METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR EVALUATING THE PATH OF AN OPERATOR ON A SHOP FLOOR

Abstract

Disclosed is a method for evaluating the path of an operator equipped with a connected device in an industrial manufacturing workshop. Also disclosed is a system allowing such a method to be implemented.

Claims

1.-10. (canceled)

11. A method for evaluating the path of an operator equipped with a magneto-inertial device in an industrial manufacturing workshop, the method comprising the following steps: recording measurements taken by at least one inertial and/or magnetic sensor installed in the magneto-inertial device transmitting the measurements to a remote server; computing, on the remote server, a path of the operator depending on the measurements; and adjusting the computed path.

12. The method according to claim 11, further comprising a step, prior to the transmitting step, of compressing data comprising the measurements.

13. The method according to claim 11, wherein the adjusting step comprises adjusting the computed path via radiofrequency terminals.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein the adjusting step comprises the following steps: during the recording step, recording identification information originating from radiofrequency terminals installed in the workshop; transmitting the identification information at the same time as the measurements; and modifying the computed path on the basis of location of the identified radiofrequency terminals.

15. The method according to claim 11, wherein the adjusting step comprises a cartographic adjusting step.

16. The method according to claim 11, wherein the adjusting step comprises, prior to a cartographic adjusting step, adjusting via radiofrequency terminals.

17. A system allowing a method according to claim 11 to be implemented, the system comprising: a connected magneto-inertial device comprising measuring means and radio means for transmitting the measurements; radiofrequency terminals installed in specific locations in the workshop; and a remote computational server comprising software means for computing paths from measurements and adjustments.

18. The system according to claim 17, wherein the connected magneto-inertial device comprises one or more selected from magnetic and inertial sensors, an on-board computational software package, a radio module for detecting signals output from the radiofrequency terminals, a power supply, a barometer and an altimeter.

19. The system according to claim 17, further comprising a database associating radiofrequency terminal identification information with terminal location.

20. The system according to claim 17, further comprising a remote application server equipped with means for displaying the computed paths.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0067] Other objectives and advantages of the invention will become clearly apparent from the following description of a preferred but non-limiting embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 1, which shows a system according to the invention, and in FIG. 2, which shows an example of a connected bracelet.

DESCRIPTION OF THE BEST EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

[0068] In one preferred embodiment, a system according to the invention is implemented in a workshop or a factory comprising a plurality of machines for assembling tyres.

[0069] With reference to FIG. 1, an example of logical architecture of a system allowing a method according to the invention to be implemented will now be described.

[0070] Three input elements are required to determine a position 8 of an operator in a workshop: [0071] A modelled map 1 of the workshop or factory, comprising [0072] the constraints (walls, machines, forbidden passages, etc.) [0073] the means of changing floors (position on each level, approximate relative height) [0074] A starting point 2 provided by the user. This point will comprise both the level, the 2D position and the direction of advance of the first metres. It will possibly also be delivered to the system en route, with a view to adjusting the latter if necessary. All of the adjustment points will be stored; they will possibly be used to divide the path into pieces with a view to applying a straightener in deferred time. [0075] Measurements obtained from connected devices 3 carried by one or more operators working on one of the machines, namely, vertical speedor positionon the one hand and horizontal speedor positionon the other hand. Attitude may also be uploaded if it is relevant, for example if the workshop is located on several levels.

[0076] An initializing step 4 (carried out at start-up, but also possibly at any time to reset the filter) will take as input the horizontal position, level and direction in which advancement begins, these inputs being provided by the user.

[0077] A filter 5 for detecting a change of floor will work, for each particle, with the means for changing floor that is closest to it from its position. As soon as the beginning of a change of floor is detected (which a priori will happen simultaneously in a large set of particles), the constraint is integrated into the weighting 6 of the particles.

[0078] Two elements will be incorporated to modify the weighting of the particles following the propagation: changes of floor and the walls: [0079] If a particle begins to change floors when it is not beside or on a means for changing floors (staircase, walkway, etc.), it means that there is little chance of it actually being at the location indicated thereby. [0080] The second element used for the weighting will be whether a wall or machines have been passed through, indicating that the particle is, again, not in the correct position.

[0081] Optionally, resampling 7 will also be used to match the number of particles used to the available computing power and to the time allocated to the processing.

[0082] FIG. 2 shows an example of a bracelet for a portable device advantageously implemented in the present invention. More precisely, FIG. 2 shows the two elements 10 and 20 of a bracelet, each element being shown from two different viewpoints.

[0083] The portable device has a touch-sensitive display screen (not shown in the figure) intended to display incoming alerts, and a bracelet allowing attachment to the wrist of an operator.

[0084] This bracelet has a secure clasp, which makes it possible to guarantee that the device is held in position in normal use, but which allows the wrist to be released should the bracelet become ensnared. Specifically, such a device is intended to be used near dangerous industrial machinery. It is therefore useful to make provision for the clasp to open when, for example, the bracelet is caught by an element of the industrial machine, in order to avoid injury to the operator wearing the bracelet.

[0085] To this end, the clasp comprises two parts, each of the parts being intended to be attached to one strap of the bracelet. Thus, each part comprises mechanical fastening means for connecting it to the corresponding bracelet strap, and magnetic joining means. The magnetic means for joining the first and second parts are intended to interact.

[0086] In the example shown in FIG. 2, the first part is intended to be inserted into an orifice in the first bracelet strap. This first strap contains a plurality of orifices 12 allowing the size of the bracelet to be changed. Thus, this first part comprises an axle having at a first end a ball 13 intended to be inserted into the orifice of the bracelet. The diameter of the ball is chosen so that it is possible to voluntarily insert the first part into an orifice of the bracelet, but so that it is impossible for it to become unintentionally removed. At the other end of the axle is a circular metal plate 14, comprising a stud 15 at its centre.

[0087] The second part also comprises a circular magnetic plate 24, at the centre of which is formed a circular recess 25 that is intended to receive the stud of the first part. The magnetic and metal character of the two plates allows the two parts to be fastened when they are in contact. The stud 15 and the recess 25 make it possible to avoid lateral sliding of one part relative to the other.

[0088] The magnetic plate is installed on a holder 22 comprising an axle intended to be inserted into an end having a preformed orifice. The shape of the holder is advantageously chosen so that it does not protrude, or only slightly, laterally from the bracelet after closing.

[0089] The characteristics of the plates of the first and second parts are chosen so as to allow a release when a substantial force is exerted on the bracelet. Preferably, the magnetic elements will be chosen so that they release when a lateral force comprised between 15 N and 40 N is exerted. By lateral force, what is meant is a force exerted in a direction substantially parallel to the length of the bracelet, and not a force exerted normal to the bracelet.