WO2012177751A1

WO2012177751A1 - Method and apparatus for controlling equipment activation

Info

Publication number: WO2012177751A1
Application number: PCT/US2012/043336
Authority: WO
Inventors: Dave Narasimhan; Jamie Ashworth; Michael Sean Zedalis; David Jay Smith
Original assignee: Ansell Limited
Priority date: 2011-06-21
Filing date: 2012-06-20
Publication date: 2012-12-27

Abstract

A method and apparatus for controlling equipment activation. The method and apparatus for controlling equipment activation includes an activator tag attached to an operator, and an actuation controller, communicatively coupled to the activator tag, for generating an equipment activation signal when the activator tag is proximate a sensor coupled to the actuation controller.

Description

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING EQUIPMENT ACTIVATION

BACKGROUND

Field of the Invention

[0001 ] Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to equipment control systems and, more particularly, to a method and apparatus for controlling equipment activation.

Description of the Related Art

[0002] Industrial and household machinery and tools can be dangerous to use. For example, forklifts, presses, mills, lawnmowers, weedwhackers, snowblowers, saws, drills, and the like, if used improperly, can be dangerous. Generally such machinery and tools have safety features to mitigate the risk of use, although significant risks remain, particularly when the safety features malfunction. Furthermore, some safety features can be purposely defeated, e.g., physically removing guards, borrowing or stealing keys and passwords, disabling kill switches, and the like. Further still, the unauthorized use of machinery and tools by untrained individuals may lead to injury. Therefore, some attempts have been made to create systems addressing these safety concerns.

[0003] One such safety system for a dangerous machine provides a sensor and a sensing coil for detecting the proximity of the sensor near a dangerous portion of the machine. Specifically, the machine operator wears a wristband having a sensor attached thereto. If the machine operator wearing the sensor comes in close proximity to the dangerous area on the machine, the sensing coil detects the presence of the sensor and sends a control signal to a control circuit, which ceases operation of the machine. To provide the intended safety function, the system relies upon the operator wearing the sensor. If the sensor is not worn, the machine will not be deactivated when the user dangerously interacts with the machine. In other words, the machine will operate if the sensor is not worn. Furthermore, if the operator wearing the sensor leaves the machine, the machine continues to operate and the machine could injure others. Thus, this safety system provides safety to the operator only in certain situations and provides no safety for a non-operator. [0004] Therefore, there is a need in the art for an improved method and apparatus for controlling equipment activation.

SUMMARY

[0005] Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a method and apparatus for controlling equipment activation. The method and apparatus for controlling equipment activation includes an activator tag attached to an operator, and an actuation controller, communicatively coupled to the activator tag, for generating an equipment activation signal when the activator tag is proximate to a sensor coupled to the actuation controller.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] So that the manner in which the above recited features of the present invention can be understood in detail, a more particular description of the invention, briefly summarized above, may be had by reference to embodiments of the invention, some of which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is to be noted, however, that the detailed description and appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of scope. And, embodiments described herein are not to be considered an exhaustive treatment of all embodiments as the scope of the invention admits to additional equally effective embodiments.

[0007] Figure 1 depicts a functional block diagram of an apparatus for controlling equipment activation in accordance with embodiments of the invention;

[0008] Figure 2 depicts a flow diagram of a method of operation of the apparatus in Figure 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; and

[0009] Figure 3 depicts an illustration of an application of the apparatus of Figure 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0010] Embodiments of the invention disclosed herein comprise an actuation controller that is communicatively coupled to an actuator tag such that the actuation controller generates an equipment actuation signal when the actuator tag is proximate a sensor of the actuation controller. The combination of an actuator tag and an actuation controller forms an apparatus that can be used to control equipment activation. In this manner, equipment, such as a tool, is inoperable until an operator provides the actuator tag proximate the actuation controller. In one particular embodiment, the actuator tag is embedded in a safety glove and the actuation controller is integrated into a tool, e.g., a drill. As such, the tool will not function unless the operator is wearing the appropriate safety glove.

