Vision-Based Machine Power-Off for Human Proximity Safety
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Injuries occur when human workers enter the operating area of automatic machines during inspection, calibration, maintenance, or other tasks due to unforeseen hazards despite safety measures like metal fences and light barriers, indicating a need for improved safety management in high-risk environments.
Innovation Solution
A control apparatus equipped with cameras and a processor that uses deep learning to analyze images and power off the machine when a person is detected within the operating area, ensuring safety by preventing machine operation during human presence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional safety measures like metal fences and light barriers are used to define hazardous zones, then physical containment and safety procedures can be established, but unexpected factors may still cause accidents and injuries
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical safety barriers (metal fences, light barriers) with an intelligent vision-based detection system using cameras and deep learning algorithms. This substitution enables proactive safety management by detecting human presence and automatically controlling machine operations, thereby addressing the limitation of passive mechanical barriers that cannot prevent all unexpected accidents.
2Reliability
If cameras and deep learning analysis are used to detect human presence, then the machine can be powered off when a person is detected, but this requires additional control apparatus and image processing capability
Solution Approach 1:
The control apparatus is designed to perform multiple functions: it captures images via cameras, processes images through deep learning algorithms to detect human presence, and controls machine power operations. By integrating these diverse functions into a single control system, the patent reduces overall system complexity while maintaining high safety reliability.
3Reliability
If the machine is powered off when human presence is detected, then safety is ensured by preventing machine operation during human presence, but this may interrupt normal operational workflow
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the operating area using cameras and deep learning analysis, creating a closed-loop feedback system. When human presence is detected, the machine is powered off; when the area is clear, normal operation resumes. This real-time feedback mechanism ensures safety while minimizing workflow interruption by automatically restoring operations when safe.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for ensuring safety of humans within operating area or in close proximity to an automatic apparatus is applied in and by a control apparatus. The control apparatus is coupled to one or more cameras arranged around the operating area of the automatic apparatus. The control apparatus uses deep learning techniques to analyze images captured by the cameras to determine whether there is a person in the operating area and powers off the automatic apparatus if any person is deemed present.