System for detecting objects

Abstract

The invention relates to a system (1) for detecting objects, having a photovoltaic element (10), an energy store (20), an energy management unit (30), a radio unit (40), a sensor controller (50) and an optical sensor unit (60), wherein the sensor unit (60) is designed as an optical proximity switch, and wherein the sensor controller (50) is designed in such a way that an object detection of the sensor unit (60) is evaluated and transmitted to the radio unit (40) for further communication.

Description

[0001] This invention relates to a system for detecting objects.

[0002] Typical systems used for object detection are connected to a power source and often lack flexibility in terms of deployment possibilities.

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide a system for detecting objects that is independent of power sources and can be flexibly constructed.

[0004] This objective is achieved by the system according to the invention.

[0005] Advantageous designs of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

[0006] Advantageously, a system for detecting objects is proposed, comprising a photovoltaic element, an energy storage device, an energy management unit, a radio unit, a sensor controller, and an optical sensor unit, wherein the sensor unit is designed as an optical proximity switch, and wherein the sensor controller is designed such that the object detection by the sensor unit is evaluated and transmitted to the radio unit for further communication.

[0007] The integration of photovoltaic elements makes it possible for the system to be self-sufficient in energy supply, thus enabling independent and flexible placement without the need for an external power source.

[0008] By using an energy management unit, the collected energy can be effectively utilized, thereby extending the lifespan of the energy storage device and improving the reliability of the system.

[0009] The combination of a sensor controller and an optical sensor unit that functions as a proximity switch enables accurate and rapid object detection, which improves the system's response time and is advantageous for applications such as security systems or automation technologies.

[0010] Preferably, the photovoltaic element is a modular component of the system and can be constructed outside the system housing.

[0011] The modularity of photovoltaic elements allows for adaptive configuration of the system, thereby simplifying installation in different environments and under varying light conditions.

[0012] The ability to mount photovoltaic elements outside the housing increases flexibility in positioning and maximizes the amount of sunlight received, thereby improving the system's energy efficiency.

[0013] By using external photovoltaic elements, the system can be designed with a size and form factor optimized for the specific application without compromising energy harvesting efficiency.

[0014] Of particular advantage is that photovoltaic elements are optimized for artificial light, especially LED light.

[0015] Optimizing photovoltaic elements for artificial light, especially LED light, makes it possible to use them indoors with artificial lighting, thereby expanding the application range of the system.

[0016] Specially adapted LED light sources can maximize energy output in environments with this type of lighting, thereby improving the system's efficiency and economy.

[0017] The ability to harvest energy from artificial light reduces dependence on sunlight and enables sustained power even under variable or low light conditions.

[0018] Furthermore, it is advantageous that the sensor unit is a modular component of the system and can be constructed outside the system housing.

[0019] The modularity of the sensor unit provides a high degree of adaptability to specific requirements for object detection, which in particular makes it possible to place the sensor in a strategically advantageous location.

[0020] External assembly of the sensor unit facilitates maintenance or replacement without opening the main housing of the system, thereby improving operational safety and ease of maintenance.

[0021] By using multiple modular sensor units, the system can be expanded and configured for complex applications with multiple detection points, thereby improving the system's versatility and effectiveness.

[0022] Preferably, the system has multiple sensor units.

[0023] The ability to integrate multiple sensor units makes it possible to comprehensively monitor and detect large areas or multiple regions, thereby improving the accuracy and reliability of the system.

[0024] By utilizing multiple sensor units, the system can perform redundant measurements, thereby improving fault tolerance and reducing the possibility of false alarms or monitoring interruptions.

[0025] The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0026] This is illustrated schematically:

[0027] Figure 1 The detection system according to the present invention;

[0028] Figure 2 Typical inspection conditions on a conveyor belt;

[0029] Figure 3 Variants with external solar cells;

[0030] Figure 4 A variant with an external sensor unit.

[0031] In the following description of preferred embodiments, the same reference numerals denote the same or comparable components.

