Robot Operation Release Using Wireless Presence Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern robot systems pose safety risks due to the potential for malfunctions or failures, especially when multiple robots operate independently or in close proximity, necessitating a method to ensure that safety-relevant control commands can only be executed when an operator is in close proximity to prevent accidents.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a mobile operating device that transmits presence signals to a robot system via short-range connections, allowing safety-relevant control commands to be executed only if the operator is within a specified proximity, ensuring safety through a presence check and configuring the user interface to restrict or enable operations based on proximity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a wired operating device with cable connection is used to ensure operator proximity for safety, then safety is improved, but operational flexibility and mobility are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical cable connection system with a wireless communication system. The operating device communicates with the robot system via wireless signals, eliminating the physical cable constraint while maintaining safety through electronic presence verification. This substitution allows operators to move freely within the workspace without being tethered by cables.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary presence check mechanism that verifies operator proximity through wireless communication. Instead of relying on physical cable connection to ensure proximity, the system uses an intermediary verification process that checks whether the operating device is within a predetermined distance range before allowing safety-relevant control commands to be executed.
2Ease of operation
If wireless communication is used to improve operational flexibility, then mobility is improved, but safety control and presence verification become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary presence verification before allowing safety-relevant control commands to be executed. The system checks in advance whether the operating device is within the predetermined distance range and only then enables the execution of safety-relevant commands. This preliminary action simplifies the overall control logic by making safety verification a prerequisite condition rather than a continuous complex monitoring process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different communication protocols or verification methods based on the specific requirements of different control commands. Safety-relevant commands undergo stricter presence verification through the first communication protocol, while non-safety-relevant commands can use a simpler second communication protocol. This localized quality approach reduces overall system complexity by applying appropriate verification levels only where necessary.
3Reliability
If presence verification is continuously monitored to ensure safety, then safety is improved, but system response time and operational efficiency are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies presence verification selectively rather than continuously for all operations. Full presence verification through the first communication protocol is applied only to safety-relevant control commands, while non-safety-relevant commands can be executed with simpler verification or without continuous presence checking. This partial action approach maintains safety for critical operations while improving overall operational efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs presence verification in advance before enabling safety-relevant control commands. Once verification is complete and the operator is confirmed to be within the predetermined distance range, the system maintains this state allowing commands to be executed without repeated verification for each individual command. This preliminary action reduces the frequency of verification checks and improves operational efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and a system for automatically securing the operation of a robot system and corresponding components of the system, wherein operation is controlled by a mobile operating device. The robot system receives presence signals transmitted from a mobile operating device via a short-range first signal connection and an operating signal transmitted via a second signal connection designed to be independent of the first signal connection. The operating signal contains a safety-relevant control command for the robot system. The control command is released for execution by the robot system only if a presence check has ascertained that the last received presence signal satisfies a presence criterion specified with respect to the determination of a spatial proximity of the operating device to the robot system. A configuration signal derived from the result of the presence check is transmitted back to the operating device for configuration based on the result.