Operator-Specific Detection Zones for Machine Safety Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional safety control devices struggle to set an optimal detection zone for minimizing machine operation rate decreases while ensuring operator safety, as they do not consider individual operator characteristics such as skill level and knowledge of the machine operation.

Innovation Solution

A safety control device that identifies and sets customized detection zones for each operator based on their skill level, knowledge, and body shape, using image analysis and wireless tags to acquire identification information, and provides personalized safety operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a detection zone is set for all operators using a uniform safety distance, then safety of each operator is secured, but machine operation rate decreases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperator safetyVSAvoidmachine operation rate
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the uniform detection zone into individual detection zones for each operator based on their characteristics. Each operator is assigned a personalized detection zone radius that reflects their skill level and knowledge, allowing the system to evaluate safety conditions individually for each operator rather than applying a single uniform zone to all operators

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by making the detection zone characteristics specific to each operator's location and personal attributes. The detection zone radius varies locally for each operator based on their skill level, knowledge of machine operation, and body shape, creating non-uniform safety zones that are optimized for each individual operator's situation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If the detection zone is set to ensure safety for all operators, then operator safety is maintained, but machine operation rate decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperator safetyVSAvoidmachine operation time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the detection zone dynamic by adjusting the radius based on real-time operator characteristics and their positions relative to the machine. The system dynamically evaluates whether to execute safety operations by considering each operator's skill level, knowledge, and body shape, rather than using a static uniform detection zone that triggers safety operations unnecessarily

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If a uniform detection zone is applied to all operators, then safety is simplified to manage, but individual operator characteristics are not considered

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection zone managementVSAvoidoperator-specific safety optimization
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback by acquiring and utilizing operator information (skill level, knowledge of machine operation, body shape) to adjust detection zone parameters. The system continuously monitors operator characteristics and uses this feedback to optimize detection zone radii for each operator, creating an adaptive safety system that learns and adjusts based on operator performance and attributes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3409425B1Safety control device, method of controlling safety control device, information processing program, and recording medium
Publication Date: 2025.12.24 OMRON CORP
  • EP3409425B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3409425B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3409425B1 patent drawingFigure 3(A)~3(D)

AI summary

A safety control device (10), a method of controlling safety control device, an information processing program, and a recording medium are provided. A detection zone in which the safety of an operator can be secured and a decrease in an operation rate of a machine can be minimized is set. A safety controller (10) sets a detection zone (DZ) for executing a safety operation when it is determined that an operator (P) has entered for each operator (P).