Intelligent switching method and apparatus

An intelligent switching method and system. The method includes retrieving by a computer processor of an intelligent switching device, detection data indicating that an individual is located within a specified proximity of an apparatus. The intelligent switching device is lockably attached to the apparatus. The computer processor receives a request from an individual for enabling the apparatus. The computer processor determines that the individual is in compliance with safety procedures associated with operating the apparatus and generates an enable signal. The enable signal enables a power signal for the apparatus. The computer processor indicates that the apparatus has been enabled and is operational.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a method and associated apparatus for intelligently enabling and disabling an apparatus based on a user and associated protective gear.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Securing an apparatus typically comprises an inefficient process with little flexibility. An apparatus is typically activated without any regard to potential issues. Using an apparatus without any regard to potential issues may result in user safety issues.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a method comprising: retrieving, by a computer processor of an intelligent switching device from a detection device, first detection data indicating that a first individual is located within a specified proximity of an apparatus, wherein the intelligent switching device is lockably attached to the apparatus; receiving, by the computer processor from the first individual, a request for enabling the apparatus; determining, by the computer processor, that the first individual is in compliance with safety procedures associated with operating the apparatus; generating, by the computer processor in response to the determining, an enable signal; enabling, by the enable signal generated by the computer processor, a power signal for the apparatus; and indicating, by the computer processor, that the apparatus has been enabled and is operational.

The present invention provides a intelligent switching device comprising a computer processor coupled to a computer-readable memory unit, the memory unit comprising instructions that when enabled by the computer processor implements a method comprising: retrieving, by the computer processor from a detection device, first detection data indicating that a first individual is located within a specified proximity of an apparatus, wherein the intelligent switching device is lockably attached to the apparatus; receiving, by the computer processor from the first individual, a request for enabling the apparatus; determining, by the computer processor, that the first individual is in compliance with safety procedures associated with operating the apparatus; generating, by the computer processor in response to the determining, an enable signal; enabling, by the enable signal generated by the computer processor, a power signal for the apparatus; and indicating, by the computer processor, that the apparatus has been enabled and is operational.

The present invention advantageously provides a simple method and associated system capable of securing an apparatus.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1illustrates a system5comprising an intelligent switching device22for enabling or disabling an apparatus20based on detection of protective gear15aand/or15bcorrectly worn by a user11of apparatus20, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. Intelligent switching device22is lockably attached to apparatus20(e.g., lockably attached to a power cord for apparatus20). Intelligent switching device22may be lockably attached to apparatus20using any type of locking device including, inter alia, a mechanical lock device (e.g., a locking cylinder with key), an electro/mechanical locking device (e.g., a solenoid, a stepper motor, etc), etc. Intelligent switching device22may be independent (i.e., a separate device) from apparatus20. Alternatively, intelligent switching device22may be integral with (i.e., a part of) apparatus20. Intelligent switching device22enables/disables an incoming power signal4(alternating current power or direct current such as battery power, or fuel cell power) for apparatus20based on detection of protective gear15aand/or15bcorrectly worn by a user11of apparatus20. Apparatus20may comprise any electro/mechanical device requiring a user to wear protective gear. For example, apparatus20may comprise, inter alia, a saw, a drill, welding equipment, laboratory equipment, chemical equipment, machine shop equipment, automotive repair equipment, etc. Protective gear15amay include any personal protective gear for protection a head/face area11aof user11such as, inter alia, safety eyewear (e.g., glasses/safety glasses, goggles, shields, etc, respiratory equipment, etc. Protective gear15bmay include any protective gear for protection a body area11bof user11such as, inter alia, body protective gear (e.g., gloves, boots, fall protection, etc), etc. Personal protective gear may be marked with a rating label (i.e., based on different classes and levels of eye protection within a class). The rating label may be granular enough to distinguish a type of machine/environment and use. Alternatively, existing safety gear may be retrofitted with an eye protection rating level label verified by local safety team.

