U.S. patent application number 16/683039 was filed with the patent office on 2020-10-01 for proximity detection in assembly environments having machinery.
The applicant listed for this patent is The Boeing Company. Invention is credited to Fei Cai, Farahnaz Sisco.
Application Number | 20200310387 16/683039 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000004494055 |
Filed Date | 2020-10-01 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200310387 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Cai; Fei ; et al. |
October 1, 2020 |
PROXIMITY DETECTION IN ASSEMBLY ENVIRONMENTS HAVING MACHINERY
Abstract
Systems and methods are provided for proximity detection in a
fabrication environment. One embodiment is a method for reporting
proximity in an assembly environment. The method includes inserting
an arm of a bracket into an interior of a part that is held by a
cradle, and that is worked upon by a robot, placing indexing
features at the bracket into contact with indexing features of the
cradle, operating sensors at the bracket to directly detect a
location of a first proximity detector worn by a technician and a
location of the second proximity detector at the robot, and
directing the first proximity detector to provide a warning to the
technician if a distance between the first proximity detector and
the second proximity detector is less than a threshold.
Inventors: |
Cai; Fei; (Edmonds, WA)
; Sisco; Farahnaz; (Mukilteo, WA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
The Boeing Company |
Chicago |
IL |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000004494055 |
Appl. No.: |
16/683039 |
Filed: |
November 13, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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16372306 |
Apr 1, 2019 |
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16683039 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 1/163 20130101;
G05B 19/0428 20130101; B64C 1/06 20130101; G05B 19/418
20130101 |
International
Class: |
G05B 19/418 20060101
G05B019/418; G05B 19/042 20060101 G05B019/042; G06F 1/16 20060101
G06F001/16; B64C 1/06 20060101 B64C001/06 |
Claims
1. A method for reporting proximity in an assembly environment, the
method comprising: inserting an arm of a bracket into an interior
of a part that is held by a cradle, and that is worked upon by a
robot; placing indexing features at the bracket into contact with
indexing features of the cradle; operating sensors at the bracket
to directly detect a location of a first proximity detector worn by
a technician and a location of a second proximity detector at the
robot; and directing the first proximity detector to provide a
warning to the technician if a distance between the first proximity
detector and the second proximity detector is less than a
threshold.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein: the first proximity detector is
integrated with an article of clothing worn by the technician.
3. The method of claim 1 wherein: the operating sensors comprises
receiving Ultra-Wideband (UWB) signals.
4. The method of claim 1 wherein: the operating sensors comprises
operating sensors disposed under the arm of the bracket.
5. The method of claim 1 wherein: placing the indexing features at
the bracket into contact with the indexing features of the cradle
comprises placing cones into cups.
6. The method of claim 1 wherein: the warning comprises visual and
auditory stimuli.
7. The method of claim 1 further comprising: updating the distance
based on input from an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) at the first
proximity detector.
8. A portion of an aircraft assembled according to the method of
claim 1.
9. 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: inserting an arm of a bracket
into an interior of a part that is held by a cradle, and that is
worked upon by a robot; placing indexing features at the bracket
into contact with indexing features of the cradle; operating
sensors at the bracket to directly detect a location of a first
proximity detector worn by a technician and a location of a second
proximity detector at the robot; and directing the first proximity
detector to provide a warning to the technician if a distance
between the first proximity detector and the second proximity
detector is less than a threshold.
10. The medium of claim 9 wherein: the first proximity detector is
integrated with an article of clothing worn by the technician.
11. The medium of claim 9 wherein: the operating sensors comprises
receiving Ultra-Wideband (UWB) signals.
12. The medium of claim 9 wherein: the operating sensors comprises
operating sensors disposed under the arm of the bracket.
13. The medium of claim 9 wherein: placing the indexing features at
the bracket into contact with the indexing features of the cradle
comprises placing cones into cups.
14. The medium of claim 9 wherein: the warning comprises visual and
auditory stimuli.
15. The medium of claim 9 further comprising: updating the distance
based on input from an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) at the first
proximity detector.
16. A portion of an aircraft assembled according to the method
defined by the instructions stored on the computer readable medium
of claim 9.
17. A system for proximity reporting in an assembly environment,
the system comprising: a first proximity detector that is wearable;
a second proximity detector that is disposed at a robot in a cell
of the assembly environment; a cradle that holds a part having an
interior, the cradle including indexing features; and a bracket
comprising: a base having indexing features that mate with the
indexing features of the cradle; an arm inserted into the interior
of the part; and multiple sensors disposed at the arm.
18. The system of claim 17 wherein: the sensors comprise
Ultra-Wideband (UWB) sensors.
19. The system of claim 17 further comprising: a proximity server
that 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 a first threshold,
and provides a notification to the second proximity detector if the
distance is less than a second threshold.
20. The system of claim 17 wherein: the part comprises a section of
fuselage for an aircraft.
21. The system of claim 17 wherein: each of the sensors disposed at
the arm has a line of sight to the interior of the part.
22. The system of claim 17 wherein: the indexing features at the
bracket and the indexing features of the cradle are selected from
the group consisting of: cups and cones.
23. Fabricating a portion of an aircraft using the system of claim
17.
Description
FIELD
[0001] The disclosure relates to the field of assembly, and in
particular, to human-machine interactions in an assembly
environment.
