Human Detection Control for Moving Machines Using Polarization
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Solution Overview
Problem
In human-robot collaboration environments, existing safety measures struggle to efficiently and reliably monitor kinematic parameters of both humans and non-human objects to prevent collisions and ensure safety, particularly in complex industrial settings where multiple moving objects are present.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of electrosensitive protective equipment that detects kinematic parameters such as location, speed, and acceleration of objects in three dimensions, and uses polarization properties and movement modulation to classify objects as human or non-human, enabling adaptive control of moving machines to initiate protective measures, such as slowing down or stopping, based on the presence and movement of humans.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the moving machine operates at high speed and high force to perform work efficiently, then productivity is improved, but the hazard to humans increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protective equipment continuously monitors the environment and detects human presence before the moving machine can cause harm. By detecting kinematic parameters and classifying objects as human or non-human in advance, the system triggers protective measures (speed reduction, stopping) before a hazardous situation develops, allowing high-speed operation to continue when safe while preventing injuries when humans are present
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback monitoring of the environment around the moving machine. The protective equipment detects kinematic parameters of objects, classifies them using polarization properties and movement modulation, and provides real-time feedback to control the moving machine's speed and position. This closed-loop feedback enables the machine to operate at high speeds when the environment is clear while automatically reducing speed or stopping when human presence is detected
2Reliability
If the environment is monitored continuously to ensure human safety, then reliability of safety protection is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protective equipment focuses monitoring resources on detecting human-specific characteristics rather than monitoring all objects uniformly. By analyzing polarization properties and movement modulation patterns that are characteristic of human movement, the system achieves reliable human detection while reducing the computational and energy burden compared to comprehensive object monitoring. The classification mechanism allows the system to concentrate processing power on human-like targets
3Reliability
If the moving machine stops immediately when a human is detected to ensure safety, then safety protection is improved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the moving machine's speed based on the detected human presence and kinematic parameters rather than applying a static stop command. The control system calculates appropriate speed reductions or stopping decisions based on factors such as the human's position, speed of approach, and the moving machine's current state. This dynamic response allows the machine to maintain high speed when safe, reduce speed moderately when a human is present but not imminently threatened, and stop only when necessary, thereby maintaining productivity while ensuring safety
Solution Approach 2:
The protective measure of speed reduction serves as a partial action that may be sufficient in many cases to prevent harm without requiring a complete stop. By implementing a graduated response where speed reduction is applied first and only a full stop is triggered when absolutely necessary, the system achieves adequate safety protection while minimizing disruption to productivity. This partial action approach allows the machine to continue operating at reduced speed rather than completely halting
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution enhances the safety and efficiency of human-robot collaboration by accurately detecting human presence and movement, reducing the risk of collisions through adaptive control of moving machines, while improving energy consumption and monitoring efficiency by selectively focusing on human kinematic parameters.
Implementation Method 1
the sensor is configured to detect polarization properties of electromagnetic radiation that is reflected by the respective object
Implementation Method 2
a movement modulation of the respective object are detected by means of a sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A method of protecting humans in an environment of a moving machine is provided that comprises the environment being monitored by means of a protective device that is configured to detect one or more kinematic parameters of a respective object located in the environment and controlling the moving machine in dependence on detected kinematic parameters of the respective object to initiate a protective measure. The protective equipment here detects the polarization properties and a movement modulation of the respective object in dependence on which the respective object is classified with respect to whether the respective object is a human. In particular only when the respective object was classified as a human, the protective equipment controls the moving machine to initiate the protective measure in dependence on detected kinematic parameters of this respective object.