IEC TS 61496-4-2-2022 PDF

Full title and description

IEC/TS 61496-4-2:2022 — Safety of machinery — Electro-sensitive protective equipment — Part 4-2: Particular requirements for equipment using vision-based protective devices (VBPD) — Additional requirements when using reference pattern techniques (VBPDPP). This technical specification covers design, construction and testing requirements for non‑contact, automatic ESPEs that use single-image vision-based sensing with passive reference-pattern techniques to detect persons or objects entering a detection zone.

Abstract

This 2022 edition is a technical revision of the earlier (2014) edition and is intended to be read together with IEC 61496‑1 and, where applicable, IEC TS 62998‑1. It addresses VBPDs that operate with active illumination and a single image sensor viewing a passive reference pattern; detection is based on blocking or partially obscuring that pattern rather than on object shape or thickness. The document limits certain parameters (e.g., stated detection capability and wavelength range) and excludes EMC emission requirements and complex classification functions.

General information

• Status: Published / Valid technical specification.
• Publication date: 16 September 2022.
• Publisher: IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission).
• ICS / categories: 13.110 (Safety of machinery), 29.260.99 (Other electrical equipment for working in special conditions).
• Edition / version: Edition 2.0 (2022).
• Number of pages: 38 pages.

Key bibliographic and edition details above are taken from the IEC publication record for IEC TS 61496‑4‑2:2022.

Scope

Specifies particular requirements for ESPEs employing vision‑based protective devices using passive reference pattern techniques (VBPDPP). The specification is limited to automatic VBPDPPs that (a) use a single image‑sensing device viewing a passive reference pattern as background, (b) operate with active illumination, (c) detect objects/persons by blocking or partially preventing the view of the pattern, and (d) have a stated detection capability up to 200 mm. It excludes VBPDPPs using radiation outside 400 nm–1 500 nm, EMC emission requirements, and complex object classification/differentiation tasks. It is to be used in conjunction with IEC 61496‑1 (and where necessary IEC TS 62998‑1).

Key topics and requirements

• Definitions and particular functional safety requirements for VBPDs using passive reference pattern techniques (VBPDPP).
• Design and construction requirements to ensure appropriate safety‑related performance when detection is based on obscuring a reference pattern.
• Test procedures and verification methods tailored for single‑image VBPDPP architectures with active illumination.
• Operational limits: specified detection capability (up to 200 mm) and permitted optical wavelengths (400–1 500 nm).
• Requirements for interfacing the ESPE with machinery control systems; references to additional safety functions given in IEC 61496‑1 Annex A where applicable.
• Exclusions and clarifications — e.g., EMC emissions and complex classification tasks are outside scope; multi‑image or other architectures may need additional techniques and tests.

These topics reflect the principal technical changes and the focus of the 2022 revision.

Typical use and users

Intended users include machine designers and OEMs integrating vision-based ESPEs, safety engineers specifying safeguarding solutions, test laboratories and conformity assessment bodies, VBPD product designers and manufacturers, and system integrators deploying vision-based protective devices where a passive reference pattern technique is used. The specification helps ensure consistent safety performance and conformance with the broader IEC 61496 series.

Related standards

Primary normative and related documents: IEC 61496‑1 (general requirements for ESPE), other parts of the IEC 61496 series, IEC TS 62998‑1 (additional vision-related guidance where needed), ISO 12100 (machine safety — risk assessment), ISO 13849‑1 (safety-related parts of control systems) and IEC 60204‑1 (electrical equipment of machines) for broader machine safety context. Users should read IEC TS 61496‑4‑2 together with IEC 61496‑1.

Keywords

ESPE, VBPD, VBPDPP, vision-based protective device, reference pattern technique, active illumination, machine safety, electro-sensitive protective equipment, detection capability, IEC 61496.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: IEC/TS 61496‑4‑2:2022 is a Technical Specification that defines particular requirements for electro‑sensitive protective equipment (ESPE) that use vision‑based protective devices employing passive reference pattern techniques (VBPDPP). It provides design, construction and test requirements so the devices achieve the intended safety‑related performance.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers automatic, non‑contact VBPDPPs using a single image sensor and active illumination, where detection is based on blocking or partially obscuring a passive reference pattern. Limits include a stated detection capability up to 200 mm and operation in wavelengths from 400 nm to 1 500 nm; EMC emission and complex object classification are not addressed. It is to be used with IEC 61496‑1 and, when needed, IEC TS 62998‑1.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Machine builders, safety engineers, manufacturers of vision‑based ESPEs (VBPD suppliers), conformity assessment and test labs, and system integrators who need to design, specify or validate safety functions based on reference‑pattern vision detection techniques.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The 2022 edition (Edition 2.0) is the current published Technical Specification and cancels/replaces the 2014 edition (IEC TS 61496‑4‑2:2014). The 2022 edition is a technical revision that aligns several clauses with IEC 61496‑1:2020 and updates test procedures and requirements.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is part of the IEC 61496 series (safety of machinery — electro‑sensitive protective equipment). Part 4‑2 provides particular requirements for VBPDs using reference pattern techniques; other parts of the series cover different ESPE technologies and general requirements (notably IEC 61496‑1).

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Keywords include: vision‑based protective device (VBPD), VBPDPP (reference pattern technique), electro‑sensitive protective equipment (ESPE), active illumination, detection capability (up to 200 mm), 400–1 500 nm wavelength, machine safety, IEC 61496.