Wireless andon communication method and system

• US 20040203701A1
• Filed: 09/26/2002
• Published: 10/14/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 09/26/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC (Ford Motor Company)
• Original Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC (Ford Motor Company)
• Inventors: Wilson, Robert H.
• Granted Patent: US 7,006,792 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 455/422.1
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 5/36 using visible light sources

Abstract

A portable wireless andon communication system and method for use in manufacturing, assembly and other industrial settings. A transmitter station and receiver station are set up for immediate use by simply connecting each to a standard power source. A user needing assistance manually activates a switch at the transmitter station, thus turning on a light and transmitting a corresponding signal to the receiver station. The receiver station receives the signal and turns on a corresponding light and tone generator. The tone generator and light alert indicate to the proper parties the request for a response. A responding party scans transmitter stations for the corresponding light and provides assistance. The switch may be a sensor activated by a change in state indicating that assistance is required. The portable system is easily reconfigured if necessitated by layout changes in a manufacturing line.

Claims

1. A portable communication system for a production facility comprising:

at least one transmitter station that is adapted to be set up at a first location in a production facility, the transmitter station having at least one transmitter that is operable to transmit a wireless signal, a transmitter power supply that converts alternating current from a first power source to direct current for powering the transmitter, a transmitter light mounted proximate the transmitter station and wired to the transmitter so that it is illuminated when the transmitter transmits the wireless signal, a switch for controlling the transmitter and the light to indicate that service is required at the location;

a receiver station that is adapted to be set up at a second location in a production facility, the receiver station having at least one receiver for receiving the wireless signal from the transmitter, a receiver power supply that converts alternating current from a second power source to direct current for powering the receiver, a receiver light mounted proximate the receiver station, and a sound generator; and

wherein the transmitter station and receiver station are portable in that they may be set up for immediate use by simply connecting the transmitter station to the first power source and connecting the receiver station to the second power source, and wherein actuation of the switch causes the transmitter light of the transmitter station to be illuminated and the transmitter to transmit the wireless signal to the receiver that in turn illuminates the receiver light and activates the sound generator.

2. The portable communication system of claim 1 wherein the transmitter station includes two or more transmitters, two or more transmitter lights, and two or more switches that are connected in two or more parallel circuits, and wherein the receiver station has two or more receivers, and two or more receiver lights that are illuminated, and wherein a tone generator is provided for sending an audible signal when the switches are actuated.

3. The portable communication system of claim 1 wherein the switch is a manually operated switch.

4. The portable communication system of claim 1 wherein the switch is a sensor that is actuated in response to a sensed condition.

5. The portable communication system of claim 1 wherein the transmitter station is mounted on a portable stand having a plurality of legs that are placed on the floor and an upright portion to which a housing enclosing the transmitters and the power supply is attached in a spaced relationship to the floor.

6. The portable communication system of claim 5 wherein the transmitter light is supported by flexible supports on the housing that permit the lights to be positioned in a range of positions to improve visibility.

7. The portable communication system of claim 1 wherein the transmitter power supply is a transformer and the first power source is a receptacle to which the transmitter power supply is connected by a plug.

8. The portable communication system of claim 1 wherein the receiver power supply is a transformer and the second power source is a receptacle to which the receiver power supply is connected by a plug.

9. A method of providing a communication system comprising:

setting up a transmitter station at a first location in a production facility, the transmitter station having at least one transmitter that is operable to transmit a wireless signal, a transmitter power supply that converts alternating current from a first power source to direct current for powering the transmitter, a transmitter light mounted proximate the transmitter station and wired to the transmitter so that it is illuminated when the transmitter transmits the wireless signal, a switch for controlling the transmitter and the light to indicate that service is required at the location;

setting up a receiver station at a second location in a production facility, the receiver station having at least one receiver for receiving the wireless signal from the transmitter, a receiver power supply that converts alternating current from a second power source to direct current for powering the receiver, a receiver light mounted proximate the receiver station, and a sound generator;

plugging in the transmitter station to the first power source;

plugging in the receiver station to the second power source; and

actuating the switch to illuminate the transmitter light the receiver light and the sound generator.

10. The method of claim 9 wherein the step of actuating the switch is performed by manually operating the switch.

11. The method of claim 9 wherein the step of actuating the switch is performed by a sensor that senses a predetermined condition.

12. The method of claim 11 wherein the step of actuating the switch is reversed when the predetermined condition is no longer sensed by the sensor.