Apparatus and Method for Executing a Safety Function

A test unit for verifying operability of an imaging unit, the test unit comprising:

• a processing unit;
• and
• a projection unit,
• wherein the projection unit is configured to project a pattern with defined properties into a working area, and
• wherein the processing unit is configured to:
• evaluate image data acquired by the imaging unit to detect the projected pattern within the acquired image data,
• extract specific properties of the detected projected pattern, and
• compare the specific properties of the detected projected pattern with the defined properties.

A method for carrying out a safety function, the method comprising:

• projecting a pattern with defined properties into a working area;
• acquiring image data of the working area with an imaging unit;
• evaluating the image data acquired by the imaging unit to detect the projected pattern;
• extracting specific properties of the detected projected pattern;
• comparing the specific properties of the detected projected pattern with the defined properties;
• and
• selectively carrying out a safety-related function in response to the comparison.