WIRELESS MONITORING/CONTROL

Abstract

Dual channel wireless communication system for monitoring and/or control of a machine (112), such as a press brake, by a remote interface device (10,12) that communicates data with a machine controller (18) over two channels CH1, CH2 in parallel. Also, a system and method to determine whether a remote interface device (10, 12) is within a range or zone of a machine (112) that the remote interface device wirelessly monitors and/or controls, uses an ultrasound transmitter-receiver arrangement (100, 102) and an electromagnetic (EM) transmitter-receiver arrangement (104, 106, 108, 110) to determine difference in ultrasound and EM time of flight and therefore whether or not the remote interface device is permitted to monitor and/or control the machine or is within range to monitor and/or control the machine.

Claims

1-36. (canceled)

37. A wireless remote communication system for use in monitoring and/or controlling a machine, the system including dual channel wireless communication between a remote interface device being remote from a machine and at least one communication module connected to the machine.

38. The system of claim 37, wherein the remote interface device includes at least two remote transmitters and at least two remote receivers, the at least two remote transmitters configured to transmit data in parallel to one another each to a respective one of the two receivers connected to the machine, the data for use in monitoring and/or controlling the machine, and the remote receivers arranged and configured to receive data from respective ones of two transmitters connected to the machine and transmitting data in parallel to one another.

39. The system of claim 38, wherein the remote interface device includes a first remote communicator having a first said remote transmitter and a first said remote receiver configured to communicate data wirelessly with a first communication module connected to the machine, and a second remote communicator having a second said remote transmitter and a second said remote receiver configured to exchange data wirelessly with a second communication module connected to the machine, the first and the second communicators arranged to transmit and/or receive data in parallel to one another to and from the respective first and second communication modules.

40. The system of claim 37, the remote interface device including an emergency stop control to wirelessly stop the machine when operated, and wherein the remote interface device complies with SIL 3 category safety control.

41. The system of claim 38, wherein the remote interface device includes or has connected thereto at least one foot operated switch/pedal as a control input device for controlling one or more operations of the machine via the remote interface device, with commands communicated wirelessly between the remote interface device and the receivers connected to the machine.

42. A method of determining whether a remote interface device is within a distance or zone associated with a machine that the remote interface device is configured to wirelessly monitor or control, whereby a difference in travel time between first and second signals sent to the remote interface device or from the remote interface device is used to determine that the remote interface device is within the range or zone permitted monitoring and/or control of the machine.

43. The method of claim 42, wherein the difference is compared to one or more threshold distance or zone values, or the difference is compared to one or more threshold distance and zone values.

44. The method of claim 43, wherein if the difference falls within the respective distance and/or zone value(s), the machine continues to be monitored or controlled by the remote interface device, or wherein, if the difference falls outside the respective distance and/or zone value(s), the machine is stopped or slowed or a user alert is provided.

45. The method of claim 42, wherein the first and second signals are electromagnetic or ultrasonic signals, or wherein the first and second signals are electromagnetic and ultrasonic signals.

46. The method of claim 42, including simultaneously sending an electromagnetic signal and an ultrasonic signal, and a reception time delay between the electromagnetic signal and the ultrasonic signal is used to determine a distance between the remote interface device and the machine.

47. The method of claim 42, including determining a return time of flight of an electromagnetic signal, determining a return time of flight of an ultrasonic signal, and calculating a difference between the return time of flight of the electromagnetic signal and the ultrasonic signal to determine a distance measure of the remote interface device from the machine.

48. The method of claim 46, wherein, if the distance measure is within a predetermined value, the remote interface device is deemed within range of the machine and operation of the machine can be maintained or if the distance measure is beyond a threshold value, the remote interface device is deemed outside of a range of operation and the machine either cannot be operated by the remote interface device or the machine stops.

49. The method of claim 42, wherein the remote interface device includes multiple ultrasonic receivers.

50. The method of claim 46, wherein a said electromagnetic signal and a said ultrasonic signal are transmitted simultaneously.

51. A system for use in determining whether a remote interface device is within required range or zone associated with a machine that the remote interface device is configured to wirelessly monitor and/or control, wherein at least one transmitter is configured to transmit a first signal and a second to or from the remote interface device, and a processing means determines travel time between the first and second signals and determines whether or not the remote interface device is permitted to monitor and/or control the machine or is within range to monitor and/or control the machine.

