Device for Monitoring at Least One Three-Dimensional Safety Area

Simple SummaryContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

The invention describes a safety monitoring device for three-dimensional spaces, especially in environments where humans and machines work together. The system uses one or more projectors to define the safety zone by projecting modulated light patterns or lines onto the area. Cameras then capture images of this zone and a processing unit analyzes these images for any interruptions in the projected lines, indicating that a person or object has entered the safety area. The approach allows for dynamic, flexible, and easily reconfigurable safety zones without the need for complex image processing techniques.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Safety monitoring in industrial environments with collaborative robots (cobots) and workers.
• Dynamic protection zones around automated machinery or moving vehicles (e.g., AGVs in warehouses).
• Securing restricted or hazardous zones in factories, labs, or construction sites.
• Flexible crowd control or access control at public events or sensitive installations.
• Monitoring and delineating cleaning or maintenance zones in large automated facilities.
• Temporary safety zones during equipment changeovers, maintenance, or emergencies.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Highly flexible and easily adaptable safety zone definition (can be changed in real time without physical barriers).
• Reduced installation and maintenance effort compared to physical barriers or fixed sensors.
• No need for complex or resource-intensive image processing; enables real-time monitoring with simple algorithms.
• Can accommodate complex or non-standard shapes of safety areas, including nested and overlapping zones.
• Allows additional information (e.g., warnings, instructions, status messages) to be projected visually into the monitored area.
• Supports redundancy and coverage for difficult or large areas by combining multiple projectors and cameras.
• Improves safety by quickly detecting zone breaches and allowing immediate reactions, such as stopping machines.

Technical Classifications (CPCs)

Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

The invention relates to a device for monitoring at least one three-dimensional safety area, in particular a region in shared work areas of people and machines, comprising at least one capturing device that is pointed at the safety area and captures images of the safety area, and an analyzing device for analyzing the images that are captured by the capturing device in order to determine whether or not persons or objects have entered the safety area. At least one projector is arranged with respect to the safety area such that said projector projects lines or patterns as modulated light, said lines or patterns defining the safety area. The analyzing device analyzes the images for interruptions and/or changes of the projected lines.