[0032] This invention relates to a detection system for identifying the presence of objects, particularly material containers. The system operates autonomously and can be easily installed without the need for electrical interfaces. It is ideally suited for modern production environments where material flows must be periodically adjusted to meet new customer demands and where electrical connections with conventional sensors are not feasible.

[0033] The detection system preferably comprises the following components: a solar cell for harvesting energy; an energy storage device in the form of a battery or capacitor; an energy management unit for controlling the energy storage device and / or the entire detection system; a sensor controller for operating the detection system; a radio unit for wirelessly transmitting sensor signals to the controller; and a sensor unit for detecting the presence of a material container.

[0034] The detection system can be constructed either as a common housing integrating all components, or it can be modular, in which the solar cells can be individually positioned. In both cases, the system is sustainable and energy-efficient because it utilizes energy from the environment, particularly from light.

[0035] The detection system operates on the principle of identifying the presence of a material container using a sensor unit. This sensor unit can be, for example, a phototube or an infrared unit. Once the material container is detected, the sensor unit sends a signal to a sensor controller, which evaluates the signal and forwards it to a radio unit. The radio unit then transmits the information to an external controller using standard protocols such as MQTT.

[0036] The detection system is designed for easy installation and assembly in various locations. This can be flexibly adapted to specific requirements by, for example, placing additional sensor units outside the housing. The use of solar cells and energy storage ensures safe operation even under adverse lighting conditions.

[0037] This application investigates the problem of object detection in a system, particularly regarding energy supply and the flexibility of the sensor unit. Specifically, this application provides improvements in system energy supply by integrating photovoltaic elements as modular components. Therefore, the system can be operated independently of an external power source, thus enabling flexible application of the system.

[0038] In addition, photovoltaic devices are specifically optimized for artificial light, especially LED light, to ensure efficient energy harvesting.

[0039] Furthermore, this application enables a modular construction of the sensor unit outside the system housing. Therefore, the sensor unit can be placed in different locations, making accurate object detection possible. Additionally, the system can have multiple sensor units to ensure comprehensive object detection across multiple areas. Overall, this application addresses the issues of energy supply and flexibility when detecting objects in a system through a modular construction integrating photovoltaic elements and sensor units.

[0040] A system for detecting the presence of an object, particularly a material container, is proposed. The system has at least one optical proximity switch, wherein the detection system has a photovoltaic energy harvesting battery, and the proximity switch identifies the presence of the material container by means of a light sensor.

[0041] The detection system operates autonomously under ambient light, without the need for a power supply or controller, and can be easily installed on material shelves or conveyor belts.

[0042] Because no electrical interfaces are required, installation is minimal. In particular, the status of the material container can be transmitted to the controller from any location within the space.

[0043] Since there is no fixed connection with other systems, changing the location afterwards is not a problem.

[0044] This inspection system is ideally suited for modern production, where material flows must be regularly adjusted to meet new customer requirements.

[0045] Similarly, it can be used in places where traditional sensors cannot make electrical connections.

[0046] The detection system preferably has the following components:

[0047] - A solar cell, particularly suitable for harvesting energy indoors (e.g., indoor spaces using LED lighting), and preferably optimized accordingly.

[0048] - For example, energy storage devices in the form of batteries or capacitors.

[0049] - An energy management unit for energy-efficient control of energy storage devices and / or the entire detection system.

[0050] - A sensor controller used to operate the detection system.

[0051] - A radio unit, such as Bluetooth, Mioty, or other wireless gateways, is used to transmit sensor signals to the controller, preferably using a standard protocol such as MQTT.

[0052] - For example, sensor units in the form of phototubes or infrared units are used to detect the presence of material containers.

[0053] For example, the system can be constructed such that all of the above components are constructed in a common housing.

[0054] In addition, it is also conceivable to construct the detection system in a modular manner, for example, so that the solar cells can be constructed separately from the common housing, and the solar cells can be positioned in an ideal location to absorb energy.

[0055] This type of system offers the following advantages: it is sustainable due to the use of solar cells; operational safety is ensured under unsuitable lighting conditions through energy storage devices in the form of capacitors or batteries; and the proposed design is compatible with various types of gateways.