52. The system of claim 51, wherein the processing means is configured to determine a difference in travel time between the first and the second signals to determine proximity and/or distance measurement of the remote interface device relative to the machine.

53. The system of claim 51, the at least one transmitter including at least one directional said transmitter including one or more ultrasonic transmitters, and the system includes one or more respective receivers to receive the respective transmitted signals, wherein the one or more receivers includes one or more ultrasonic signal receivers.

54. The system of claim 53, wherein at least one respective receiver is configured to receive the first and second signals with a time delay/difference therebetween, and wherein the processing means determines a distance between the remote interface device and the machine based on the time delay/difference.

55. The system of claim 51, including at least one slave module on the machine or nearby the machine to communicate with the remote interface device.

56. The system of claim 51, wherein the remote interface device includes a foot switch/pedal and/or a stop control to stop, when operated, one or more operations of the machine.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0083] One or more embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter be described with reference to the accompanying Figures, in which:

[0084] FIG. 1 shows, for ease of understanding, a simplified diagrammatic representation of a wireless control arrangement for a remote interface device (RCD) (such as a foot pedal and/or emergency stop switch or other control device) to interface wirelessly with a machine safety controller MSC for control of a machine (such as a press brake, robotic arm, plasma cutter etc.)

[0085] FIG. 2 shows further detail of an arrangement for a system and methodology for wirelessly controlling a machine over two parallel data communication channels, and having distance measurement functionality, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0086] FIG. 3 shows further detail of an arrangement for a system and methodology for wirelessly controlling a machine over two parallel data communication channels, and having distance measurement functionality, according to another embodiment of the present invention

[0087] FIG. 4 shows a protocol timeline for data communication and distance measurement for a remote interface device for use in controlling a machine.

[0088] FIG. 5 shows a diagrammatic representation of signal transmission between ultrasonic transmitter and receiver, and between an RF transmitter and RF receiver, for use in determining proximity/distance of a device form a machine.

[0089] FIG. 6 shows a proximity/distance determining system/method for a wireless remote user interface relative to a machine, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0090] As shown by way of example in FIG. 1, a user interface 10, such as a remote monitoring/control device (RCD) 12 includes a control input device/interface, such as a foot switch/pedal, switch (such as an emergency stop button), touchscreen, or combinations of two or more thereof.

[0091] The RCD communicates with a wireless remote module (WRM) 14 connected to the RCD. The WRM can be incorporated with the RCD or can be a connectable/plug-in device. Communication 13 can be wired or wireless.

[0092] The RCD and WRM can communicate periodically e.g. every 10 ms to check that functions of the RCD and/or WRM are operational and as expected within parameters.

[0093] A failure of a control device, such as an emergency stop button, can initiate communication between the WRM and a machine module (MM) 16 or create a loss of communication, such that the MM relays to the machine safety controller (MSC) 18 to cease operation of the machine.

[0094] The WRM communicates 15 wirelessly with the machine module (MM) via two communication channels operating in parallel to one another.

[0095] The MM can be hard wired to communicate 17 to the machine safety controller (MSC), such as is incorporated in a machine as part of a control system for the machine. The machine can be, for example, a press brake, plasma cutter, robotic arm (such as a robotic welder), lathe or mill. The MM can communicate over two hard wired connections, or a single connection such as over Ethernet connections, to the MSC.

[0096] The MM may be an add-on (retrofit) module to the machine or can be incorporated with the machine as part of the OEM control system.

[0097] Preferably the WRM combines data to packets and sends the data packets to the MM.

[0098] The MM may ‘listen’ for receipt of data packets from the WRM and confirms receipt back to the WRM when received.

[0099] At the machine side, data received by the MM can be combined into standard data protocol information, such as standard Ethernet Powerlink information, and be communicated to the machine safety controller (MSC).

[0100] Preferably the data can be provided from the MM to the MSC in a protocol, such as the Ethernet Powerlink protocol, so typical safety PLCs can check the received data in a safe manner.

[0101] FIG. 2 shows detail of a system and/or protocol according to at least one embodiment of the present invention.

[0102] The machine module (MM) includes two channel 20, 22 (channel 1—CH1 and channel 2—CH2) transmitter and receiver capability such that data is communicated between the WRM and the MM over two parallel channels.