BACKGROUND
[0002] In an assembly environment, it remains desirable to assemble
new parts as quickly and efficiently as possible. It is not
uncommon for certain assembly tasks to be performed by automated
machines, while other assembly tasks are performed by human
technicians. To ensure safety, technicians are restricted from
entering zones of operation of the automated machines while the
automated machines are operating. This results in "stayout zones"
that may reduce the speed and efficiency at which the technicians
operate, and may result in slower assembly rates, which are
undesirable. At the same time, it remains best practice not to rely
on operator awareness of nearby automated machines or otherwise
allow automated machines to operate in unison with technicians in
the same zone. Hence, automated machines and technicians are
restricted to separate times of use if they both will be utilizing
the same zone.
[0003] Further complicating this issue, it may be difficult to
determine whether a technician is present in a zone if the
technician is obscured by large parts being worked upon within the
zone. For example, a composite part for a wing or fuselage of an
aircraft spans many feet, and hence is capable of blocking the
technician from view.
[0004] Therefore, it would be desirable to have a method and
apparatus that take into account at least some of the issues
discussed above, as well as other possible issues.
SUMMARY
[0005] Embodiments described herein dynamically sense the proximity
of a technician to a machine via multiple sensors that interact
with proximity detectors at the machine and the technician. These
sensors are capable of operating in different detection modes
(e.g., by utilizing different timing windows or methods of
detection) based on whether or not a part is being worked upon in a
zone occupied by the technician.
[0006] One embodiment is a method for reporting proximity in an
assembly environment. The method includes inserting an arm of a
bracket into an interior of a part that is held by a cradle, and
that is worked upon by a robot, placing indexing features at the
bracket into contact with indexing features of the cradle,
operating sensors at the bracket to directly detect a location of a
first proximity detector worn by a technician and a location of the
second proximity detector at the robot, and directing the first
proximity detector to provide a warning to the technician if a
distance between the first proximity detector and the second
proximity detector is less than a threshold.
[0007] A further embodiment is 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 includes inserting
an arm of a bracket into an interior of a part that is held by a
cradle, and that is worked upon by a robot, placing indexing
features at the bracket into contact with indexing features of the
cradle, operating sensors at the bracket to directly detect a
location of a first proximity detector worn by a technician and a
location of the second proximity detector at the robot, and
directing the first proximity detector to provide a warning to the
technician if a distance between the first proximity detector and
the second proximity detector is less than a threshold.
[0008] A further embodiment is a system for proximity reporting in
an assembly environment. The system includes a first proximity
detector that is wearable, a second proximity detector that is
disposed at a robot in a cell of the assembly environment, a cradle
that holds a part having an interior, the cradle including indexing
features, and a bracket. The bracket includes a base having
indexing features that mate with the indexing features of the
cradle, an arm inserted into the interior of the part, and multiple
sensors disposed at the arm.
[0009] Other illustrative embodiments (e.g., methods and
computer-readable media relating to the foregoing embodiments) may
be described below. The features, functions, and advantages that
have been discussed can be achieved independently in various
embodiments or may be combined in yet other embodiments further
details of which can be seen with reference to the following
description and drawings.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] Some embodiments of the present disclosure are now
described, by way of example only, and with reference to the
accompanying drawings. The same reference number represents the
same element or the same type of element on all drawings.
[0011] FIG. 1 illustrates a proximity reporting system in an
illustrative embodiment.
[0012] FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a method for reporting
proximity in an illustrative embodiment.
[0013] FIG. 3 is a diagram of a proximity detector in an
illustrative embodiment.
[0014] FIGS. 4-6 depict distances between proximity detectors in an
illustrative embodiment.
[0015] FIGS. 7-8 illustrate communications transmitted between
proximity detectors and a proximity reporting server in an
illustrative embodiment.
[0016] FIG. 9 depicts a system that selectively adjusts a sensing
heuristic to detect the presence of a technician at a factory floor
to account for the presence of obscuring parts at the factory floor
in an illustrative embodiment.
[0017] FIG. 10 depicts a bracket for inserting sensors into an
interior of an obscuring part that is capable of being occupied by
a technician in an illustrative embodiment.
[0018] FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a further method for
reporting proximity in an illustrative embodiment.
[0019] FIG. 12 is a block diagram of a proximity reporting system
in an illustrative embodiment.
[0020] FIG. 13 is a flow diagram of aircraft production and service
methodology in an illustrative embodiment.
[0021] FIG. 14 is a block diagram of an aircraft in an illustrative
embodiment.
DESCRIPTION
[0022] The figures and the following description provide specific
illustrative embodiments of the disclosure. It will thus be
appreciated that those skilled in the art will be able to devise
various arrangements that, although not explicitly described or
shown herein, embody the principles of the disclosure and are
included within the scope of the disclosure. Furthermore, any
examples described herein are intended to aid in understanding the
principles of the disclosure, and are to be construed as being
without limitation to such specifically recited examples and
conditions. As a result, the disclosure is not limited to the
specific embodiments or examples described below, but by the claims
and their equivalents.
[0023] FIG. 1 is a diagram of proximity reporting system 100 in an
illustrative embodiment. Proximity reporting system 100 comprises
any system operable to dynamically determine distances between
proximity sensors within an assembly environment, and to change
detection modes/heuristics based upon whether a part is located in
a cell. Proximity reporting system 100 has been further enhanced to
distinguish between technicians and machines, and to provide
warnings and/or other mitigation based on distances between
technicians and machines. This provides a technical benefit by
ensuring the safety of technicians who work near machines, while
also increasing the up-time of machines within a cell. It also
ensures that parts in a cell do not obscure a technician from
detection. As used herein, a "cell" comprises any dedicated
workspace or volume in which one or more machines/machines are
intended to operate.
[0024] In this embodiment, proximity reporting system 100 includes
proximity reporting server 110, and sensors 120 (e.g., radio
antennae, Ultra-Wideband (UWB) transceivers, cameras, etc.).
