Proximity detection in assembly environments having machinery

A non-transitory computer readable medium embodying programmed instructions which, when executed by a processor, are operable for performing a method for reporting proximity in an assembly environment, the method comprising:

• equipping a technician with a first proximity detector;
• disposing a second proximity detector at a machine that moves within a cell of the assembly environment;
• operating sensors at the cell to indirectly detect a location of the first proximity detector and the location of the second proximity detector via mirrors when an obscuring object is present;
• and
• providing a warning to the technician if a distance between the first proximity detector and the second proximity detector is less than a threshold.

A system for proximity reporting in an assembly environment, the system comprising:

• a first proximity detector;
• a second proximity detector that is disposed at a machine in a cell of the assembly environment;
• and
• a proximity server comprising:
• a memory storing data indicating a first threshold and a second threshold that is smaller than the first threshold;
• and
• a controller that operates sensors at the cell to indirectly detect a location of the first proximity detector and a location of the second proximity detector via mirrors when an obscuring object is present,
• the controller provides a notification to the first proximity detector if a distance between the first proximity detector and the second proximity detector is less than the first threshold, and provides a notification to the second proximity detector if the distance is less than the second threshold.

An apparatus for proximity reporting in an assembly environment, the apparatus comprising:

• a proximity server comprising:
• a memory storing data indicating a first threshold and a second threshold that is smaller than the first threshold;
• and
• a controller that determines whether an obscuring object is present within a cell of an assembly environment operates sensors at the cell to indirectly detect a location of a first proximity detector and a location of a second proximity detector via mirrors when an obscuring object is present,
• the controller determines a distance between the first proximity detector and the second proximity detector, provides a notification to the first proximity detector if the distance is less than the first threshold, and provides a notification to the second proximity detector if the distance is less than the second threshold.