[0103] The WRM includes two corresponding channels 24, 26 (CH1 and CH2) for corresponding communication with CH1 and CH2 of the MM.

[0104] Preferably data communication for control commands is transmitted by radiofrequency (RF) communication, preferably in the 2.4 GHz range.

[0105] The remote interface device (RCD) 12 and the wireless remote module (WRM) 14 can be incorporated into a single device, such as a freestanding remote controller. The RCD can include or be operatively connected to one or more foot pedals 32 and/or control buttons and/or touchscreen controls 34, 36, 38 for commanding or confirming operation functions for the machine.

[0106] The RCD may include a display screen 28. Battery power may be provided by an on-board battery 30, which may be charged/recharged by a solar panel provided on the RCD.

[0107] One or more ultrasound transmitters 44 may be provided on or adjacent the machine. The MM may include or be connected to one or more ultrasound transmitters 44 (distance module). The RCD 12 or WRM 14 may include or be connected to one or more ultrasound receivers 46 (distance module).

[0108] The remote interface device (RCD) 12 may include at least one input/output 40 for a control device to connect thereto, such as by the at least one control device plugging into a respective I/O socket of the RCD. The control device may include the emergency stop control/button 34, a foot pedal 32, and error reset control/button 36, machine controls (up, down, retract, do to standby etc.) 38, or two or more thereof.

[0109] The machine module (MM) 16 and the wireless remote module (WRM) 14 may be connected through an expansion/auxiliary connection 42a, 42b that can provide further functionality. For example, if sonic proximity/distance measurement and/or electromagnetic (e.g. RF) data communication is possibly compromised or not functioning, such as by loud or certain frequency background noises affecting sonic communication, the expansion/auxiliary connection can act as a bypass between the wireless user interface and the machine controller (MSC).

[0110] Likewise, the MSC 18 and the MM 16 may be connected through an expansion/auxiliary connection 43a, 43b that can provide further functionality.

[0111] The wireless remote module (WRM) 14 can include a processor, such as a CPU, for each channel of communication (CH1, CH2). Likewise, the machine module (MM) can include a processor for each channel (CH1, CH2).

[0112] Preferably each processor will have a unique Media Access Control address (MAC address). That is, 4× MAC addresses altogether: 2× for the WRM and 2× for the MM.

[0113] MAC addresses can be paired (1×WRM+1×MM paired to communicate with each other, and 1× other WRM+1× other MM MAC addresses paired to communicate with each other), which can help to avoid data/communication conflicts with other devices within range.

[0114] The present invention preferably utilises radio-frequency (RF) technology for low power consumption/power saving. RF products allow for rapid communication with low use of power. The WRM can therefore be standalone without hardwiring to an electrical source for power.

[0115] Preferably, according to one or more embodiments of the present invention, a data packet transmitted electromagnetically includes the following contents: Preamble; Address; ID (Identification Packet Number); Data; CRC (Check). A data packet can be about 10 bytes long (80 bits) and may take 60 μs to transmit and a data packet may be transmitted periodically (at regular intervals or at random intervals depending on the set-up), such as every 10 ms

[0116] The RCD/WRM 12, 14 can operate on solar 48 and/or plug in battery chargers 50 e.g. low voltage transformers, similar to those used by mobile telephones.

[0117] For distance/proximity detection and/or measurement, the MM 16 sends an RF signal 21, 23 to the WRM 14 at the same time as sending an ultrasonic signal 25 to the WRM 14. Because of the faster speed of travel of the RF signal compared to the ultrasonic signal, the RF signal is received first.

[0118] The time delay between receiving the RF 21, 23 and ultrasonic 25 signals is used to determine the distance that the WRM 14 (and therefore the RCD 12) is from the MM 16 (and therefore from the machine). The distance can be calculated as approximately 0.3 metres (0.3m) for every 1 millisecond (1 ms) of delay or ˜0.3m/ms.

[0119] Multiple ultrasonic transmitters may be provided on or near the machine to give a zone of protection. The WRM and/or RCD can include multiple ultrasonic receivers to accommodate the WRM/RCD being at various angles with respect to the machine.

[0120] Preferably, at a period time count (such as at 100 ms intervals), with an RF packet ID, one ultrasonic transmitter outputs a series of pulses which are received by one or more of the ultrasonic receivers at the RCD/WRM that are ‘listening simultaneously’.

