System and method for locking exposure settings of a device

Abstract

Systems and methods for locking exposure settings of a device are provided. The system includes a safety interlock coupled with an access point of a barrier and a device enclosed by the barrier. The safety interlock is configured to suspend normal operation of the device when in an open state and allow normal operation when in a closed state. The system includes an access point control configured to allow a user to select an exposure setting of the device corresponding to operability of the device and, by a processor, to control the device to operate according to the selected exposure setting, determine whether the safety interlock is in the open state or the closed state, automatically lock the selected exposure setting if the safety interlock is in the open state, and automatically unlock the selected exposure setting if the safety interlock is in the closed state.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The technical field generally relates to industrial equipment safety, and more specifically to systems and methods that can logically protect access point control devices based on the operation of safety interlocking devices. Background Technology

[0002] Industrial equipment is typically located behind barriers such as walls or fences to protect machine operators, maintenance personnel, and others from danger. Such barriers often include lockable access points, such as gates or doors. Locking and / or interlocking mechanisms associated with these access points can be functionally coupled to safety interlocking devices. Safety interlocking devices (also known as gate interlocks, safety interlock switches, interlocking devices, etc.) provide the correlation between the locking / locking mechanism at the access point and the industrial equipment protected within the barrier. Generally, the access point must be closed and / or locked for the industrial equipment to operate. For example, opening and / or unlocking the access point may interrupt power to the industrial equipment. Safety interlocking devices with locking functionality also prevent the access point from being opened while the industrial equipment is operating.

[0003] In some industrial environments, it may be desirable to provide one or more partial operational levels of industrial equipment before accessing the access point. While completely disabling industrial equipment may provide the highest level of security, partial operation may be required for certain tasks the user intends to perform.

[0004] Therefore, it is desirable to provide systems and / or methods that allow for multiple operating levels of industrial equipment while providing safety precautions to reduce the likelihood of injury to personnel approaching the equipment. Furthermore, other desirable features and characteristics of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description and appended claims, taking into account the accompanying drawings and the foregoing technical and background information. Summary of the Invention

[0005] A system is provided to reduce the likelihood that the operational level of a device may be altered when an individual is exposed to potential hazards associated with the device. In one embodiment, the system includes a safety interlock device functionally coupled to an access point of a barrier and to a device surrounded by the barrier and accessible via the access point. The safety interlock device is configured to automatically suspend normal operation of the device when it is in an open state, and to automatically allow normal operation of the device when it is in a closed state. The system includes an access point control device comprising: a human-machine interface configured to allow a user to input a selection from at least two exposure settings of the device, wherein each of the at least two exposure settings relates to a corresponding operability level of the device, and at least one of the at least two exposure settings corresponds to a portion of the operation of the device; and a controller configured to, via a processor, perform the following operations: control the device to operate according to the selected exposure setting input by the user; determine whether the safety interlock device is in the open or closed state; automatically lock the selected exposure setting in response to determining that the safety interlock device is in the open state, making it impossible to change the selected exposure setting; and automatically unlock the selected exposure setting in response to determining that the safety interlock device is in the closed state, enabling the selected exposure setting to be changed.

[0006] In various embodiments, the system may include an indicator configured to indicate which of the at least two exposure settings was selected in response to the user's input.

[0007] In various embodiments, the system may include an indicator configured to indicate whether a selected exposure setting is locked.

[0008] In various embodiments, the controller may be configured to perform the following operation via the processor: automatically reset the selected exposure setting in response to determining that the safety interlock device is in the closed state, such that the device operates according to the default exposure setting and / or its normal operation, wherein unlocking the selected exposure setting includes deselecting the selected exposure setting.

[0009] In various embodiments, the safety interlock device may be configured to automatically disable the automatic mode of the device in response to switching to the open state, wherein the device performs automation functions when in the automatic mode, and automatically enables the automatic mode of the device in response to switching to the closed state.

[0010] In various embodiments, the safety interlock device can be locked when it is in the open state, wherein the safety interlock device cannot be switched to the closed state when locked.

[0011] In various embodiments, the system may include a data storage device configured to store data indicating valid and invalid combinations of the at least two exposure settings, wherein the controller is configured to, via the processor, prevent the selection of invalid combinations of the at least two exposure settings.