Sensors 120 receive input from proximity detectors 160, which are
disposed within one or more of cells 132-133 of an assembly
environment 130 (e.g., a factory floor), and hence sensors 120
operate as an interface of proximity reporting server 110. The
controller 112 reviews Ultra-Wideband (UWB) input from the sensors.
Proximity detectors 160 are capable of being worn by one or more
technicians 150, and also may be disposed at portions 142 (e.g.,
moving components) of machines 140. Machines 140 may comprise
robotic arms, Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs), flex track machines
and other automated devices that move within a cell. As depicted, a
technician 150 is wearing a proximity detector 160 at a first
position P1 within the cell 132, and is at a distance/proximity D
to a machine 140 having a proximity detector 162 at a second
position P2 within the cell 132. The proximity detector 162 may be
located at a moving portion of the machine 140, a base of the
machine 140, end effectors at the machine 140, etc. Furthermore, as
depicted, there is presently no technician or proximity detector
within cell 133.
[0025] Based on signals from proximity detectors 160 and 162,
controller 112 of proximity reporting server 110 determines the
location of each proximity detector 160 and 162. If proximity
detectors 160 for one or more technicians are closer than
predefined thresholds stored in memory 114 to a proximity detector
162 at a machine 140, then controller 112 may provide a warning.
Controller 112 may be implemented, for example, as custom
circuitry, as a hardware processor executing programmed
instructions, or some combination thereof.
[0026] In order to account for the presence of an obscuring object
170 (e.g., a section of fuselage, a wing panel, etc.) that may
block line of sight to a proximity detector (and therefore prevent
detection of the technician or machine), one or more of mirrors 180
are placed in order to form a detection pathway 182. The mirrors
180 are capable of reflecting wavelengths of electromagnetic
radiation utilized by the sensors 120. Thus, in embodiments where
the sensors comprise cameras, the mirrors 180 reflect optical
wavelengths. In embodiments where the sensors detect radio
wavelengths, the mirrors 180 are capable of reflecting radio
wavelengths. As used herein, a mirror is "capable of reflecting" if
it redirects a signal without substantially attenuating the signal
(e.g., by more than ten percent, by more than one percent,
etc.).
[0027] The proximity reporting system 100 (e.g., proximity
reporting server 110) is configured to adjust a sensing heuristic
in response to the presence of an obscuring object 170 in the cell
132. In this manner, the sensors 120 are able to detect a
technician with signaling passed via the mirrors 180 along the
detection pathway 182. The presence of an object may be
automatically detected by the sensors, or may be indicated by input
provided to controller 112 from an external source.
[0028] For sensors 120 that are omnidirectional, the change in
sensing heuristic can comprise adjusting a timing window in which
input is acquired (i.e., to account for an increased input delay
owing to increased path length caused by the mirrors). That is, in
one embodiment, an increase in path length results in a
corresponding delay, and a sampling window for detecting input via
a sensor 120 is moved in time by an amount equal to the delay. This
change to sampling window timing varies between sensors 120, but is
known based on the positions and orientations of the mirrors 180
with which each sensor 120 interacts. For sensors 120 that are
directional and are capable of adjustment to point in new
directions, the change in sensing heuristic may comprise pointing
the sensor 120 at a mirror 180 in order to receive signaling from
the detection pathway 182. In one embodiment, a limited number of
sensors adjust their sensing heuristic. The number is chosen to
ensure that the technician remains detectable by at least three
sensors at once from any location behind the obscuring object 170,
thereby enabling triangulation of position (after transforming
received signal timings to account for the difference in path
caused by the mirrors). This enables the technician 150 to remain
detected while moving within the cell 132, which is highly
desirable.
[0029] Stated succinctly, the machines 140 and technicians 150 are
equipped with transceivers to communicate their locations, and
these locations may be compared to each other. Based on this
comparison, different levels of warning/remediation are provided
(e.g., to warn humans and/or shutdown machines) in order to ensure
safety when humans and machines work together in the same
cell/zone. The use of mirrors 180 ensures that the proximity
reporting techniques and systems discussed herein remain effective
regardless of whether an obscuring object is present or not.
[0030] Illustrative details of the operation of proximity reporting
system 100 will be discussed with regard to the flowchart of FIG.
2. Assume, for this embodiment, that a technician 150 of FIG. 1 is
planning on entering a cell 132 where machines 140 are presently
operating. For example, the machines may be assembling/joining
composite parts and/or metal parts for use in an aircraft.
[0031] FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a method 200 for
reporting proximity in an illustrative embodiment. The steps of
method 200 are described with reference to proximity reporting
system 100 of FIG. 1, but those skilled in the art will appreciate
that method 200 may be performed in other systems. The steps of the
flowcharts described herein are not all inclusive and may include
other steps not shown. The steps described herein may also be
performed in an alternative order.
[0032] In step 202, a technician 150 is equipped with a first
proximity detector (e.g., one or more of proximity detectors 160).
The first proximity detector is wearable in that it may be carried
on the technician in a hands-free manner. For example, the
proximity detector may be added to headwear (e.g., a helmet) of the
technician, may be equipped by hook-and-loop fastener (e.g.,
Velcro) fabric to clothing worn by the technician 150, may be
placed in a pocket of the technician, may be in the form of a
pendant or smart wrist watch worn by the technician 150, may be
sewn or bonded to clothing worn by the technician 150, may be
implemented as smart safety glasses that provide visual, audio or
vibratory warnings or any combination thereof, or may be equipped
via other means. In further embodiments, the first proximity
detector comprises a cellular phone or tablet, and may utilize
technology such as Global Positioning System (GPS) technology.
