Systems, methods, and apparatus for a detector and reflector for automation cell safety and identification are disclosed. In one or more embodiments, a method for machinery safety comprises transmitting, by an active transponder, at least one interrogation signal. The method further comprises receiving, by at least one passive transponder located on a user or on an item, the interrogation signal(s). Also, the method comprises generating, by a non-linear device of the passive transponder(s) in response to the interrogation signal(s), at least one response signal. In addition, the method comprises receiving, by the active transponder, the response signal(s). Additionally, the method comprises determining, by at least one processor, a location of the passive transponder(s) based on the response signal(s). Further, the method comprises determining, by the processor(s), whether the passive transponder(s) is located within a threshold distance away from machinery by using the location of the passive transponder(s).

The present disclosure relates to a method for starting up or servicing a field device: reading unique identification information assigned to the field device via a static code by means of a reading and/or operating tool; optically reading diagnostic information stored in the field device and which relates to at least one current and/or past event assigned to the field device, via a dynamic code generated by the field device by means of the reading and/or operating tool; transmitting the identification and diagnostic information from the reading and/or operating tool to a cloud-based service platform, transmitting device and/or application-specific information for remedying the event characterized by the diagnostic information from the cloud-based service platform to the reading and/or operating tool, and eliminating the event or effects of the event using the transmitted device-specific and/or application-specific information.

Systems, methods, and apparatus for a detector and reflector for automation cell safety and identification are disclosed. In one or more embodiments, a method for machinery safety comprises transmitting, by an active transponder, at least one interrogation signal. The method further comprises receiving, by at least one passive transponder located on a user or on an item, the interrogation signal(s). Also, the method comprises generating, by a non-linear device of the passive transponder(s) in response to the interrogation signal(s), at least one response signal. In addition, the method comprises receiving, by the active transponder, the response signal(s). Additionally, the method comprises determining, by at least one processor, a location of the passive transponder(s) based on the response signal(s). Further, the method comprises determining, by the processor(s), whether the passive transponder(s) is located within a threshold distance away from machinery by using the location of the passive transponder(s).

A method for detecting the presence of an object in a zone by means of a wireless detector located proximal to the zone, the wireless detector comprising an orientation sensor for sensing the spatial attitude of the detector, the method comprising: defining a solid angle relative to a first spatial reference plane, the solid angle being defined such that at least part of the zone is within that solid angle when the solid angle is projected from the location of the detector; detecting by means of the detector a wireless signal from the object, and thereby estimating the direction of the object from the detector with reference to a second spatial reference plane fixed relative to the detector; sensing by means of the orientation sensor the spatial attitude of the detector; and comparing the solid angle and the estimated direction in dependence on the sensed spatial attitude so as to determine whether the object is present in the zone.

One aspect related to design of systems and methods for manufacturing products that include technology in skilled areas is configuring a production station for use by an operator without specialized skills. The present invention contemplates an approach to designing a station configurable to perform one or more of incoming inspection, assembly, testing, and branding. A preferred approach includes verifying data associated with units prior to accepting them for incorporation, preventing incorporation of an incorrect unit, and guiding an operator in possible remedial action. This approach includes storing data in a server and making such data substantially instantly accessible to production stations once written in the server. Such data preferably includes software to configure the production station such that the operator need not have specialized skills. A production station designed using this approach is particularly useful in the manufacture of an outdoor unit of a split-mount microwave radio system.

The present disclosure relates to a method for starting up or servicing a field device: reading unique identification information assigned to the field device via a static code by means of a reading and/or operating tool; optically reading diagnostic information stored in the field device and which relates to at least one current and/or past event assigned to the field device, via a dynamic code generated by the field device by means of the reading and/or operating tool; transmitting the identification and diagnostic information from the reading and/or operating tool to a cloud-based service platform, transmitting device and/or application-specific information for remedying the event characterized by the diagnostic information from the cloud-based service platform to the reading and/or operating tool, and eliminating the event or effects of the event using the transmitted device-specific and/or application-specific information.

A system and method for securely storing and retrieving prescriptions. The system may include storage containers into which the prescriptions may be placed, a storage matrix with an outer housing and compartments for the storage containers, a transport system, scanners, and a control system. The transport system within the outer housing may selectively move the storage containers attached to the attachment device to locations or coordinates of any of the compartments. The control system may command the transport system to relocate any of the storage containers from one of the compartments to another of the compartments and may track locations of the prescriptions based on information from the scanners or other sensors for later retrieval by authorized user.

A method for detecting the presence of an object in a zone by means of a wireless detector located proximal to the zone, the wireless detector comprising an orientation sensor for sensing the spatial attitude of the detector, the method comprising: defining a solid angle relative to a first spatial reference plane, the solid angle being defined such that at least part of the zone is within that solid angle when the solid angle is projected from the location of the detector; detecting by means of the detector a wireless signal from the object, and thereby estimating the direction of the object from the detector with reference to a second spatial reference plane fixed relative to the detector; sensing by means of the orientation sensor the spatial attitude of the detector; and comparing the solid angle and the estimated direction in dependence on the sensed spatial attitude so as to determine whether the object is present in the zone.

A system and method for securely storing and retrieving prescriptions. The system may include storage containers into which the prescriptions may be placed, a storage matrix with an outer housing and compartments for the storage containers, a transport system, scanners, and a control system. The transport system within the outer housing may selectively move the storage containers attached to the attachment device to locations or coordinates of any of the compartments. The control system may command the transport system to relocate any of the storage containers from one of the compartments to another of the compartments and may track locations of the prescriptions based on information from the scanners or other sensors for later retrieval by authorized user.

A production machine for manufacturing or further processing of a product using various types of production means includes at least two spaced-apart production means holders. Each holder is configured to receive a specific type of production means. A respective production means being one of a plurality of production means of the specific type. An RFID reader is arranged or configured between the production means holders so as to receive a response signal from an RFID transponder attached to the production means. The RFID reader being configured or arranged such that the response signal is received with a different amplitude depending on which of the production means holders the production means is arranged.