Evaluation protocols for human presence safety sensors on agricultural equipment

Much discussion has occurred about the potential use of electronic sensors and control systems to monitor hazardous areas surrounding agricultural machines. This paper summarizes work that included the evaluation of existing sensing technologies with respect to agricultural work environments and the design and development of a unique sensing and control system using commercially available microwave and passive infrared sensors. A data acquisition and control system was developed allowing for the use of multiple sensors and sensing technologies simultaneously. Test subjects' movement into a protected area was monitored automatically along with sensor alarm status to evaluate system performance. This system appears to provide the necessary performance overlap that can help minimize false alarms and is believed to have value in actual field applications.