Verified Position Tracking for Machine Safety Zones
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current safety systems in industrial settings cannot reliably differentiate between permissible and impermissible objects or people, leading to unnecessary machine shutdowns and reduced productivity, as they lack the capability to accurately determine the type and precise location of objects within a surveillance area.
Innovation Solution
A security system utilizing a combination of radio location and location-resolving sensors to redundantly determine the position of objects or people, allowing for precise validation and enabling tailored safety functions without impairing machine productivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If basic safety sensors are used to detect objects in the surveillance area, then safety protection is reliable, but machine productivity decreases due to unnecessary shutdowns
Solution Approach 1:
The surveillance area is divided into multiple zones (first surveillance area and second surveillance area) with different safety requirements. The first area contains highly dangerous machine parts requiring strict protection, while the second area has lower danger levels. This segmentation allows the machine to continue operating in safer zones while protecting critical areas, maintaining productivity while ensuring safety.
Solution Approach 2:
Different safety levels are applied to different spatial locations within the surveillance area. The first surveillance area surrounding dangerous machine parts implements stricter safety monitoring and shutdown protocols, while the second area allows more flexible operation. This local differentiation enables targeted safety measures that protect critical areas without unnecessarily halting the entire machine.
2Measurement precision
If object classification is performed using image data processing, then object type identification is accurate, but system cost and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The safety system dynamically adjusts its response based on the detected object type. When a human is detected, the system triggers a shutdown sequence. When another object is detected, the system evaluates whether shutdown is necessary based on the object's characteristics and location. This dynamic response optimization reduces unnecessary shutdowns while maintaining safety for human operators.
Solution Approach 2:
A radio tracking system with transponders serves as an intermediary detection layer between simple presence sensors and complex image processing systems. The tracking system provides object identification capabilities through transponder recognition, enabling the control system to distinguish between humans and other objects without requiring full image processing, thus reducing both cost and complexity while maintaining accurate object type identification.
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
Enables reliable and specific control of machines by accurately identifying and locating objects or people, reducing unnecessary shutdowns and enhancing safety while maintaining process efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
at least one radio transponder (6) is arranged on the person (2) or the object (8), wherein position data of the person (2) or the object (8) can be determined by means of the radio tracking system (4)
Implementation Method 2
at least one spatially resolving sensor (7) for determining the position of the person (2) or the object (8)
Data Source
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AI summary
Method for locating a person (2) or an object (8) in a monitored area with a security system (1), with at least one movable machine (11), with a control and evaluation unit (3), with at least one radio tracking system (4), with at least one spatially resolving sensor (7) for determining the position of the person (2) or the object (8), wherein the radio tracking system (4) has arranged radio stations (5), wherein at least one radio transponder (6) is arranged on the person (2) or the object (8), wherein position data of the person (2) or the object (8) are determined by means of the radio tracking system (4), wherein the position data are transmitted from the radio stations (5) of the radio tracking system (4) to the control and evaluation unit (3), and position data of the person (2) or the object (8) are determined by means of the spatially resolving sensor (7).wherein the control and evaluation unit (3) compares the position data of the radio positioning system (4) and the position data of the sensor (7) and, if there is a match, generates verified position data.