[0012] In various embodiments, the barrier may be a fence and the access point may be a gate, or the barrier may be a wall and the access point may be a door.

[0013] In various embodiments, the safety interlock device and the access point control device may be functionally interconnected. In these embodiments, the safety interlock device may be configured to send data indicating whether the safety interlock device is in the open or closed state, and the access point control device may be configured to receive the data and use the data to determine whether the safety interlock device is in the open or closed state.

[0014] In various embodiments, at least one exposure setting or the at least two exposure settings may correspond to a portion of the operation of the device required to perform tasks related to training, teaching, and / or programming the robotic device of the device.

[0015] A method is provided to reduce the likelihood that the operational level of a device might be altered when an individual is exposed to potential hazards associated with the device. In one embodiment, the method includes: selecting a first exposure setting of at least two exposure settings of the device, wherein each of the at least two exposure settings relates to a corresponding operational level of the device, and at least one of the at least two exposure settings corresponds to a portion of the operation of the device, wherein the device is surrounded by a barrier and accessible via an access point of the barrier; switching a security interlock device coupled to the access point to an open state, wherein the security interlock device is configured to automatically suspend normal operation of the device when in the open state; automatically locking the first exposure setting via a processor in response to determining that the security interlock device is in the open state, such that the first exposure setting cannot be altered; approaching the device via the access point; switching the security interlock device to a closed state, wherein the security interlock device is configured to automatically allow normal operation of the device when in the closed state; and automatically unlocking the first exposure setting via the processor in response to determining that the security interlock device is in the closed state.

[0016] In various embodiments, the method may include: in response to selecting the first exposure setting, indicating that the first exposure setting is being selected.

[0017] In various embodiments, the method may include: instructing the first exposure setting to be locked in response to automatically locking the first exposure setting.

[0018] In various embodiments, the method may include: automatically resetting a selected exposure setting by means of the processor in response to switching the safety interlock device to the off state, such that the device operates according to a default exposure setting and / or its normal operation, wherein resetting the selected exposure setting includes deselecting the first exposure setting.

[0019] In various embodiments, the method may include: automatically disabling the automatic mode of the device in response to switching the safety interlock device to the open state, wherein the device performs automation functions when in the automatic mode, and automatically enabling the automatic mode of the device in response to switching the safety interlock device to the closed state.

[0020] In various embodiments, the method may include: locking the safety interlock device after it has been switched to the open state, preventing it from being switched to the closed state; and unlocking the safety interlock device after it has been approached via the access point, allowing it to be switched to the open state.

[0021] In various embodiments, the method may include: storing data in a data storage device indicating valid and invalid combinations of the at least two exposure settings; and preventing the selection of invalid combinations of the at least two exposure settings by means of the processor.

[0022] In various embodiments, the barrier is a fence and the access point is a gate, or the barrier is a wall and the access point is a door.

[0023] In various embodiments, the method may include: using the safety interlock device to send data indicating whether the safety interlock device is in the open state or the closed state; using the access point control device to receive the data from the safety interlock device, and using the data to determine whether the safety interlock device is in the open state or the closed state.

[0024] In various embodiments, the first exposure setting may correspond to a portion of the operation of the device required to perform tasks related to training, teaching, and / or programming the robotic device of the device, and the method may include performing tasks related to training, teaching, and / or programming the robotic device of the device when approaching the device via the access point. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Exemplary embodiments will be described below in conjunction with the following figures, wherein the same numerals denote the same elements, and wherein:

[0026] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating an industrial environment including a safety system according to an embodiment;

[0027] Figure 2 It indicates that, according to the embodiment Figure 1 A diagram of the security system;

[0028] Figure 3 It indicates that, according to the embodiment Figure 1 and Figure 2 A diagram of the access point control device for the security system;

[0029] Figure 4 It indicates that, according to the embodiment Figure 3 Data flow diagram of the operation of the access point control device; and

[0030] Figure 5 It is for operation according to the embodiment. Figure 1 and Figure 2 Methods for building a security system. Detailed Implementation

[0031] The following detailed description is exemplary in nature only and is not intended to limit application and use. Furthermore, it is not intended to be bound by any express or implied theory set forth in the foregoing technical field, background art, summary of the invention, or the following detailed description.