[0011 ] Figure 1 depicts a functional block diagram of the apparatus 100 of one embodiment of the present invention. Apparatus 100 comprises an actuation controller 102, actuator tag 1 10 and a controlled device 108. The controlled device 108 can represent various equipment, the activation of which is controlled by the actuation controller 102. The actuation controller 102 comprises a control module 104 and an actuation module 106. The control module 104 comprises a controller 1 14, a sensor interface 1 16, a sensor 1 12, and a memory 1 18. The controller 1 14 may comprise one or more processors or microcontrollers. The controller 1 14 operates as a general-purpose computer until programmed by software within the memory 1 18. Once programmed the controller operates as a specific purpose computer. The memory 1 18 may be built into the controller 1 14 in the form of an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or other controller integrated circuit having onboard memory.

[0012] The memory 1 18 stores control software 122 that when executed causes the controller 1 14 to perform a particular method for controlling equipment activation. One embodiment of the invention, utilizes an identification code database 120 to identify authorized activator tags 1 10 prior to activating the controlled device 108. The database 120 is stored in memory 1 18. One embodiment of a method of operation for the apparatus 120 when executing control software 122 is described with reference to Figure 2 below.

[0013] The controller 1 14 is coupled to the sensor interface 1 16, which is in turn coupled to a sensor 1 12. The nature of the sensor interface 1 16 and its associated sensor 1 12 varies depending on the application for the apparatus 100. For example, when the activator tag 1 10 is a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag, the sensor interface 1 16 is a radio frequency transceiver and the sensor 1 12 is an antenna. In some embodiments, the sensor 1 12, the sensor interface 1 16, controller 1 14 and memory 1 18, may be an integrated, commercially available RFID reader. In other embodiments, the activator tag 1 10 may be a magnetic device, the sensor 1 12 a conductive coil, and the sensor interface 1 16 a magnetic field detector. For other forms of activator tag 1 10, the sensor interface 1 16 and sensor 1 12 are adapted to interact with the specific form of activator tag 1 10. Those skilled in the art are capable of making such adaptation.

[0014] In operation, upon the activator tag 1 10 being detected by the sensor interface 1 16, a signal is coupled to the controller 1 14. For certain types of tags 1 10, the tag couples an identification code to the controller 1 14. The controller 1 14, through execution of the control software 122, produces an actuation signal upon detecting the activator tag 1 10 being proximate the sensor 1 12. In other embodiments, the controller 1 14 may access the identification code database 122 to validate the actuator tag 1 10 using the identification code supplied by the activator tag 1 10.

[0015] The actuation signal is coupled from the controller 1 14 within the control module 104 to the actuation module 106. The actuation module 106 comprises a power supply 126 and an actuator 124. The actuation signal is coupled to the actuator 124. The actuator 124 may be a relay including, but not limited to, low signal relays, MOSFET relays, power relays, low current activation relays, solid state relays, reed switches, input/output modules, and signal relays. In other embodiments, the actuator 124 is a solid-state device such as a transistor, silicon controlled rectifier, combinations thereof, and the like. The power supply 126 is any form of power that is used for powering the control device 108 including, but not limited to, a DC power supply, an AC power supply, a battery, capacitive power storage, magnetic power storage, and the like. Upon receiving the actuation signal from the control module 104, the actuator 124 couples power from the power supply 126 to the controlled device 108. In response to the application of power, the control device 108 is activated. In this manner, the proximity of the activator tag 1 10 to the sensor 1 12 activates the controlled device 108. Removal of the activator tag 1 10 from the proximity of the sensor 1 12 causes deactivation of the controlled device 108.

[0016] In one embodiment of the invention, the controlled device 108 is a power tool as described with reference to Figure 3 below. In other embodiments, the controlled device 108 may be any device where control of an electrical signal facilitates activation and deactivation of the device. For example, control devices include, but are not limited to, household and industrial equipment, such as forklifts, presses, mills, lawnmowers, weedwhackers, snowblowers, saws, drills, and the like.

[0017] Figure 2 depicts a flow diagram of a method 200 of operation of the apparatus 100 described with reference to Figure 1 in accordance with at least one embodiment of the invention. The method 200 begins at step 202 and proceeds to step 204. At step 204, the method 200 receives a signal via the sensor. In one embodiment, this signal may be received in response to a transmission from a transceiver such as is used when the actuator tag is an RFID tag. In other embodiments, the signal may be passively received such as occurs when the actuator tag is a magnetic tag.

[0018] In step 206, method 200 queries whether the received signal is appropriate for an actuator tag. If the signal is not an actuator tag signal, the query at step 206 is negatively answered and the method 200 proceeds to step 214. If the signal is deemed to be an actuator tag signal, the method proceeds from step 206 to optional step 208.