[0033] In step 204, a second proximity detector is disposed at a
portion 142 of a machine 140 that moves within assembly environment
130. This may comprise affixing multiple proximity detectors 162 at
(e.g., disposed on or within) each machine 140 within the cell, and
may be performed during initial setup and calibration of the
machines 140 before maintenance or inspection is desired. In some
embodiments, the second proximity detector (i.e., proximity
detector 162) is coupled with the power supply of the machine 140,
and communicates with a controller of the machine 140. With the
first proximity detector (i.e., proximity detector 160) and second
proximity detector (i.e., proximity detector 162) in place, the
technician 150 proceeds into the cell 132 (e.g., to perform
inspections, assist with assembly or maintenance). During this
time, machines 140 within the cell 132 may continue to operate.
However, the machines are not required to be in continuous motion
during placement of the second proximity detector, nor during use
of the proximity detectors. Rather, the proximity detectors are
capable of detecting a position of a machine both during operation
of the machine and during pauses in operation of the machine.
[0034] In step 206, a controller 112, determines whether an
obscuring object 170 (e.g., a part being worked upon in the cell,
such as a section of fuselage or a wing) is present within the
cell. In one embodiment, controller 112 determines whether the
obscuring object 170 is present based on a review of a Numerical
Control (NC) program directing the actions of the machine 140. If
the current NC program for the machine 140 is directed to
performing work on the obscuring object, then controller 112 infers
that the obscuring object 170 is present (i.e., because it is
currently being worked upon by a machine in the cell). In a further
embodiment, the controller 112 infers the presence of the obscuring
object 170 based on input provided directly by the technician 150,
or based on input from the sensors 120. For example, when the cell
132 is utilized to perform work on a limited selection of parts
that each have an expected orientation, the sensors 120 detect the
presence of an obscuring object 170 directly based input from the
sensors 120, such as based on sensor readings indicative of the
obscuring object 170 being located within the cell 132. For
example, a sensor 120 may utilize a laser or acoustic sensor to
measure a distance beneath it. If the distances measured by
multiple sensors are less than a known distance to the floor, then
an obscuring object 170 is present. In a further embodiment, a
sensor 120 in the form of a camera is utilized for the purpose of
detecting the presence of the obscuring object.
[0035] Step 208 includes operating the sensors 120 at the cell 132
to directly detect a location of the first proximity detector and a
location of the second proximity detector when the obscuring object
170 is not present. In one embodiment, the first proximity detector
transmits a first signal to sensors 120 in the assembly environment
130 (e.g., sensors 120 disposed outside of the cell 132, inside of
the cell 132, at the machine 140, etc.). The first signal is
received at the sensors 120 directly from the first proximity
detector (i.e., without reflecting off of mirrors 180).
[0036] In this embodiment, the first signal comprises an
Ultra-Wideband (UWB) radio signal that provides a unique identifier
for the first proximity detector that distinguishes it from other
proximity detectors 160 and 162 in assembly environment 130. The
first proximity detector may be associated with a specific
technician indicated in memory 114 of proximity reporting server
110. In a further embodiment, the first signal also explicitly
recites the technician or machine to which the first proximity
detector is attached. In still further embodiments, the first
signal is transmitted over multiple different radio bands or
channels of communication. The first signal may even be transmitted
via a Light Emitting Diode (LED) as a visual code in certain
embodiments. Transmitting the first signal via multiple distinct
channels of communication provides a technical benefit of ensuring
that the signal can be received and processed by sensors 120. The
first signal may be transmitted continuously or periodically (e.g.,
once or multiple times per second).
[0037] The second proximity detector (i.e., proximity detector 162)
transmits a second signal to the sensors 120. The second signal is
received at the sensors 120 directly from the second proximity
detector (i.e., without reflecting off of mirrors 180). The second
signal uniquely identifies the second proximity detector, and may
be transmitted via the same channels and in a similar manner to the
first signal. The first signal and the second signal are received
at sensors 120, and the signals are provided to proximity reporting
server 110 for analysis. Next, the controller 112 may perform
triangulation to determine the locations of the proximity
detectors, and may apply desired transformations to timing and/or
coordinate systems to account for the use of mirrors by one or more
of the sensors 120.
[0038] At some point in time, the obscuring object 170 is added to
the cell 132, which causes technicians entering the cell 132 to be
obscured from direct view when occupying certain locations. This
condition is detected by controller 112.
[0039] Step 210 includes operating the sensors 120 at the cell 132
to indirectly detect the location P1 of the first proximity
detector and the location P2 of the second proximity detector via
mirrors 180 when the obscuring object 170 is present. This may
comprise pointing the sensors 120 towards one or more of the
mirrors 180 in embodiments where the sensors are directional. In
one embodiment, the sensors interact with the mirrors such that at
least three distinct pathways are provided to each location in
order to enable triangulation. Indirect detection may further
comprise altering a sensing heuristic for the sensors 120 in
embodiments where the sensors are omnidirectional. For each sensor,
there is an expected maximum distance of detection and minimum
distance of detection, which corresponds with a sampling window in
which input is from the sensor 120 is reviewed. Signaling
traversing the detection pathway 182 alters (e.g., increases) the
minimum and maximum distances of detection, which in turn alters
(e.g., increases) the timing at which incoming signaling is
expected. Thus, a sampling window in which signals are acquired for
analysis may be adjusted by an amount equal to the change in
expected signaling timing. Based on received signaling, a location
of the first proximity detector and a location of the second
proximity detector is determined (e.g., via triangulation).