[0121] Preferably, the ultrasonic receiver(s) starts listening only when the RF packet with the correct ID is received.

[0122] The ultrasonic receiver first to receive a correct signal above a threshold stops the time count. The time count is preferably used in determining proximity/distance measurement. The timer recommences on the next proximity/distance measurement.

[0123] Time between proximity/distance measurement checks can be between 5 ms and 1 day, preferably between 5 ms and 10 hours, more preferably between 10 ms and 10 hours, yet more preferably between 10 ms and 1 hour, and even yet more preferably between 10 ms and 100 ms. The time between proximity/distance measurement checks can be a random/randomised period.

[0124] FIG. 3 shows further detail of an arrangement of the system and function applicable to a machine having a machine safety controller (MSC) 18.

[0125] Preferably, data can be provided from the MM 16 to the MSC 18 in a protocol, such as the Ethernet Powerlink protocol, so typical safety programmable logic controllers (PLCs) can check the received data in a safe manner.

[0126] Communication between the machine module (MM) 16 and the machine safety controller (MSC) 18 can be by safety hard-wired protocol. For example, between respective universal asynchronous receiver-transmitter (UART) devices or similar proprietary devices for use with specific MSCs, for asynchronous serial communication in which the data format and transmission speeds are configurable. Such communication can be provided over cables, such as over Ethernet cables.

[0127] An embodiment of an operation/protocol in use of the present invention is shown by way of example in FIGS. 4 to 6.

[0128] To avoid conflict between multiple machines each having a remote wireless user interface, the distance/proximity check for one machine-wireless user interface can be compared with one or more previous distance/proximity checks for the same machine-wireless user interface. This can ensure that the wireless user interface is within expected/required bounds/distance limit(s).

[0129] Every 10 ms the WRM 14 sends an RF packet to with an ID to the MM 16. The ID number is preferably incremented periodically, such as every 10 ms.

[0130] The WRM 14 uses one or more RF transmitters/transceivers 104, 106 to send via CH1 and CH2 (i.e. different channels and addresses) the RF packet of data with the same ID number one after the other i.e. sends the packet of data time separated over the two channels CH1 and CH2.

[0131] The MM 16 replies via at least one transmitter/transceiver 108, 110 with an acknowledgement packet with the same ID back to the WRM 14.

[0132] CH1 on the WRM 14 sends an RF packet e.g. with an ID (say, 10).

[0133] CH1 on the MM 16 acknowledges the RF received with the ID (e.g. 10) and MM simultaneously sends an ultrasonic pulse from at least one ultrasonic transmitter 102.

[0134] CH1 on the WRM 14 receives the RF packet acknowledgement and commences the ultrasonic receivers 100 and preferably pulse detection programming/software on the WRM 14.

[0135] A timer 112 commences on the WRM 14. The ultrasonic receivers 100 simultaneously or consecutively monitor for the incoming ultrasonic signal from the ultrasonic transmitter(s) 102. When one of the ultrasonic receivers 100 detects an ultrasonic signal, the time count is stopped. The time taken for the ultrasonic signal to be transmitted and received is converted to a distance (e.g. ‘d’) and saved.

[0136] CH1 of the WRM 14 sends an RF packet, e.g. with an ID (say, 20). CH1 on the MM 16 acknowledges the RF ID (e.g. 20) and waits a period of time, such as 3 ms, and then sends an ultrasonic pulse from the first ultrasonic transmitter 102.

[0137] CH1 on the WRM 14 receives the RF packet acknowledgement. The WRM 14 commences the ultrasonic receivers 100 and pulse detection software. A timer is also commenced. The ultrasonic receivers 100 simultaneously or consecutively monitor for the incoming ultrasonic signal. When one of the ultrasonic receivers 100 detects the incoming ultrasonic pulse, the timer is stopped and the time taken for the ultrasonic signal to be sent and received is calculated. The time of travel has the 3 ms deducted and is converted to distance and saved.

[0138] CH2 of the WRM 14 sends an RF packet, e.g. with an ID (say, 30). CH2 on the MM 16 acknowledges the RF ID (e.g. 30) and simultaneously sends an ultrasonic pulse from the first ultrasonic transmitter.

[0139] CH2 on the WRM 14 receives the RF packet acknowledgement and commences the ultrasonic receivers and preferably pulse detection programming/software on the WRM 14.