System5retrieves data from a manufacturer of apparatus20or any other authorized source (e.g., safety representative). The data documents the use of apparatus20and/or any required safety equipment (i.e., for user11) necessary for operation. Apparatus20may comprise a setting dial for multiple uses. The multiple uses for apparatus20may require specified types and/or levels of protective gear15aor15brequired (i.e., for user11) for operation of apparatus20. Therefore, system5enables a process for detecting required safety equipment markings on one or more safety devices (e.g., protective gear15aand15b). System5ensures user11(and/or additional users or bystanders) is correctly wearing one or more safety devices by sensing an appropriate safety equipment rating label within a unique zone (i.e., on user11) for each safety device (e.g., based on a position in relation to users head/body or a facial recognition program). Additionally, system5enables a process for determining that user11is wearing one or more safety devices properly (e.g., safety glasses over the user's11eyes). The aforementioned process may be performed by detecting a specified zone on the user. The specified zone may be determined by, inter alia, a triangulation process, a radar/optical process, etc.

System5ofFIG. 1comprises intelligent switching device22(i.e., lockably attached to apparatus20) connected through a network7to a computing system10. Alternatively, intelligent switching device22and detection device24may be directly connected to computing system14without network7. Additionally, detection device24may be comprised by intelligent switching device22. System5additionally comprises a detection device24electrically connected to intelligent switching device22. Intelligent switching device22comprises a tamper proof intelligent device capable of being updated (e.g., via computing system10). Intelligent switching device22comprises the following features:

1. An end to end connector that attaches to and may be (key) locked to a male power plug of apparatus20(i.e., to be monitored).

2. The end to end connector comprises a built in safety (on/off) electro/mechanical switch controlled by intelligent hardware/software.

3. The intelligent hardware/software is permanently attached to the end to end connector via an electrical connection.

4. Internal/external detection device used as input to the intelligent hardware/software.

5. The end to end connector may optionally enable tamper proof methods for:

A. Setting input parameters settings for the intelligent hardware/software (e.g., machine type, program type, etc).B. Uploading new code drivers to the intelligent hardware/software.C. Downloading log/audit details from the intelligent hardware/software.
6. The intelligent hardware/software is capable of running multiple intelligent programs simultaneously and/or in sequence. Additionally, the intelligent hardware/software is able to handle the several programs in relation to an on/off setting of the safety switch.
7. The end to end connector may be unlocked to gain access to a programmatic interface or to move the intelligent switching device22to another apparatus.

Detection device24may comprise any type of detection device capable of detecting:

1. Detecting that user11is located within a specified proximity8(or area) of apparatus20.

2. Detecting that user11is correctly wearing any specified protective gear15aand/or15b(e.g., safety glasses are being worn over the user's eyes as opposed to being placed on the user's head).

3. Detecting that specified protective gear15aand/or15bincludes unique markings indicating a correct type of protective gear associated with operating apparatus20.

4. Detecting that the user is facing a proper direction with respect to apparatus20(e.g., the user is looking at operating apparatus20as opposed to looking away from apparatus20).

5. Detecting a user and/or bystander position with respect to apparatus20.

Detection device24may comprise, inter alia, a camera or any other type of optical device, etc. Network7may comprise any type of network including, inter alia, a local area network, (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), the Internet, etc. Computing system10may comprise any type of computing system(s) including, inter alia, a personal computer (PC), a server computer, a database computer, a controller, etc. Computing system10comprises a memory system14. Memory system14may comprise a single memory system. Alternatively, memory system14may comprise a plurality of memory systems. Memory system14comprises a software application18and a database12. Database12comprises all retrieved detection and indication data and any log data. Software application18enables a method to:

1. Automatically detect if one or more people (e.g., user11) have (optionally marked) protective gear15aand/or15band are wearing them properly (i.e., on a proper location/unique zone on user11). For example, software application18may automatically detect if user11is wearing safety glasses in front of their eyes as opposed to on top of their forehead.
2. Automatically detect if one or more people have recently put on or taken off protective gear15aand/or15b.
3. Enable or disable incoming power signal4(i.e., via intelligent switching device22) for apparatus thereby preventing apparatus20from being operated until user11has placed uniquely marked protective gear15aand/or15bin a proper location.
4. Automatically detect if one or more people is wearing a correct level of protective gear15aand/or15b.
5. Automatically detect if another person besides an operator of apparatus20is in close proximity to apparatus20and if detected disable incoming power signal4for apparatus20(i.e., intelligent switching device22) to disable apparatus20until the other person is no longer in close proximity to apparatus20thereby preventing distractions.
6. Automatic detection to ensure that user11is located in a correct (i.e., approved) position with respect to apparatus (e.g., not behind apparatus20) and enabling intelligent switching device22to enable or disable power signal for apparatus20if user11is located in an incorrect position with respect to apparatus20.
7. Enable a facial recognition process to validate proper protective gear is marked correctly.

