Abstract
ABSTRACT Forests are challenging workplace environments with rugged and steep terrains and large danger zones obscured by dense forest stands. Additionally, there are often restrictions on mobile communication networks, the Internet, or on Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) reception. Therefore, technologies supporting the detection of people in danger zones have not been broadly applied in forestry. During the field test, two prototypes enabling people detection via ultra-wideband (UWB) and Bluetooth low energy (BLE) were evaluated. The precision, accuracy, detection distance, and detection rates of the prototypes were determined. Furthermore, the influence of the line of sight, that is, the visual path between two points, was considered. With an overall Distance Bias of 0.44 m and overall RMSE of 1.52 m, the UWB sensor allowed precise detection within the danger zones, 30 m (mean detection distance, 28.4 m; 90% CI: 22.33–30.00 m) and 50 m (mean detection distance, 43.9 m; 90% CI: 36.81–49.63 m); therefore, it is well suited for use during felling with a chainsaw. The BLE sensor allowed presence detection even at greater distances (mean detection distance, 83.66 m; 90% CI: 62.45–103.05 m) and would be suitable for fully mechanized timber harvesting. However, BLE sensors still lack the ability to determine detection distances.
Published Version
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call