Method of, and apparatus for, controlling a safety-specific function of a machine
US6778092B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 24, 2002 |
| Grant date | Aug 17, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 24, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16P3/142
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method of controlling at least one safety-specific function of a machine. The method includes monitoring a monitoring region with at least one location-resolving and time-resolving sensor, where the monitoring region includes a safety boundary which separates off a danger region and defines a safe distance from a danger zone of the machine. The method also includes detecting at least one of a position, a movement direction and a movement speed of an object. The method also includes establishing a position of the safety boundary in a variable manner depending on the at least one of a detected position, movement direction and movement speed of the object. The method also includes triggering the safety-specific function of the machine when entry into the danger region by the object is detected. An apparatus corresponding to the method is also described.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.