[0040] With the locations of the proximity detectors known, the
controller 112 determines a distance between the proximity
detectors in step 212. This may be performed by consulting
information stored in memory 114 indicating a position of each
sensor, triangulating a first position P1 of the first proximity
detector and a second position P2 of the second proximity detector
based on the strength of signals received at each sensor 120, and
determining an amount of separation between the first position and
the second position. Memory 114 may store signals from the sensors
120 as a part of this process. In further embodiments wherein the
sensors 120 comprise cameras, the angle of each camera, and
stereoscopic equipment or techniques may be used in order to
determine position. In further embodiments, controller 112 may
select which proximity detectors to determine distances between.
For example, controller 112 may selectively forego distance
determinations between proximity detectors located on technicians,
proximity detectors located on the same entity (e.g., the same
technician, the same machine, etc.), proximity detectors located on
machines (e.g., in circumstances where existing collision avoidance
technologies for the machines already prevent collisions), etc.
This may enable greater allocation of resources for controller 112
to perform distance determinations which are most relevant (i.e.,
most likely to enhance safety). In still further embodiments,
motion detection techniques may be used on distance data acquired
over time to determine the current speed and/or direction of a
technician or machine. Once the distance has been determined, the
distance is compared to a threshold. If the distance is not less
than the threshold (e.g., a distance at which a safety warning will
be provided to the technician, or a distance at which the machine
will be halted to ensure safety) then processing continues to step
206, and the system determines new locations of the proximity
detectors. Alternatively, if the distance is within the threshold,
processing continues to step 214.
[0041] Step 214 includes directing the first proximity detector to
provide a warning to the technician if a distance between the first
proximity detector and the second proximity detector is less than a
threshold. The distance thresholds described herein (and
illustrated in FIGS. 4-6) may be statically defined on a
per-machine basis, or may be dynamically determined based on
movements indicated in an NC program for the machine, and/or a
position of the machine within the NC program as the machine
continues to operate. For example, if a path of a machine in the
future is expected to cause the machine to reduce its distance to a
technician, the threshold may be increased to ensure that a warning
is issued more quickly.
[0042] In one embodiment, if the distance is not less than a first
threshold, then the technician 150 is far away from the machine
140. Therefore, the machine 140 may continue operations.
Alternatively, if the distance is less than the first threshold,
controller 112 directs the first proximity detector (e.g., via
sensors 120) via detection pathway 182 to provide a warning to the
technician 150. That is, the warning is provided through the
detection pathway 182. Specifically, a transmission provided across
the detection pathway 182 causes the first proximity detector to
alert the technician via any suitable means (e.g., visual means,
auditory means, vibratory means, etc.). The operating environment
within the cell 132 may include visual, auditory, and/or other
stimuli that may dull the senses of the technician 150. Therefore,
the warning may be generated to stimulate multiple senses (e.g.,
via bright light, vibratory motion, and or distinctive sounds). The
warning may even take the form of a verbal warning stating "halt
movement forward," "do not move to the left," "do not move south,"
or similar phrases, depending on the location of the technician
relative to the machine. The warning is a cue for the technician
150 that encourages increased awareness and caution. In further
embodiments, the warning may be implemented in the form of a
flashing light on the helmet, glasses, or gloves of the technician,
or as a flashing light or siren at the machine.
[0043] If the distance between the first proximity detector and the
second proximity detector is less than a second threshold, then the
controller 112 directs the machine 140 to halt. This provides a
technical benefit by ensuring that the technician remains safe,
even when they move close to an actively operating machine. This
also provides a technical benefit because it does not require each
machine to include its own dedicated technician avoidance sensors
and logic.
[0044] Method 200 may be performed for multiple sets of proximity
detectors substantially concurrently and asynchronously. For
example, method 200 may be performed to determine additional
distances between the proximity detector of the technician and
proximity detectors at additional machines. This enables proximity
detection to be performed for all relevant entities within a
manufacturing cell, or even across an entire factory floor. Method
200 further provides a technical benefit by preventing obscuring
objects, such as large parts, from rendering a technician
undetectable. Method 200 further provides a technical benefit by
enabling compliance with Robotic Industries Association (RIA)
standards (e.g., RIA 15.06).
[0045] FIG. 3 is a diagram of a proximity detector 300 in an
illustrative embodiment. Proximity detector 300 includes a
controller 310, memory 320, and a primary transceiver 330 as well
as a secondary transceiver 340. Primary transceiver 330 and
secondary transceiver 340 operate using different frequency ranges
(or modalities of communication, such as optical vs. radio) in
order to transmit a signal from proximity detector 300. Thus, if
one frequency range experiences interference or noise, the other
transceiver may still provide the signal at another frequency
range. Proximity detector 300 also includes vibration generator 360
(e.g., a piezoelectric element, a vibrational motor, etc.), and
speaker 350. When generating a warning, controller 310 may activate
one or both of these elements to draw the attention of a
technician. In further embodiments, proximity detector 300 may
generate an alert at eyewear worn by the technician 150 to cause
flashing lights, other visual input, or vibrations that provide a
warning. For example, an audio warning may be generated by portions
of eyewear located proximate to the temples of a technician and in
particular the ends of the temples. In further embodiments, the
eyewear comprises smart safety glasses with visual, audio or
vibratory warnings or any combination thereof. In some embodiments,
Bluetooth technology is utilized, wherein the technician wears a
base station in communication with wearable devices such as hats,
helmets, gloves, glasses, vests, etc. that implement proximity
detectors. In this embodiment, equipping the technician with the
first proximity detector comprises directing the technician to wear
an article of clothing that includes/is integrated with the first
proximity detector (e.g., via a sign or procedure). In this
embodiment, proximity detector 300 also includes battery 370 and
sensor 380. Sensor 380 detects a battery level (e.g., by measuring
voltage at battery 370). Sensor 380 may report this battery level
to controller 310. If the battery level is below a desired value,
then controller 310 may generate a battery level warning via
speaker 350 and/or vibration generator 360. Proximity detector 300
may further include a button 390. Pressing button 390 may operate
the first proximity detector to issue a command to remotely halt
machines 140 that are within the same cell as the technician
150.
