Collision Probability Detection for Automated Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tracking and guidance systems for automated machines in workplaces are unaware of human presence, leading to potential collisions between humans and automated machines.
Innovation Solution
An operations management apparatus that determines collision probabilities between automated machines and wearable safety vests, generating control signals to adjust machine operations and present alerts to reduce collision risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If automated machines operate without awareness of human presence, then productivity and automation efficiency are improved, but safety and collision risk worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring the workplace environment using sensors (cameras, LIDAR, ultrasonic sensors) to detect human presence and providing this information back to the automated machine controller. The controller adjusts machine operations based on this feedback, slowing down or stopping when humans are detected in hazardous zones, thus maintaining both productivity and safety.
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediary safety system is introduced between the automated machine and humans. This includes wearable devices on humans that emit detectable signals, and a central controller that processes information from both the machine and human detectors. The intermediary system enables communication and coordination without requiring direct awareness between machine and human, resolving the contradiction by adding a mediating layer.
2Measurement precision
If tracking systems monitor human and machine locations continuously, then collision detection capability is improved, but system complexity and computational load worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring system is segmented into multiple independent components: human detection sensors (wearable devices), machine detection sensors (on-board sensors), communication modules, and control modules. Each component performs a specific function, and the overall system complexity is managed by dividing the monitoring task into separate, manageable segments rather than requiring a single complex system.
Solution Approach 2:
The wearable device and sensor system are designed with multi-functionality, serving both as collision detection tools and as general tracking devices. The same hardware infrastructure supports multiple functions including location tracking, speed monitoring, and collision risk assessment, reducing overall system complexity by avoiding duplicate specialized components.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus for reducing probabilities of collisions between humans and automated machines operating within a workplace are disclosed. An apparatus includes a collision probability determiner to determine a first probability of collision between an automated machine and a wearable safety vest. The apparatus further includes a safety manager to determine whether the first probability of collision exceeds a probability of collision threshold. The apparatus further includes a control signal generator to generate a first control signal in response to the safety manager determining that the first probability of collision exceeds the probability of collision threshold. The first control signal is to be transmitted to the automated machine to adjust an operation of the automated machine.