Pilz Gmbh & Co Kg.

Dietmar Doettling

Oliver Fuchs

Martin Wendler

Mark Hufnagel

Lars Krueger

Christian Woehler

James Sugrue

Thomas Pilz

Soeren Hader

Werner Progscha

Ruediger Frank

Dieter Bittner

An apparatus is described for energy-efficient execution of a safety function used for safeguarding a technical installation. A safety device detects a triggering event of the safety function, and a processing unit executes a safety-related reaction of the safety function based on the detection by the safety device. The apparatus is selectively operable in a first operating mode and a second operating mode. In the first operating mode, the safety device and the processing unit operate according to a first quality level, and, in the second operating mode, at least one of the safety device and the processing unit operates according to a second quality level. The second quality level is lower than the first quality level and at least one of (a) the safety device and (b) the processing unit is operable with a reduced capacity in the second operating mode to save energy.

Apparatus and method for energy-efficient execution of a safety function

A device for safeguarding a monitoring area in which an automatically operating machine is arranged, having a camera system for monitoring the monitoring area, a configuration unit for defining at least one protection area within the monitoring area, and an analysis unit for triggering a safety-related function. The camera system supplies camera images of the protection area and the analysis unit analyzes whether a foreign object is present in the protection area or penetrates into the protection area. The analysis unit is configured to classify a foreign object, which is present in the protection area or penetrates into the protection area, by analysis of the camera images, to determine on the basis of one or more features characteristic of welding sparks whether the foreign object is a welding spark. The analysis unit triggers the safety-related function if the foreign object has not been recognized as a welding spark.

Device and method for safeguarding an automatically operating machine

A failsafe monitoring device for monitoring a spatial area comprises at least one image recording unit. A three-dimensional image of the spatial area is recorded and a representation of said three-dimensional image is displayed in order to configure the monitoring device. A configuration plane is defined using a plurality of spatial points which have been determined within the three-dimensional image. Subsequently, at least one variable geometry element is defined relative to the configuration plane. A data record which represents a transformation of the geometry element into the spatial area is generated and transferred to the monitoring device.

Method and system for configuring a monitoring device for monitoring a spatial area

A method and device for safeguarding a hazardous working area includes a camera system for generating successive 3-D images of the working area, and an evaluation unit comprising a fail-safe foreign object detector, a classifier, a person tracker and a comparator. The foreign object detector generates a first signal comprising a first item of position information, representative of the position of a foreign object in the protection zone. The classifier attempts to identify the foreign object as a person. The person tracker tracks an identified person using a series of current 3-D images and, after each new 3-D image, determines a second item of position information representing the current position of the identified person. If the position of the foreign object according to the first item of position information and the position of the identified person are different from one another, a control signal for stopping the machine is generated.

Method and device for safeguarding a hazardous working area of an automated machine

A monitoring device for monitoring a spatial area comprises at least one image recording unit. A three-dimensional image of the spatial area is recorded and displayed in order to configure. the monitoring device. A configuration plane is defined using a plurality of spatial points which have been determined within the three-dimensional image. Subsequently, at least one variable geometry element is defined relative to the configuration plane. A data record which represents a transformation of the geometry element into the spatial area is generated and transferred to the monitoring device.

An apparatus for determining an overtravel time of a machine, which has a moveable machine part and an optoelectronic protection device, has a light source designed to produce a defined light spot. The protection device for the machine comprises a camera having an observation area in which at least one protection zone having a protection zone boundary is defined. The protection device produces a stop signal when an object enters the protection zone. The light spot simulates an object within the protection zone. The light source is supported by a support element designed to position the light source in the area of the protection zone boundary. An evaluation and control unit of the apparatus is designed to switch on the light source at a defined starting time, and to determine a time interval between the defined starting time and the reception of an 'end' signal indicating that the machine part has come to rest.

Method and apparatus for determining an overtravel time of a machine

An apparatus for monitoring a spatial area, in particular for safeguarding a hazardous area of an automatically operated installation, comprises an illumination device which at least temporarily emits light signals into the spatial area. A first image recording unit records a first image of the spatial area. The first image recording unit comprises an image sensor having a plurality of pixels. An evaluation unit determines a distance value for at least one spatial area point, which is located in the spatial area and is imaged on at least one pixel, by means of a propagation type measurement. The propagation type measurement suffers from a limited unambiguity range. Therefore, a test device is designed to check the distance value by means of a reference distance value determined from a second image of said spatial area.

Apparatus and method for monitoring a spatial area, in particular for safeguarding a hazardous area of an automatically operated installation

A method for checking the functional reliability of an image sensor evaluates statistical fluctuations in the grey-scale values provided by the pixels of the image sensor. An actual noise factor, which is derived for light impinging on the pixels, is evaluated. A pixel failure is assumed if the actual noise factor misses a predetermined criterion defined by a reference noise factor. According to one embodiment, the reference noise factor is a dark noise factor. An electronic camera that operates in accordance with the above-described method is also disclosed.

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Leinfelden-Echterdingen, Germany

Dietmar Doettling