[0140] A timer commences on the WRM 14. The ultrasonic receivers 100 simultaneously or consecutively monitor for the incoming ultrasonic signal from the ultrasonic transmitter(s) 102. When one of the ultrasonic receivers 100 detects an ultrasonic signal, the time count is stopped. The time taken for the ultrasonic signal to be transmitted and received is converted to a distance and saved.

[0141] CH2 of the WRM 14 sends an RF packet, e.g. with an ID (say, 40). CH2 on the MM 16 acknowledges the RF ID (e.g. 40) and waits a period of time, such as 3 ms, and then sends an ultrasonic pulse from the first ultrasonic transmitter.

[0142] CH1 on the WRM 14 receives the RF packet acknowledgement.

[0143] The WRM 14 commences the ultrasonic receivers 100 and pulse detection software. A timer is also commenced.

[0144] The ultrasonic receivers 100 simultaneously or consecutively monitor for the incoming ultrasonic signal.

[0145] When one of the ultrasonic receivers 100 detects the incoming ultrasonic pulse, the timer is stopped and the time taken for the ultrasonic signal to be sent and received is calculated.

[0146] The time travel tine has the 3 ms deducted and is converted to distance and saved.

[0147] The aforementioned steps of transmitting the RF ID (e.g. 10 and 20) over CH1, and RF ID (e.g. 30 and 40) over CH2, and transmission, receiving and measuring the distance are repeated for each additional ultrasonic transmitter 102 associated with the MM 16, and then the cycle commences again.

[0148] When a cycle has progressed once through all of the ultrasonic transmitters 102 provided, at least one, preferably all, of the distances between the respective transmitter and receiver at the RCM are used to determine the distance of the RCD 12 from the machine 112 or MM 16 or whether the RCD 12 is within a required or safe proximity to the machine 112.

[0149] The distance value for at least one of the ultrasonic transmitter-receiver pairs on both CH1 and CH2 must be below a threshold value and the delay time must be within a range of allowed parameters. The controls provided at the RCD are then allowed to be active and the machine respond to the controls.

[0150] As shown in FIG. 5, an ultrasonic transmitter 102 (US TX) sends an ultrasonic signal to be received by an ultrasonic receiver 100 (US RX). For this example, the time between sending and receiving is 3 ms. However, it will be appreciated that greater or smaller distances can result in a longer or shorter time of flight between transmission and reception. It will be appreciated that the US TXs may be provided on the RCD and the US RXs on the machine.

[0151] As stated previously, the distance (d) between the ultrasonic transmitter 102 and the ultrasonic receiver 100 can be calculated as approximately 0.3 metres (0.3m) for every 1 millisecond (1 ms) of delay or ˜0.3m/ms. Therefore, for a 3 ms delay, the distance between the ultrasonic transmitter (US TX) and receiver (US RX) would be ˜1m, which would represent the distance between the machine 112 and the remote user interface 10, 12.

[0152] FIG. 5 also shows an electromagnetic (RF) transmitter-receiver arrangement 104, 106, 108, 110. The effective travel time for a signal is Oms for the distance (d) involved (˜1 ms as above). It will be appreciated that, for practical distances between a remote user interface 10, 12 and the machine 112, the effective travel time for the electromagnetic (EM) signal is Oms.

[0153] FIG. 6 shows an arrangement, by way of example, of a proximity/distance determining system and method for use in detecting whether a remote user interface/remote control device 10, 12 (three shown in different positions, A, B, C) is within an expected/required zone or within a distance threshold/limit relative to a machine, such as a press, press brake, lathe, industrial robot etc. The positions A, B C represent alternative positions of where the remote user interface might be within the coverage zone(s).

[0154] Ultrasonic transmitters 102 US TX are spaced on the machine 112. An ultrasonic signal from one of them is received by one of the ultrasonic receivers 100 US RX on the remote user interface, A, B or C.

[0155] An electromagnetic (EM) signal (RF) is sent from the machine module (MM 16) transmitter 108, 110) at the same time as the ultrasonic signal(s) is/are sent.

[0156] The time difference between reception of the electromagnetic (EM) signal and the ultrasonic signal is used to determine whether the remote user interface (RCD) is within an expected or required distance or zone from the machine 112. If the calculated distance falls outside of the expected distance/zone, an alert can be sent and/or operation of the machine stopped for safety.