Protective gear15aand/or15bis marked (i.e., for optical character recognition) with a rating label based on different classes and level of protection within that class. For example, safety glasses may be marked with a class rating label of welding and a level of protection comprising a specified tint level. System5may use a facial recognition process to ensure that protective gear15aand/or15bare on user11and then use an optical character recognition (OCR) process to recognize the makings on protective gear15aand/or15b. If the marking of protective gear15aand/or15bbeing worn is equal to or greater than a type required, continued use of the apparatus20is allowed. Otherwise computing system10enables intelligent switching device22to disable power to apparatus20) in order to disable operation.

The following implementation example for enabling or disabling apparatus20(i.e., via a intelligent switching device22) such as a table saw based on detection of protective gear correctly worn by a user of the apparatus is described as follows based on the following steps:

1. An administrator (e.g., an occupational safety and health administration (OSHA) official) for a company permanently mounts a facial recognition based camera (e.g., detection device24) on the front of a table saw (e.g., apparatus20).

2. The administrator enables (e.g., via pin settings or through a universal serial bus (USB) port) a notification that the device being connected is a table saw.

3. The administrator locks (via a locking cylinder comprising a key) an end to end safety switch (e.g., intelligent switching device22) to the end of a male electrical plug for the table saw.

4. An operator (for the table saw) attempts to use table saw without safety glasses.

5. The table saw will not start (i.e., is disabled by the end to end safety switch) and the end to end safety switch generates an alarm to notify the operator.

6. In response, the operator puts the required safety glasses on and the table saw is enabled.

7. The operator uses the table saw.

8. The operator shuts off the table saw.

9. The operator moves the table saw and the end to end safety switch to another part of a job site (i.e., comprising a different electrical outlet).

10. The operator attempts to use the table saw without the required safety glasses.

11 The table saw will not start (i.e., is disabled by the end to end safety switch) and the end to end safety switch generates an alarm to notify the operator.

12. In response, the operator puts the required safety glasses on and the table saw is enabled.

13. The operator uses the table saw.

14. The operator shuts off the table saw.

15. At a future time, the administrator unlocks the end to end safety switch to upload a new driver level via the USB port. After the driver installation, the end to end safety switch is reattached.

In addition to controlling and/or sending updates to intelligent switching device22, software application18may comprise a recognition component. The recognition component may be enabled to determine if a user's face is present and if he/she is wearing correct protective gear. In order to determine if the correct protective gear is being worn, optical character recognition code may be used to examine an image provided by the image capture device. The optical character recognition code will examine only an area of the user that is within a zone for the associated protective gear in order to determine if a required (or greater than a required) safety rating is present. If the safety rating of the protective gear being worn is equal to or greater than the safety rating needed by the apparatus/machine, the recognition component transmits an enable signal to intelligent switching device22for enabling operation of apparatus20otherwise apparatus20is put into an inoperable state. Additionally, the recognition component may be coded to recognize safety hats and masks as a face and to determine if the mask is in a correct position to protect a user's eyes. In order to associate a hat with a face, facial recognition code could find a body of a user using a facial recognition technique to detect/anticipate movement and occlusion. System5could then look for a safety rating in a specific eye zone based on a position of the body. If the mask is tilted up, a safety rating code will not be in the correct position to be detected and therefore apparatus20may be put into an inoperable state (i.e., via intelligent switching device22). Additionally, authentication of a user identity may be required. Identifying a user allows detailed auditing of successful and unsuccessful use of an apparatus/machine and may be used to update safety and insurance records. The recognition component may be enabled to determine and/or generate the following:

A. A required level of safety equipment: A proper level of safety equipment may be determined based on equipment and environment. A specific level of safety equipment may be determined and required by country, state and/or company policies.