[0046] FIG. 3 further depicts an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU
395) which is capable of detecting acceleration indicative of
motions of the proximity detector 300. By integrating these
accelerations over a period of time (e.g., once per second, every
fraction of a second, at multiple kilohertz, etc.), movement of a
technician can be ascertained. This information may be utilized to
validate or complement location data determined via sensors 120.
For example, the IMU 395 may have a sampling rate that is
substantially higher than that of the sensors 120. Thus, IMU 395
may be utilized to detect rapid motions of the technicians in
between UWB pulses received/transmitted by the sensors 120. This
helps to accurately detect the position of a technician, even when
the technician moves quickly in between pulses of detection for
sensors 120.
[0047] In one embodiment, the IMU 395 provides positional updates
to controller 112, while in further embodiments, the IMU 395
receives information indicating a location of proximity detector
300 as well as a proximity detector of a machine. Controller 310
then internally updates its position based on input from the IMU
395 during lulls in which sensors 120 are not operated (e.g., for a
fraction of a second). If input from the IMU 395 indicates that the
proximity detector 300 has moved closer than a threshold distance
(e.g., D2 of FIGS. 4-6) during a lull, the controller 310 generates
a warning as discussed above in order to warn a technician wearing
the proximity detector 300.
[0048] In further embodiments, battery level information may be
reported to proximity reporting server 110. Each cell may be
associated with a predetermined battery level. This may be the
battery level desired in order to ensure that proximity detector
300 continues to operate while a technician performs inspections or
maintenance within that cell. Upon entry to the cell (e.g., as
determined based on a triangulated location of the proximity
detector 300), controller 112 may compare the current battery level
to that desired for the cell. Controller 112 may further direct the
proximity detector 300 to generate a warning if the battery level
is below the predetermined battery level when the technician
attempts to enter the cell. Proximity reporting server 110 may
further estimate a period of time during which a technician is
expected to remain in the cell 132 that they currently occupy, and
instruct proximity detector 300 to generate a battery level warning
if the battery level drops below a battery level expected at this
point in time during the inspection or maintenance process.
[0049] In still further embodiments, proximity reporting server 110
may determine that a proximity detector has not transmitted a
signal for longer than a predefined duration (e.g., one second, ten
seconds, thirty seconds, one minute, etc.). In response to this
determination, proximity reporting server 110 may transmit a halt
instruction to all machines located in the cell that the proximity
detector was last detected in. This ensures safety in the event of
an unexpected power loss to a proximity detector, and enables the
technician to safely exit the cell even in the event of total
battery loss or device failure.
[0050] Additional proximity detectors, such as those disposed at a
machine 140, may be equipped without vibration generators,
batteries, battery sensors, and/or speakers. Such proximity sensors
may be directly attached to a power source of the machine that they
are attached to, and may have controllers which directly
communicate with a controller of the machine 140 to which they are
mounted.
[0051] FIGS. 4-6 depict distances between proximity detectors in an
illustrative embodiment. Assume, for this embodiment, that
proximity detector 410 is located at a technician who is moving
within a cell. The technician is moving towards a proximity
detector 420 disposed at a first machine, and a proximity detector
430 disposed at a second machine as shown in FIG. 4. The machines
to which proximity detectors 420 and 430 are attached are also
moving, and in different directions. As the technician and the
machines move, the distance between proximity detector 410 and
proximity detectors 420 and 430 decreases, until proximity detector
420 is within a distance D2, as shown in FIG. 5. This causes the
proximity detector 410 to emit a warning. In FIG. 6, the technician
and machines have continued to move, bringing proximity detector
420 within a distance D1, and bringing proximity detector 430
within a distance D2. The warning continues to emanate from
proximity detector 410, and the machine to which proximity detector
420 is attached, is halted. Halting the machine may comprise
preventing the machine from moving, deactivating the machine,
causing the machine to move into a "safety" pose or other retracted
state, or having the machine actively move away from the
technician.
[0052] FIGS. 7-8 illustrate communications transmitted between
proximity detectors and a proximity reporting server in an
illustrative embodiment. FIG. 7 illustrates a communication 700 for
a signal transmitted by a proximity detector. The communication may
be packetized according to a well-known wireless protocol (e.g., in
accordance with an IEEE 802.11 protocol, in accordance with
Bluetooth, etc.) and received via sensors 120, or may otherwise be
modulated to carry information. According to FIG. 7, communication
700 includes a master ID indicating the machine or person to which
it is attached. Communication 700 also includes a device ID that
uniquely distinguishes the proximity detector from other proximity
detectors at the same person or machine. Communication 700 further
reports a battery level for the proximity detector that generated
the communication.
[0053] FIG. 8 depicts a communication 800 that may be provided to a
proximity detector by proximity reporting server 110. In this
embodiment, communication 800 comprises a notification.
Communication 800 includes an identifier for the device it is
directed to, an identifier for the proximity detector that it is
directed to, and an instruction provided to the proximity detector.