[0019] If the apparatus is designed to utilize identification codes for the actuator tags, at step 208, the method reads the identification code embedded in the signal from the actuator tag. At step 210, the identification code from the actuator tag is compared to identification codes within an identification code database. If a matching code is not found in the database, the method 200 proceeds to step 214. If a matching code is found, the method 200 terms the actuator tag a valid tag and proceeds to step 212. [0020] At step 212, the method 200 generates an actuation signal to activate the actuator. As such, the controlled device will be activated. If the controlled device is currently activated, the method 200 maintains the activation in view of the valid actuator tag remaining proximate the sensor. If identification codes are not used, the presence of an appropriate activator tag causes the method 200 to proceed from step 206 directly to step 212. The method 200, then returns to step 204 to await reception of an actuator tag signal. Typically, the method 200 repeats on a periodic basis to periodically sense for an actuator tag.

[0021 ] If the tag is not sensed at step 206 or a valid tag is not sensed at step 210, the method 200 proceeds to step 214. At step 214 the method 200 queries whether the actuation signal is active (i.e., is the controlled device currently operating). If the actuation signal is not active, method 200 returns to step 204 to await an actuator tag signal. If the query at step 214 is affirmatively answered, the method 200 proceeds to step 216 where the actuation signal is deactivated. Step 216 is invoked when the actuator tag signal was detected previously, but now is not being detected. As such, embodiments of the invention can be used to both ensure an equipment operator has an appropriate actuator tag to operate the equipment as well as ensure that, when the operator leaves the equipment, the equipment is deactivated and cannot be utilized by unauthorized users.

[0022] Figure 3 depicts an illustration of the apparatus of Figure 1 being used in one particular application in accordance with at least one embodiment of the invention. Apparatus 300 comprises a power tool assembly 302 and a tagged glove 304. The tagged glove 304 comprises a glove 304 and an actuator tag 306 (e.g., an actuator tag 100 of Figure 1 ). In one embodiment, the actuator tag 306 is an RFID tag. The structure of the glove 326 is selected to complement the device being controlled. For example, if the device being controlled is a surgical tool, then the glove will be a surgical glove (e.g., a GAMMEX® glove available from Ansell Limited). As a further example, if the device being controlled is a power tool, the glove is a workman's safety glove (e.g., a HYFLEX® glove available from Ansell Limited). In one embodiment, the actuator tag 306 may be attached to or embedded in the back of the glove (i.e., knuckle side) (not shown). In another embodiment, the actuator tag 306 may be attached to or embedded in the cuff of the glove (as shown in Figure 3). Those skilled in the art may position the actuator tag anywhere on the glove, e.g., fingertip, thumb, and the like. Additionally, in some embodiments, multiple tags may be used in one glove to thwart user removal of a tag. Tag(s) may also be hidden within a glove.

[0023] The power tool assembly 302 comprises a power tool 330 (e.g., a handheld drill), an actuation controller 310 (e.g., actuation controller 102 of Figure 1 ) and a battery 308 (e.g., power supply 126 of Figure 1 ). The power tool 330 comprises a trigger 312 coupled to a switch 314. To activate the drill, the switch 314 couples power to a motor 316. The motor 316 is coupled to the chuck 320 via gears 318. The tool 330 should be considered one exemplary type of tool that can be controlled by embodiments of the invention.

[0024] The actuation controller 310 is mounted between the battery 308 and the power tool 330. In other embodiments the actuation controller 310 may be incorporated into either the power tool 330 or the battery 308. The actuation controller 310 controls the application of power from the battery 308 to the switch 314 such that the power tool 330 will not operate unless the operator is holding the drill with a tagged glove 304. With the appropriate glove 304, the actuation controller 310 applies battery power to the switch 314. When the operator squeezes the trigger 312 and closes switch 314, power is applied to the motor to facilitate rotation of the chuck 320.

[0025] In this manner, the power tool does not operate unless the operator is wearing the proper safety gloves 304. In one embodiment, an identification code is utilized such that the actuation controller 310 only activates the power tool when a glove is worn having a valid actuator tag. As such, only operators that are qualified to operate the power tool can be given gloves that permit operation of power tool. All other users cannot operate the power tool without being qualified and given the appropriate gloves. Furthermore, if the power tool were to be stolen, the thief would not be able to operate power tool without the proper gloves. Furthermore, the gloves can be matched to the tool. For example, a certain type of safety glove can be designed to be used for tasks involving the tool.