[0056] This system is easily adaptable to various types of optical sensors. It is easy to install and assemble.

[0057] Figure 1 The detection system 1 according to the invention is illustrated schematically. The detection system has a solar cell or photovoltaic element 10, an energy storage device 20, an energy management unit 30, a radio unit 40 for wireless communication with an external system, a sensor controller 50, and an optical sensor unit 60 for detecting an object 200. The optical sensor unit 50 is designed as an optical proximity switch, and the sensor controller 50 is designed such that the object detection by the sensor unit 60 is evaluated and transmitted to the radio unit 40 for further communication.

[0058] Figure 2 This illustrates a typical detection scenario for a material container 200 or object 200 on a conveyor belt 100. The detection system 1 is aligned with the conveyor belt 100 and can detect the presence of the object 200 via its sensor unit 60.

[0059] Figure 3 A variant is shown in which the solar cell 10 is arranged outside the common housing, for example, near the light source 300.

[0060] Furthermore, it is conceivable that other components of the detection system 1 could be constructed in a modular manner, for example, by flexibly arranging the sensor units 60. According to... Figure 4 In the example, it is also configured that, in addition to the sensor unit 60 inside the common housing of the detection system, a second sensor unit 60 is arranged at another suitable location outside the housing.

[0061] The following section provides supplementary explanations of some terms:

[0062] The term "energy management unit 30" here refers to a component of the system that is responsible for controlling and optimizing energy supply and use.

[0063] The term "radio unit 40" here refers to a unit responsible for detecting wireless communication between system 1 and other devices or systems.

[0064] The term "sensor controller 50" here refers to a control unit that evaluates the detections of the sensor unit and transmits them to the radio unit 40 for further communication.

[0065] The term "modular component" here refers to a component of the system that can be constructed separately outside the housing and perform an independent function.

[0066] The term "energy storage device" here refers to a device that can store energy generated by photovoltaic elements for later use.

[0067] The term "optical sensor unit" here refers to a component of the system that is capable of detecting objects and collecting relevant information when appropriate using optical sensors.

[0068] The term "object detection" here refers to a process in which an optical sensor unit collects information about the presence of an object 200, or, where appropriate, information about its location.

[0069] The term "optical proximity switch" here refers to a special type of optical sensor that can detect the approach or departure of an object 200.

[0070] The detection system according to the present invention offers numerous advantages. It is sustainable, energy-efficient, and easy to install. By using solar cells and energy storage devices, the system is independent of a power source and can operate reliably even under unsuitable lighting conditions. Wireless communication enables flexible transmission of sensor signals to an external controller. The system is compatible with various types of gateways and can be easily adapted to different optical sensors.

[0071] The present invention has been described in detail and with schematic diagrams. However, it should be noted that this description is for illustrative purposes only and should not be considered as a limitation of the invention. Various modifications and variations of the invention are possible without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

[0072] List of reference numerals

[0073] 1. Detection System

[0074] 10 photovoltaic elements

[0075] 20 energy storage devices

[0076] 30 energy management units

[0077] 40 radio units

[0078] 50 sensor controller

[0079] 60 sensor units

[0080] 100 conveyor belts

[0081] 200 objects, materials, and containers

[0082] 300 light source

Claims

1. A system for detecting objects (1), The system includes a photovoltaic element (10), an energy storage device (20), an energy management unit (30), a radio unit (40), a sensor controller (50), and an optical sensor unit (60). The sensor unit (60) is designed as an optical proximity switch, and the sensor controller (50) is designed such that object detection by the sensor unit (60) is evaluated and transmitted to the radio unit (40) for further communication.

2. The system (1) according to claim 1, wherein the photovoltaic element (10) is a modular component of the system (1) and can be constructed outside the housing of the system (1).

3. The system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the photovoltaic element is optimized for artificial light, particularly LED light.

4. The system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor unit (60) is a modular component of the system (1) and can be constructed outside the housing of the system (1).

5. The system (1) according to claim 4, wherein the system (1) has a plurality of sensor units (60).

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