Example instructions may include a warning, an instruction to halt
operations, an instruction to resume operations, and others. For
example, a first notification (e.g., a notification directing the
first proximity detector to issue a warning) may be provided to a
proximity detector worn by a technician if a distance of a
proximity detector at a machine is less than a first threshold. a
second notification (e.g., a notification directing the second
proximity detector to halt or shut down a machine) may be provided
to the second proximity detector of the distance is less than a
second threshold which is smaller than the first threshold.
[0054] FIG. 9 depicts a system that selectively adjusts a sensing
heuristic to detect the presence of a technician at a factory floor
to account for the presence of obscuring parts at the factory floor
in an illustrative embodiment. In FIG. 9, a cell 910 includes a
technician 920. Prior to the entry of a wing 930 to the cell,
sensors 940 directly detect the presence of a proximity detector of
the technician. However, after the wing 930 has entered the cell,
the technician is no longer directly visible to all sensors from
all locations. That is, not all sensors have a direct line of sight
to the technician 920. Thus, the sensors 940 are operated in a mode
wherein one or more of the sensors indirectly detects the presence
of the technician via mirrors 942. Based on this detection scheme,
a distance (e.g., D of FIG. 1) of the technician 920 to a machine
950 is determined.
[0055] FIG. 10 depicts a bracket 1020 for inserting sensors 1028
into an interior 1004 of an obscuring object 1000 (e.g., a section
of fuselage) that is capable of being occupied by a technician 920
in an illustrative embodiment. Bracket 1020, and similar devices,
may be utilized in order to enable proximity detection of a
technician to machines, even while the technician is within an
interior of a part being worked upon. In FIG. 10, obscuring object
1000 includes an exterior 1002 that obstructs detection of a
technician (e.g., because it is opaque to wavelengths used for
detection) within an interior 1004. The obscuring object 1000 is
held by a cradle 1010, which includes a base 1014 and pillars 1012
that provide physical support. The base 1014 includes indexing
features 1016 (e.g., cups or cones) for precisely locating the
bracket 1020. Thus, when indexing features 1023 (e.g., cones or
cups) are placed into position at the indexing features 1016, a
position of the bracket 1020 with respect to the obscuring object
1000 is precisely known. Because a base 1022, tower 1024, and arm
1026 of the bracket 1020 are rigid, the position of sensors 1028
(e.g., UWB sensors) with respect to the obscuring object 1000 is
also known. This enables the sensors 1028, disposed at/under the
arm 1026 to be utilized to precisely track a technician within the
interior 1004, and to determine distances between the technician
and a machine 1030 that performs work on an interior of the
obscuring object 1000.
[0056] FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a further method 1100
for reporting proximity in an illustrative embodiment. Step 1102
includes inserting an arm of a bracket into an interior of a part
that is held by a cradle, and that is worked upon by a machine.
This means that each of the sensors 1028 disposed at the arm 1026
has a line of sight to the interior of the part. Step 1104 includes
placing indexing features at the bracket into contact with indexing
features of the cradle. This may comprise placing cones into cups.
In step 1106, sensors at the bracket are operated to directly
detect a location of a first proximity detector worn by a
technician and a location of the second proximity detector at the
machine. In one embodiment, operating the sensors comprises
receiving UWB signals from the proximity detectors. Step 1108
includes directing the first proximity detector to provide a
warning to the technician if a distance between the first proximity
detector and the second proximity detector is less than a
threshold. In one embodiment, this comprises initiating a
transmission from a proximity reporting server to a first proximity
detector at the technician (e.g., via sensors 1024-1028) if the
distanced is less than a first threshold. In response to this
transmission, the first proximity detector provides a warning to
the technician. If the distances is less than a second threshold
which is smaller than the first threshold, the proximity reporting
server initiates a transmission to the machine that halts the
machine.
[0057] Method 1100 provides a technical benefit over prior
techniques by enabling the proximity of a technician to a machine
to be tracked, even when the technician is hidden within an
interior of a part being worked upon.
EXAMPLES
[0058] In the following examples, additional processes, systems,
and methods are described in the context of proximity reporting
system.
[0059] FIG. 12 is a block diagram of a proximity reporting system
in an illustrative embodiment. As shown in FIG. 12, manufacturing
cell 1200 includes machine 1250. Machine 1250 is attached to base
1210, and includes controller 1252. Controller 1252 directs the
operations of actuators 1212, 1214, and 1216, in order to
reposition the rigid bodies 1220 and 1230 (e.g., in accordance with
a Numerical Control (NC) program). This also repositions the end
effector 1232. The combination of actuators 1212, 1214, and 1216,
and rigid bodies 1220 and 1230 (including end effector 1232) form
kinematic chain 1254.
[0060] Proximity detector 1290 is mounted to machine 1250, and is
coupled for communication with controller 1252. Proximity detector
1290 includes controller 1292, which generates signals for
processing by proximity reporting server 1280, and further includes
memory 1294. Signals are transmitted via primary transceiver 1296
and/or secondary transceiver 1298 in order to provide redundancy
and reduce the potential for the signal to be interfered with.
Signals transmitted from proximity detector 1290 are received at
sensors 1270.
[0061] Proximity server 1280 comprises memory 1282 and controller
1284. Memory 1282 stores data indicating a first threshold and a
second threshold that is smaller than the first threshold.
Controller 1284 determines whether an obscuring object is present
within a cell of an assembly environment, and 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 1284 determines
a distance between a first proximity detector and a 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.