[0026] It is further contemplated that in any embodiment the RFID tag may be visible while embedded within the glove or not visible. RFID tags can be passive, which means that no battery is needed, active, which indicates that a battery acts as a beacon or continuously emits a signal, or battery-assisted passive, which indicates that the RFID tag comprises a small battery that is activated only in the presence of an RFID reader.

[0027] RFID tags and related sensors are available in a low frequency range (125 kHz), high frequency range (13.56 MHz), and ultra-high frequency range (860- 950 MHz). Low frequency tags, depending on size and the interface used, may have an operable range from approximately one inch to several feet. A high frequency tag may have an operable range of approximately three feet. Ultra-high frequency tags may have an operable range of approximately ten to twenty feet. Any of these tags can have read only capabilities, read/write capabilities storing information therein and updating continuously, and a write once read many times for storing an ID code once and allowing the tag to be read over and over. The frequency may be selected depending on the application. For example, to ensure the safety glove is worn and used to operate the drill of Figure 3, a low frequency tag may be used. The low frequency tag may also be used to ensure the tag only activates a tool within a close proximity (i.e., avoid interference with other glove-tool connections).

[0028] In a further embodiment of the invention, the use of a tool (e.g., logging tag detections) can track the activities of personnel within defined areas, i.e., work places. The tagged glove may also be used to facilitate ingress and egress to various areas within a work place. Exemplary work places can include front doors, access doors to restricted areas, wash stations, restrooms, breakrooms, near a time-clock, etc. Thus, only personnel wearing appropriate safety gloves may access certain areas. [0029] In other embodiments, the tagged gloves (e.g., exam or surgical gloves) may be used as part of a tracking system in hospitals and operating rooms to track the movement of patients or doctors or simply to generate helpful statistics. For example, whether a doctor has been near a sink to wash hands, the amount of lapsed time between washing of hands and entry into an operating room, the amount of time a doctor was in an operating room, what tools were used, whether he or she was there for an entire operation, i.e., whether an anesthesiologist was present for the duration of time that a patient was under anesthesia.

[0030] To facilitate understanding, identical reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate identical elements that are common to the figures. The figures are not drawn to scale and may be simplified for clarity. It is contemplated that elements and features of one embodiment may be beneficially incorporated in other embodiments without further recitation.

[0031 ] While the foregoing is directed to embodiments of the present invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof, and the scope thereof is determined by the claims that follow.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1 . Apparatus for controlling equipment activation, comprising:

an activator tag attached to an operator; and

an actuation controller, communicatively coupled to the activator tag, for generating an equipment activation signal when the activator tag is proximate a sensor coupled to the actuation controller.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the actuation controller transmits a sensing signal to the activator tag for determining the proximity of the activator tag to the sensor.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 of wherein the activator tag comprises an identification code that is coupled to the actuation controller.

4. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the actuation controller determines the validity of the identification code prior to generating the equipment activation signal.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the activator tag is one of a magnet, transponder, RFID tag, electronic beacon, or infrared radiation emitter.

6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the activator tag is an RFID tag and the actuation controller transmits a sensing signal having a specific frequency to cause the RFID tag to couple an identification code to the actuation controller.

7. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein a specific frequency determines a distance defining the proximity in which the equipment activation signal is generated.

8. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a glove supporting any activator tag.

9. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the actuation controller is coupled to a tool.

10. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the actuation controller comprises an actuator.

1 1 . The apparatus of claim 10 wherein the actuator comprises low signal relays, MOSFET relays, power relays, low current activation relays, solid state relays, reed switches, input/output modules, signal relays, transistors, silicon controlled rectifiers, or combinations thereof.

12. A method of controlling equipment activation, comprising:

receiving a signal from an activator tag;

generating, in response to the signal, an equipment activation signal, where the activator tag signal is only received when the activator tag is proximate an actuation controller.

13. The method of claim 12 wherein the activator tag is coupled to a glove.

14. The method of claim 12 wherein the actuation controller is coupled to a tool.

15. The method of claim 12 wherein the actuation controller accesses an identification code database to validate the activator tag.