects, for example by forming luminance and/or chrominance profiles to detect the presence of a high rate of specular albido that would be associated with a wet spill. Further testing may be done, for example by determining if a segment corresponds to a planar object lying in the plane of the floor using planar projection transforms and multiple cameras. If a segment is likely to indicate a spill, a notification may be generated.