[0032] As used herein, the term "module" may refer, individually or in any combination, to any hardware, software, firmware, electronic control components, processing logic, and / or processor device, including but not limited to: application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), electronic circuits, processors (shared, dedicated, or grouped) and memories that execute one or more software or firmware programs, combinational logic circuits, and / or other suitable components that provide the described functionality.

[0033] Embodiments of this disclosure are described herein according to functional and / or logical block components and various processing steps. It should be understood that such block components can be implemented by any number of hardware, software, and / or firmware components configured to perform specified functions. For example, embodiments of this disclosure may employ various integrated circuit components, such as memory elements, digital signal processing elements, logic elements, lookup tables, etc., which can perform various functions under the control of one or more microprocessors or other control devices. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will understand that embodiments of this disclosure can be practiced in combination with any number of systems, and the systems described herein are merely exemplary embodiments of this disclosure.

[0034] For the sake of brevity, conventional techniques related to signal processing, data transmission, signaling, control, and other functional aspects of the system (and its various operating components) will not be described in detail herein. Furthermore, the connecting lines shown in the various figures included herein are intended to represent example functional relationships and / or physical connections between various elements. It should be noted that many alternative or additional functional relationships or physical connections may exist in the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0035] Reference Figure 1 An exemplary industrial environment 100 is represented as including a device 120 surrounded by a barrier 110 (such as a fence or wall) to reduce the likelihood of injury to personnel during operation of the device 120. The device 120 can be any type of equipment, such as, but not limited to, various industrial or manufacturing equipment. In various embodiments, the device 120 can be configured to automatically perform functions based on pre-programmed instructions. In some embodiments, the device 120 can be a multi-axis robotic device. An access point 112 is provided to allow personnel to access the device 120, such as to perform maintenance, repair, and other tasks. In various embodiments, the access point 112 can be a gate or door, etc.

[0036] Figure 2 The image shows a security system 101 that provides a correlation between access point 112 and device 120, thereby providing an additional layer of protection for personnel. System 101 includes a security interlock device 130 and an access point control device 140.

[0037] Safety interlock device 130 is functionally connected to access point 112 of barrier 110, for example, through its locking or latching mechanism, through a magnetic or infrared sensor, or through various other means. Safety interlock device 130 is also functionally connected to device 120, for example, through its safety circuitry. Various types of safety interlock devices are commercially available, and system 101 is not limited to any particular type. Non-limiting examples of safety interlock device 130 include various safety interlock devices available from Fortress Interlocks, a subsidiary of Halma PLC. Generally, safety interlock device 130 can be manually switched between a closed state and an open state (described below). Safety interlock device 130 may be subject to various government regulations and / or industry standards, such as, but not limited to, International Organization for Standardization standards ISO 14119 and ISO 13849.

[0038] In some embodiments, the safety interlock device 130 may include a removable pin or key 132. When the key 132 is inserted into the corresponding port of the safety interlock device 130, the safety interlock device 130 is in a closed state. In the closed state, the safety interlock device 130 does not interfere with the operation of the device 120. That is, when the key 132 is inserted into the safety interlock device 130, the device 120 can operate normally. Removing the key 132 from the port of the safety interlock device 130 will switch the safety interlock device 130 to an open state. In the open state, the safety interlock device 130 is configured to automatically suspend the normal operation of the device 120. For example, removing the key 132 may interrupt the power supply to the device 120, logically disable the normal operating mode of the device 120 (e.g., automatic mode), initiate a shutdown procedure for the device 120, or perform any other task that interferes with the normal operation of the device 120. In some embodiments, key 132 may be configured to complete the circuit (i.e., closed state) when the safety interlock device 130 is inserted, and to open the circuit (i.e., open state) by removing key 132, thereby directly affecting device 120. Typically, workplace safety protocols require that the safety interlock device 130 be in the open state before a person opens access point 112 and enters the area containing device 120 surrounded by barrier 110. In some embodiments, the safety interlock device 130 locks access point 112 in the closed state to prevent access to device 120 and unlocks access point 112 in the open state.