[0062] Proximity detector 1260 is worn by a technician within
manufacturing cell 1200. Proximity detector 1260 includes
controller 1261, which generates signals, memory 1262, which stores
instructions for generating and interpreting signals. Proximity
detector 1260 further includes primary transceiver 1263 and
secondary transceiver 1264. Speaker 1265 and vibration generator
1266 are used to generate warnings for the technician, and battery
1267 provides mobile power. Sensor 1268 reports battery levels to
controller 1261 for interpretation. A reflector/mirror 1299 is also
depicted, which is selectively utilized when a sensing heuristic of
a sensor 1270 is altered to account for the presence of an
obscuring object.
[0063] Referring more particularly to the drawings, embodiments of
the disclosure may be described in the context of aircraft
manufacturing and service in method 1300 as shown in FIG. 13 and an
aircraft 1302 as shown in FIG. 14. During pre-production, method
1300 may include specification and design 1304 of the aircraft 1302
and material procurement 1306. During production, component and
subassembly manufacturing 1308 and system integration 1310 of the
aircraft 1302 takes place. Thereafter, the aircraft 1302 may go
through certification and delivery 1312 in order to be placed in
service 1314. While in service by a customer, the aircraft 1302 is
scheduled for routine work in maintenance and service 1316 (which
may also include modification, reconfiguration, refurbishment, and
so on). Apparatus and methods embodied herein may be employed
during any one or more suitable stages of the production and
service described in method 1300 (e.g., specification and design
1304, material procurement 1306, component and subassembly
manufacturing 1308, system integration 1310, certification and
delivery 1312, service 1314, maintenance and service 1316) and/or
any suitable component of aircraft 1302 (e.g., airframe 1318,
systems 1320, interior 1322, propulsion system 1324, electrical
system 1326, hydraulic system 1328, environmental 1330).
[0064] Each of the processes of method 1300 may be performed or
carried out by a system integrator, a third party, and/or an
operator (e.g., a customer). For the purposes of this description,
a system integrator may include without limitation any number of
aircraft manufacturers and major-system subcontractors; a third
party may include without limitation any number of vendors,
subcontractors, and suppliers; and an operator may be an airline,
leasing company, military entity, service organization, and so
on.
[0065] As shown in FIG. 14, the aircraft 1302 produced by method
1300 may include an airframe 1318 with a plurality of systems 1320
and an interior 1322. Examples of systems 1320 include one or more
of a propulsion system 1324, an electrical system 1326, a hydraulic
system 1328, and an environmental system 1330. Any number of other
systems may be included. Although an aerospace example is shown,
the principles of the invention may be applied to other industries,
such as the automotive industry.
[0066] As already mentioned above, apparatus and methods embodied
herein may be employed during any one or more of the stages of the
production and service described in method 1300. For example,
components or subassemblies corresponding to component and
subassembly manufacturing 1308 may be fabricated or manufactured in
a manner similar to components or subassemblies produced while the
aircraft 1302 is in service. Also, one or more apparatus
embodiments, method embodiments, or a combination thereof may be
utilized during the subassembly manufacturing 1308 and system
integration 1310, for example, by substantially expediting assembly
of or reducing the cost of an aircraft 1302. Similarly, one or more
of apparatus embodiments, method embodiments, or a combination
thereof may be utilized while the aircraft 1302 is in service, for
example and without limitation during the maintenance and service
1316. For example, the techniques and systems described herein may
be used for material procurement 1306, component and subassembly
manufacturing 1308, system integration 1310, service 1314, and/or
maintenance and service 1316, and/or may be used for airframe 1318
and/or interior 1322. These techniques and systems may even be
utilized for systems 1320, including, for example, propulsion
system 1324, electrical system 1326, hydraulic 1328, and/or
environmental system 1330.
[0067] In one embodiment, a part comprises a portion of airframe
1318, and is manufactured during component and subassembly
manufacturing 1308. The part may then be assembled into an aircraft
in system integration 1310, and then be utilized in service 1314
until wear renders the part unusable. Then, in maintenance and
service 1316, the part may be discarded and replaced with a newly
manufactured part. Inventive components and methods may be utilized
throughout component and subassembly manufacturing 1308 in order to
facilitate inspection and maintenance for systems that manufacture
new parts.
[0068] Any of the various control elements (e.g., electrical or
electronic components) shown in the figures or described herein may
be implemented as hardware, a processor implementing software, a
processor implementing firmware, or some combination of these. For
example, an element may be implemented as dedicated hardware.
Dedicated hardware elements may be referred to as "processors",
"controllers", or some similar terminology. When provided by a
processor, the functions may be provided by a single dedicated
processor, by a single shared processor, or by a plurality of
individual processors, some of which may be shared. Moreover,
explicit use of the term "processor" or "controller" should not be
construed to refer exclusively to hardware capable of executing
software, and may implicitly include, without limitation, digital
signal processor (DSP) hardware, a network processor, application
specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or other circuitry, field
programmable gate array (FPGA), read only memory (ROM) for storing
software, random access memory (RAM), non-volatile storage, logic,
or some other physical hardware component or module.
[0069] Also, a control element may be implemented as instructions
executable by a processor or a computer to perform the functions of
the element. Some examples of instructions are software, program
code, and firmware. The instructions are operational when executed
by the processor to direct the processor to perform the functions
of the element. The instructions may be stored on storage devices
that are readable by the processor. Some examples of the storage
devices are digital or solid-state memories, magnetic storage media
such as a magnetic disks and magnetic tapes, hard drives, or
optically readable digital data storage media.
[0070] Although specific embodiments are described herein, the
scope of the disclosure is not limited to those specific
embodiments. The scope of the disclosure is defined by the
following claims and any equivalents thereof
* * * * *