Ensuring safe operation of industrial machinery
AssigneeVeo Robotics, Inc.
InventorsClara Vu, Scott Denenberg, Patrick Sobalvarro, Patrick Barragan, Alberto Moel
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Systems and methods monitor a workspace for safety purposes using sensors distributed about the workspace. The sensors are registered with respect to each other, and this registration is monitored over time. Occluded space as well as occupied space is identified, and this mapping is frequently updated.
Claims15
A method of ensuring safe operation of industrial machinery in a workcell, the method comprising the steps of:
- a. providing at least one entity in the workcell having a distinctive 3D signature;
- b. disposing at least one image sensor proximate to the workcell and obtaining, with the at least one image sensor, images of the workcell and the entity;
- c. registering the at least one sensor to the machinery based at least in part on the 3D signature;
- d. generating an initial accuracy metric indicating an accuracy level of the registration;
- and
- e. following step (d), during operation of the machinery, determining whether a subsequent accuracy metric indicating an accuracy level of the registration deviates from the initial accuracy metric by more than a threshold amount, and if so, altering operation of the machinery.
A control system for ensuring safe operation of industrial machinery in a workcell including at least one image sensor and at least one entity in the workcell having a distinctive 3D signature, the system comprising:
- a. a processor;
- and
- b. a memory including (i) a frame buffer for storing images of the workcell and the entity obtained by the at least one image sensor, and (ii) stored instructions executable by the processor to (a) cause registration of the sensors to the machinery based at least in part on the stored images of the 3D signature, (b) generate an initial accuracy metric indicating an accuracy level of the registration, and (c) thereafter, during operation of the machinery, determine whether a subsequent accuracy metric indicating an accuracy level of the registration deviates from the initial accuracy metric by more than a threshold amount, and if so, alter operation of the machinery.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.