[0039] In some embodiments, the safety interlock device 130 may be lockable. For example, the safety interlock device 130 may have a metal plate or other structure configured to cover its port when the safety interlock device 130 is in the open state, and the metal plate may be configured to be manually locked, such as using a safety lock (e.g., a padlock). With this arrangement, a person intending to approach the equipment 120 can lock the safety interlock device 130 in the open state, thereby ensuring that normal operation of the equipment 120 is not restored before the person leaves the barrier 110.

[0040] Access point control device 140 is configured to control certain aspects related to the operability of device 120. Access point control device 140 may include various components configured to perform the functions described herein, and is not limited to any particular configuration. In various embodiments, access point control device 140 includes a controller 180 having at least one processor 182, a computer-readable storage device, a medium or memory 184, and a communication bus 186.

[0041] Processor 182 performs the computational and control functions of controller 180. Processor 182 may be any custom or commercially available processor, central processing unit (CPU), graphics processing unit (GPU), auxiliary processor among a plurality of processors associated with controller 180, semiconductor-based microprocessor (in the form of a microchip or chipset), macroprocessor, any combination thereof, or any device generally used for executing instructions.

[0042] Memory 184 may include volatile and non-volatile storage such as read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), and wear-corrected factor memory (KAM). KAM is persistent or non-volatile memory used to store various operational variables when processor 182 is powered off. Memory 184 can be implemented using any of a variety of known memory devices, such as PROM (programmable read-only memory), EPROM (electrical PROM), EEPROM (electrically erasable PROM), flash memory, or any other electrical, magnetic, optical, or combined memory device capable of storing data, some of which represents executable instructions used by controller 180 when controlling device 120. Bus 186 is used to transfer programs, data, status, and other information or signals between various components of access point control device 140.

[0043] Bus 186 can be any suitable physical or logical method for connecting computer systems and components. This includes, but is not limited to, direct hardwired connections, fiber optics, infrared, and wireless bus technologies.

[0044] The instructions may include one or more individual programs, each including an ordered list of executable instructions for implementing logical functions. When executed by the processor 182, these instructions may receive and process signals from sensors, perform logic, calculations, methods and / or algorithms, and / or generate data based on logic, calculations, methods and / or algorithms.

[0045] It is understandable that controller 180 may otherwise differ from... Figure 2The embodiments depicted herein. For example, controller 180 may be coupled to one or more remote computer systems and / or other control systems, or may otherwise utilize such systems, for example, as part of one or more of the aforementioned apparatus and systems. It is understood that while this exemplary embodiment is described in the context of a full-featured computer system, those skilled in the art will recognize that the mechanisms of this disclosure are capable of being distributed as a program product having one or more types of non-transitory computer-readable signal-bearing media for storing the program and its instructions and for performing its distribution, such as a non-transitory computer-readable medium carrying the program and containing computer instructions stored therein for causing a computer processor (such as processor 182) to execute and run the program. Such program products can take many forms, and this disclosure applies equally regardless of the specific type of computer-readable signal-bearing medium used for performing the distribution. Examples of signal-bearing media include recordable media (such as floppy disks, hard disks, memory cards, and optical disks) and transmission media (such as digital and analog communication links). It is understood that cloud-based storage and / or other technologies may also be utilized in some embodiments. Similarly, it is understood that the computer system of controller 180 may otherwise differ from other systems. Figure 2 In the embodiments depicted, for example, the computer system of controller 180 may be coupled to one or more remote computer systems and / or other control systems, or may otherwise utilize these systems.

[0046] System 101 may include a data storage device 190 configured to store data for controlling device 120 and / or its systems and components. It is understood that the data storage device 190 may be part of controller 180, may be separate from controller 180, or may be part of controller 180 and a separate system. Storage device 190 may be any suitable type of storage device, including various types of direct access storage and / or other memory devices. In one exemplary embodiment, storage device 190 includes a program product from which a computer-readable storage device can receive a program that performs one or more embodiments of one or more processes of this disclosure, such as those described below. Figure 5 Further process steps are discussed below. In another exemplary embodiment, the program product may be stored directly in a memory device and / or one or more other disks and / or other memory devices, and / or otherwise accessed by the memory device and / or one or more other disks and / or other memory devices.

[0047] In various embodiments, system 101 may include a pendant device 192 configured to be releasably coupled to access point control device 140 to provide a user with access to its functions.

