scope:

Replacement:

This part of IEC 61496 specifies requirements for the design, construction and testing of electro-sensitive protective equipment (ESPE) designed specifically to detect persons or parts of persons as part of a safety-related system, employing vision-based protective devices (VBPDs) using stereo vision techniques (VBPDST) for the sensing function. Special attention is directed to features which ensure that an appropriate safety-related performance is achieved. An ESPE may include optional safety-related functions, the requirements for which are given in Annex A of IEC 61496-1:2012 and this Technical Specification.

This part of IEC 61496 does not specify the dimensions or configurations of the detection zone and its disposition in relation to hazardous parts for any particular application, nor what constitutes a hazardous state of any machine. It is restricted to the functioning of the ESPE and how it interfaces with the machine.

The detection principle is based on the evaluation of images from different viewing points (stereoscopic view) for the determination of distance information. This distance information is used to determine the location of an object(s).

- This part of IEC 61496 is limited to vision based ESPEs with distances (stereo base) and directions between the different imaging devices fixed during manufacture.

- It is limited to vision based ESPEs, with a minimum distance from the sensing device to the detection zone of 4 times of the stereo base.

- It is limited to vision based ESPEs that can detect objects with at least 5 pixel diameter in the image plane.

- It is limited to vision based ESPEs that do not require human intervention for detection.

- It is limited to vision based ESPEs that detect objects entering into or being present in a detection zone(s).

- It is limited to VBPDSTs employing radiation at wavelengths within the range 400 nm to 1 500 nm.

- This part of IEC 61496 does not address those aspects required for complex classification or differentiation of the object detected.

- This part of IEC 61496 does not consider the aspects of a moving ESPE installation. Additional requirements and tests can apply in the following cases:

- Use of multi-spectral (colour) techniques;

- Setups other than as shown in Figures of 4.1.2 (e.g. changing backgrounds, horizontal orientation of the optical axis with respect to the floor);

- Intended for outdoor applications.

This technical specification is relevant for VBPDSTs having a stated detection capability up to 200 mm.

This technical specification may be relevant to applications other than those for the protection of persons or parts of persons like arm or fingers (in the range 14 mm to 200 mm), for example the protection of machinery or products from mechanical damage. In those applications, additional requirements can be necessary, for example when the materials that are to be recognized by the sensing function have different properties from those of persons.

This technical specification does not deal with EMC emission requirements.