B. Facial profiles: In order to identify users for audit records or to compare against training, facial scans may be performed and results may be stored in a database (e.g., database12). The facial profiles may be stored as, inter alia, a picture, an algorithmic extraction, etc. Additionally, the facial profiles may also be associated with a name and/or serial number.
C. Programmatic actions for intelligent switching device22: Programmatic actions may be enabled (i.e., via intelligent switching device22) to disable an operation of apparatus20. The programmatic actions may enable a safety switch within intelligent switching device22thereby eliminating current to apparatus20. Programmatic actions may comprise a recovery action (i.e., to reactive operation of apparatus20). Data identifying the recovery action may be stored for future reference. Programmatic actions may be state driven. For example, a first programmatic action when starting apparatus20will not allow starting and will cause an indicator light to blink and a second programmatic action (i.e., if apparatus20is already in use) may cause the safety switch to open (i.e., to disable the apparatus/machine).
D. Audit records: Audit records may be generated at various levels (e.g., a number of violations, users that violated policies, a time/date of violations, etc). The audit records may be used to validate adherence to governmental and corporate safety regulations and to reduce a price of an insurance policy. An optical image could be captured into memory when person violates safety policies, as a different means of enforcement, if a full facial recognition program is not enabled. The images could be accessed by a local safety representative to handle.

Intelligent switching device22may comprise optional output devices (i.e., for enabling warning) such as, inter alia:

A. Speakers broadcasting a tone or audio/MP3/WAV message.

B. Lights that change colors or that flash.

C. Display device(s) that present error messages and/or codes. The error messages and/or codes may be transmitted using various techniques such as SMS messaging/text or note to a manager, etc.

FIG. 2illustrates a perspective view of intelligent switching device22ofFIG. 1, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. Intelligent switching device22is lockably attached (i.e., via electrical receptacle42) to a power plug8for apparatus20. Power cord26comprises a plug end48for plugging into an electrical outlet/receptacle and receiving an incoming power signal4(e.g., AC or DC). Intelligent switching device22comprises the following components:

1. An electrical receptacle42for accepting and electrically connecting prongs8aand8bto power cord26.

2. A locking cylinder28—The locking cylinder may comprise a manual key driven locking tumbler which engages an internal locking mechanism for locking intelligent switching device22to prongs8aand8band/or power plug8. Alternatively, locking cylinder28may comprise any type of electro/mechanical device including, inter alia, a solenoid, a stepper motor, etc.
3. An internal locking mechanism28afor locking prongs8aand8bto an internal switch32afor disabling/enabling apparatus20.
4. Intelligent agent36(i.e., software) receives IT analytics from an intelligent machine and based on an algorithm (i.e., implemented by the intelligent agent36) enables a decision as to whether a switch32ashould be turned on or off. The intelligent agent36may be preloaded and its associated code could be upgraded.
5. Switching device32comprising switching portion32afor enabling/disabling incoming power signal4. Switching device may comprise, inter alia, a relay (mechanical or solid state), a contactor, etc.
6. Interface34(e.g., for receiving from computing system10, parameter settings, uploads, downloads, etc) may comprise a pin setting device or a physical computer/electrical interface, such as, inter alia, a USB port. Interface34provides upload and/or download capabilities for intelligent switching device22. A USB port could be connected to an electronic device (e.g., computing system10, a personal computer, a personal digital assistant, a cell phone) that would optionally require authentication such as a license and/or encryption key provided when purchasing the intelligent agent or an upgrade. Any wireless communication between either an intelligent action or a connector to an authorized wireless device (personal computer, personal digital assistant, cell phone) would enable a process for updating instances or acquiring log data. Interface34may be located such that power plug8(i.e., locked in place) covers (thereby making tamper proof) interface34.

Additionally, a Web based service could be used as a central location for an administrator to order intelligent agent systems and corresponding drivers as well as driver updates (if safety regulations and or auditing requirements were changed). The Web based service would know which drivers could run on which types of intelligent agents based on factors such as, inter alia, which type of sensor(s) are attached or a type of monitoring required.