[0048] exist Figure 3 In one embodiment, the access point control device 140 includes a housing 142 configured to store the controller 180 and various other components of the access point control device 140, a human-machine interface (HMI) configured to allow a user to input selections from multiple options, such as operating modes of the device 120, and an indicator 176. The HMI includes an array of buttons 144-174, which can be individually programmed to control corresponding functions of the device 120. However, the HMI is not limited to buttons and may include other types of HMI components, such as switches, knobs, or touchscreens.

[0049] Buttons 144-174 can be programmed to control various functions of device 120. These functions may include, but are not limited to, emergency stop functions (e.g., immediately stopping the operation of device 120), reset functions (e.g., setting the operation of device 120 to default settings), automatic recovery functions (e.g., restoring normal operation of device 120), various exposure selection functions (e.g., the operability level of device 120), etc. Various exposure settings allow the user to select the desired operability level of device 120 before accessing access point 112. For example, the user can choose between an exposure setting that does not include the operation of device 120 (e.g., cutting off the power to device 120), an exposure setting that includes partial operation of device 120 (e.g., supplying power to certain components of device 120), or an exposure setting that includes full operation of device 120 (e.g., supplying power to the entire device 120). In various embodiments, the exposure settings may include multiple different partial operation options. For example, the exposure settings may include options corresponding to the minimum operability level of device 120 required for tasks such as calibrating, replacing, and / or performing maintenance on specific components or tools of device 120. As another example, the exposure settings may include options corresponding to the minimum operational level of device 120 required for tasks such as training, teaching, or programming the robotic device 120. Therefore, the access point control device 140 enables the user to select the desired exposure settings. The access point control device 140 is configured to then control the operation of device 120 based on the selected exposure settings entered by the user.

[0050] In various embodiments, system 101 provides additional security for personnel by providing a correlation between security interlock device 130 and access point control device 140. Specifically, system 101 is configured such that when security interlock device 130 is in the open state, one or more controls, functions, or settings of access point control device 140 are logically locked or disabled. In these embodiments, security interlock device 130 and access point control device 140 may be directly interconnected via, for example, a cable, data cable, or wireless connection, or may be functionally but not directly interconnected via, for example, a network or other intermediate means.

[0051] In various embodiments, the access point control device 140 is configured to determine, via processor 182, whether the security interlock device 130 is in an open or closed state; automatically lock the selected exposure setting (or the default exposure setting if no exposure setting is selected) in response to determining that the security interlock device 130 is in an open state, preventing the selected exposure setting from being changed; and automatically unlock the selected exposure setting in response to determining that the security interlock device 130 is in a closed state. In some embodiments, the access point control device 140 can lock the selected exposure setting by disabling any of the buttons 144-174 (such as the button associated with exposure setting selection) and unlock the selected exposure setting by enabling the buttons 144-174 (such as the button associated with exposure setting selection). With this arrangement, the security interlock device 130 is designated as a single point of security control for both device 120 and access point control device 140. In various embodiments, the controller 180 is configured to automatically reset the exposure setting via processor 182 in response to determining that the security interlock device 130 is in a closed state, thereby deselecting the selected exposure setting. In various embodiments, resetting the exposure settings can cause device 120 to operate according to the default exposure settings or its normal operation (e.g., automatic mode).

[0052] Access point control device 140 may include one or more indicators (such as indicator 176) configured to visually convey (e.g., using one or more colored lights) the status of access point control device 140, and thus the status of device 120. For example, the indicator may be configured to indicate which exposure setting was selected in response to a user input selection, and whether that selection was locked due to security interlock device 130 being in the open state. In some embodiments, the indicator may include, but is not limited to, indicator lights for buttons 144-174, lights (e.g., LEDs) adjacent to buttons 144-174, etc.

[0053] In various embodiments, data storage device 190 may be configured to store data indicating valid and invalid combinations of multiple exposure settings, wherein controller 180 is configured to prevent users interacting with the HMI from selecting invalid combinations of exposure settings via processor 182. Invalid combinations may be pre-programmed based on, for example, security protocols, specific features / architecture of device 120, and / or user preferences.

[0054] The access point control device 140 may be subject to various government regulations and / or industry standards (such as, but not limited to, International Organization for Standardization standard ISO 13849-1 and International Electrotechnical Commission standard IEC 62061).

[0055] Now refer to Figure 4 A data flow diagram is shown illustrating exemplary operation of the controller 140 of system 101 in relation to the safety interlock device 130 according to various embodiments. It is understood that various embodiments of system 101 according to this disclosure may include any number of modules embedded in processor 182, which may be combined and / or further subdivided to similarly implement the systems and methods described herein. Furthermore, inputs to system 101 may be received from other control modules (not shown) associated with system 101, and / or determined / modeled by other submodules (not shown) within processor 182. Additionally, inputs may be preprocessed, such as subsampling, noise reduction, normalization, feature extraction, missing data restoration, etc. In various embodiments, processor 182 includes a state analysis module 210, a selection locking module 212, a selection module 214, a device control module 216, and a selection indicator module 218.

[0056] In various embodiments, the status analysis module 210 receives status data 220 generated by the safety interlock device 130 as input. The status data 220 includes various data related to the status of the safety interlock device 130. The status analysis module 210 analyzes the status data 220 to determine whether the safety interlock device 130 is in a closed or open state, and generates status analysis data 224, which includes various data indicating this determination result.

[0057] In various embodiments, the selection locking module 212 receives state analysis data 224 generated by the state analysis module 210 as input. Based on the determination result indicated by the state analysis data 224, the selection locking module 212 determines whether to logically lock the exposure setting of the access point control device 140. For example, the selection locking module 212 may decide to lock the exposure setting when it is determined that the safety interlock device 130 is in the open state, and may decide to unlock the exposure setting when it is determined that the safety interlock device 130 is in the closed state. The selection locking module 212 generates selection locking data 226, which includes various data indicating whether to lock or unlock the exposure setting.

[0058] In various embodiments, selection module 214 receives user input data 222 generated by user interaction with the HMI (e.g., buttons 144-174) and selection lock data 226 generated by selection lock module 212 as input. User input data 222 includes various data indicating the user's selection of at least one exposure setting. If the setting is unlocked, selection module 214 accepts and activates the selected exposure setting. If the exposure setting is locked, selection module 214 rejects the selected exposure setting and maintains the current exposure setting. When selection module 214 accepts the selected exposure setting, it generates selection data 228, which includes various data indicating the exposure setting selected by the user.

[0059] In various embodiments, the device control module 216 receives selection data 228 generated by the selection module 214 as input. The device control module 216 generates and sends device control data 230, which includes various data configured to cause the device 120 to operate according to the selected exposure settings.

[0060] In various embodiments, the selection indicator module 218 receives selection data 228 as input. The selection indicator module 218 generates and sends selection indicator data 232, which is configured to cause one or more indicators (such as indicator 176) of the access point control device 140 to indicate which exposure settings are active / selected, and optionally, whether these exposure settings are locked.

[0061] Now refer to Figure 5 The flowchart provides a method 300 performed by system 101 according to an exemplary embodiment, method 300 for logically protecting access point control device 140 based on the operation of safety interlock device 130. As will be understood from this disclosure, the order of operations in method 300 is not limited to... Figure 5The method 300 may be executed in one or more different orders, as applicable and in accordance with this disclosure, rather than in the sequential order shown. In various embodiments, method 300 may be scheduled to run based on one or more predetermined events, and / or may run continuously during the operation of system 101.

[0062] In one example, method 300 may begin at 310 and may include selecting an exposure setting at 312, for example, by pressing one or more of buttons 144-176 on the access point control device 140. At 314, method 300 may include, for example, switching the security interlock device 130 to the open state by removing key 132. Optionally, the security interlock device 130 may be manually locked. At 316, method 300 may include automatically locking the exposure setting of the access point control device 140 such that the current exposure setting is fixed and unchangeable. At 318, method 300 may include entering the area surrounded by barrier 110 via access point 112, approaching device 120 to perform various associated tasks, for example, and then leaving the area surrounded by barrier 110.

[0063] After leaving the area surrounded by obstacle 110, method 300 may include, for example, turning the security interlock device 130 to the closed position by re-inserting key 132 into the port of security interlock device 130. If it was previously locked, method 300 may include unlocking the security interlock device 130 before inserting key 132. At 322, method 300 may include automatically and logically unlocking the exposure settings of access point control device 140, making it possible to change the exposure settings. In some embodiments, method 300 may include automatically resetting the exposure settings to default settings. Method 300 may end at 324.