FIG. 3illustrates a block diagram view of intelligent switching device22ofFIG. 1, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. An incoming control line39(e.g., from computing system10) is lockably connected to interface34. Interface34is connected to intelligent agent/sensors36for receiving code and updates. Intelligent agent/sensors36are connected to switching device32for controlling switch32a. Switching device32controls a flow of incoming power signal4thereby enabling or disabling a switched power signal for apparatus20ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 4illustrates a flowchart describing an algorithm used by system5comprising intelligent switching device22ofFIG. 1for enabling or disabling an apparatus based on detection of protective gear correctly worn by a user of the apparatus, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. In step402, an administrator lockably attaches an intelligent switching device (e.g., intelligent switching device22ofFIG. 1) to an electro/mechanical apparatus (e.g., apparatus20inFIG. 1). In step404, a computer processor of the intelligent switching device retrieves (i.e., from a detection device) detection data indicating that a first individual is located within a specified proximity of the apparatus. In step408, the computer processor receives (from a user) a request for enabling the apparatus. In step412, the computer processor determines that the user is in compliance with safety procedures associated with operating the apparatus. Determining compliance with safety procedures may include determining that the user is wearing appropriate safety gear for operating the apparatus. Determining compliance with safety procedures may include the following procedure:

1. Retrieving (i.e., from a detection device) safety gear detection data (i.e., comprising a safety minimum rating or greater for this type of safety gear) indicating that the user is correctly wearing the specified safety gear.

2. Retrieving safety gear indication data indicating that the specified protective gear comprises a unique marking indicating a correct type of protective gear associated with the specified protective gear and using the apparatus. This may be accomplished by-retrieving an associated zone and within the zone examining an optical image for specified safety gear and optically recognizable characters (OCR).
3. Analyzing the safety gear detection data and the safety gear indication data.

In step414, the computer processor (in response to results of step412) generates an enable signal. In step418, the computer processor enables a power signal for the apparatus. In step424, the computer processor indicates that the apparatus has been enabled and is operational. In step428, the computer processor detects safety gear issues. As a first example, the computer processor detects that the user is no longer located within the specified proximity of the apparatus. As a second example, the computer processor detects that the user is no longer in compliance with the safety procedures associated with operating the apparatus. In step435, the computer processor disables the apparatus and step404is repeated to continue monitoring.

FIG. 5illustrates a computer apparatus90(e.g., intelligent switching device22or computing system10ofFIG. 1) used for enabling or disabling an apparatus, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. The computer system90comprises a processor91, an input device92coupled to the processor91, an output device93coupled to the processor91, and memory devices94and95each coupled to the processor91. The input device92may be, inter alia, a keyboard, a software application, a mouse, etc. The output device93may be, inter alia, a printer, a plotter, a computer screen, a magnetic tape, a removable hard disk, a floppy disk, a software application, etc. The memory devices94and95may be, inter alia, a hard disk, a floppy disk, a magnetic tape, an optical storage such as a compact disc (CD) or a digital video disc (DVD), a dynamic random access memory (DRAM), a read-only memory (ROM), etc. The memory device95includes a computer code97. The computer code97includes algorithms (e.g., the algorithm ofFIG. 4) for enabling or disabling an apparatus. The processor91executes the computer code97. The memory device94includes input data96. The input data96includes input required by the computer code97. The output device93displays output from the computer code97. Either or both memory devices94and95(or one or more additional memory devices not shown inFIG. 5) may comprise the algorithm ofFIG. 4and may be used as a computer usable medium (or a computer readable medium or a program storage device) having a computer readable program code embodied therein and/or having other data stored therein, wherein the computer readable program code comprises the computer code97. Generally, a computer program product (or, alternatively, an article of manufacture) of the computer system90may comprise the computer usable medium (or said program storage device).

Still yet, any of the components of the present invention could be created, integrated, hosted, maintained, deployed, managed, serviced, etc. by a service provider who offers to enable or disable an apparatus. Thus the present invention discloses a process for deploying, creating, integrating, hosting, maintaining, and/or integrating computing infrastructure, comprising integrating computer-readable code into the computer system90, wherein the code in combination with the computer system90is capable of performing a method for enabling or disabling an apparatus. In another embodiment, the invention provides a method that performs the process steps of the invention on a subscription, advertising, and/or fee basis. That is, a service provider, such as a Solution Integrator, could offer to enable or disable an apparatus. In this case, the service provider can create, maintain, support, etc. a computer infrastructure that performs the process steps of the invention for one or more customers. In return, the service provider can receive payment from the customer(s) under a subscription and/or fee agreement and/or the service provider can receive payment from the sale of advertising content to one or more third parties.