[0064] Although at least one exemplary embodiment has been presented in the foregoing detailed description, it should be understood that numerous variations exist. It should also be understood that the exemplary embodiments or multiple exemplary embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of this disclosure in any way. Rather, the foregoing detailed description will provide those skilled in the art with a convenient roadmap for implementing the exemplary embodiments or multiple exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that various changes may be made to the function and arrangement of the elements without departing from the scope of this disclosure as set forth in the appended claims and their legal equivalents.

Claims

1. A system comprising: A safety interlock device is functionally connected to an access point of a barrier and to a device surrounded by the barrier and accessible via the access point, wherein the safety interlock device is configured to automatically suspend normal operation of the device when it is in an open state, and to automatically allow normal operation of the device when it is in a closed state. Access point control device, comprising: A human-machine interface configured to allow user input of a selection from at least two exposure settings of the device, wherein each of the at least two exposure settings relates to a corresponding operability level of the device, and at least one of the at least two exposure settings corresponds to a portion of the operation of the device; and The controller is configured to perform the following operations via the processor: The device is controlled to operate based on the selected exposure settings input by the user. Determine whether the safety interlock device is in the open or closed state; In response to determining that the safety interlock device is in the open state, the selected exposure setting is automatically locked, making it impossible to change the selected exposure setting; and In response to determining that the safety interlock device is in the closed state, the selected exposure setting is automatically unlocked, making it possible to change the selected exposure setting.

2. The system of claim 1 further includes an indicator configured to indicate which of the at least two exposure settings was selected in response to the user input selection, and to indicate whether the selected exposure setting is locked.

3. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The controller is configured to perform the following operation via the processor: automatically reset the selected exposure setting in response to determining that the safety interlock device is in the closed state, such that the device operates according to the default exposure setting and / or its normal operation, wherein unlocking the selected exposure setting includes deselecting the selected exposure setting.

4. The system of claim 1 further includes a data storage device configured to store data indicating valid and invalid combinations of the at least two exposure settings, wherein, The controller is configured to perform the following operation via the processor: prevent invalid combinations of the at least two exposure settings from being selected.

5. The system according to claim 1, wherein, At least one exposure setting or the at least two exposure settings correspond to a portion of the operation of the device required to perform tasks related to training, teaching, and / or programming the robotic device of the device.

6. A method comprising: Select a first exposure setting of at least two exposure settings for the device, wherein each of the at least two exposure settings is associated with a corresponding operability level of the device, wherein at least one of the at least two exposure settings corresponds to a portion of the operation of the device, wherein the device is surrounded by a barrier and can be accessed via an access point of the barrier; The safety interlock device connected to the access point is switched to the open state, wherein the safety interlock device is configured to automatically suspend the normal operation of the device when it is in the open state; The processor automatically locks the first exposure setting in response to determining that the safety interlock device is in the open state, making it impossible to change the first exposure setting. Approach the device through the access point; The safety interlock device is switched to the closed state, wherein the safety interlock device is configured to automatically allow normal operation of the equipment when it is in the closed state; and The processor automatically unlocks the first exposure setting in response to determining that the safety interlock device is in the closed state.

7. The method according to claim 6, further comprising: In response to selecting the first exposure setting, an indication is made that the first exposure setting is being selected, and in response to automatically locking the first exposure setting, an indication is made that the first exposure setting is locked.

8. The method according to claim 6, further comprising: The processor automatically resets the selected exposure setting in response to switching the safety interlock device to the closed state, so that the device operates according to the default exposure setting and / or its normal operation, wherein resetting the selected exposure setting includes deselecting the first exposure setting.

9. The method according to claim 6, further comprising: The data storage device stores data indicating valid and invalid combinations of the at least two exposure settings; as well as The processor prevents the selection of invalid combinations of the at least two exposure settings.

10. The method according to claim 6, wherein, The first exposure setting corresponds to a portion of the operation of the device required to perform tasks related to training, teaching, and / or programming the robotic device of the device, and the method includes: performing tasks related to training, teaching, and / or programming the robotic device of the device when approaching the device via the access point.

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