Sensor for use with an automatic door, gate or barrier and method for configuring a sensor and arrangement with such a sensor

Abstract

The invention refers to a sensor (30) for use with an automatic door, gate or barrier (20), where the sensor (30) comprises an evaluation unit (66), an output port (68) and a detection unit (64), where the detection unit (64) provides a detection field (32) and which detects objects in a surveillance zone (34) of the detection field (32), where the detection unit (64) determines the position of objects detected in a surveillance zone (34) of the detection field (32), where the position refers to a detection coordinate system which has a detection z-axis; the evaluation unit (66) maps the position relative to the origin of a detection coordinate system; the evaluation unit (66) can output a specific signal depending on the position of the object; the sensor (30) comprises a configuration means (62) via which a configuration signal can be set to configure the relation between position and specific output signal; where the configuration means (62) provide a first configuration signal for performing a mapping step, in which the detection unit (64) maps the position of objects in the surveillance zone (34) in the detection coordinate system as reference map. The invention is characterized in that the configuration means (62) provide a second configuration signal so that the evaluation unit (66) generates an environment coordinate system, where the environment coordinate system comprises at least an environment x-axis and an environment y-axis, where the evaluation unit (64) determines the reference position (50) within the surveillance zone (34); the evaluation unit (64) sets the environment x-axis to be the connecting line between the reference position (50) and the origin of the detection coordinate system; the environment y-axis is determined to be perpendicular to the x-axis and the z-axis of the detection coordinate system; where, furthermore, at least one monitoring field (36, 38) is defined in the environment coordinate system where the specific output signals are assigned to a detection event within the at least one monitoring field (36, 38), after definition of the evaluation coordinate system, the reference map is transferred, particularly transformed, from the detection coordinate system to the environment coordinate system.

Description

[0001] Sensor for use with an automatic door, gate or barrier and method for configuring a sensor and arrangement with such a sensor

[0002] The invention refers to a sensor for use with an automatic door, gate or barrier according to the preamble of claim 1 , a method for configuring such a sensor according to claim 11 , and an arrangement comprising a gate or a barrier according to claim 16.

[0003] It is known that induction loops are installed in the streets to control automatic barriers or the like.

[0004] The induction loops are installed relative to a controlled barrier and consider the assumed direction of traffic.

[0005] Alternatively, EP 2 332 805 A1 discloses a setup where a TOF sensor is used to provide separate zones of detection to replace induction loops. However, there is still some effort to adjust the alignment of the sensor with the controlled barrier or door.

[0006] It is the object of the invention to simplify the setup of a sensor to provide at least one zone of action for controlling an automatic device.

[0007] The object is solved by claim 1 for the sensor, by claim 11 for a method to configure a sensor and by claim 16 for the arrangement of a door or barrier with a sensor according to claim 1 .

[0008] The subclaims are advantageous embodiments of the invention.

[0009] In a known manner, a sensor for use with an automatic door or barrier comprises a detection unit that provides a detection field. The detection unit detects objects in a surveillance zone of the detection field.

[0010] The detection unit maps the distance of objects which are detected in a surveillance zone of the detection field into a detection coordinate system, where the detection coordinate system has a detection z-axis. The distance of an object is mapped relative to the origin of the detection coordinate system. The detection coordinate system may be an inherent property of the detection unit, depending on the technique that is used to determine objects. In particular, the detection unit can be a laser scanner or a microwave radar unit.

[0011] In case the detection unit is a laser scanner making use of a rotating mirror to reflect laser beams, the detection z-axis is advantageously defined to be parallel or co-axial to the rotation axis of the mirror. If the detection unit is a microwave radar unit having an antenna that is designed to generate a radiation pattern which has a 0°-axis. In this case the detection z-axis is selected so that it is at 90° elevation to the 0°-axis of the radiation pattern. The detection z-axis can be selected to match the vertical direction in the preferred use of the detection unit.

[0012] Accordingly, the detection z-axis is chosen depending on the properties of the detection unit, or particularly depending on a radiated field.

[0013] The sensor comprises a configuration input port, via which a configuration signal can be entered, whereby a first configuration signal can transport the information to perform a mapping step, due to which the detection unit maps the environment of the sensor in the surveillance zone and maps the environment, in particular static objects, into the detection coordinate system. The detection coordinate system could be a polar coordinate system or a cartesian coordinate system. In a preferred embodiment, the detection coordinate system is a cartesian coordinate system, even if an original coordinate system of the detection unit is a polar coordinate system. In this case a coordinate transformation of the positions of detections is performed from the original polar coordinate system to the cartesian detection coordinate system.

[0014] After the sensor has been installed at the intended location in the field, the first configuration signal can be triggered. By receiving the first configuration signal, the sensor executes the mapping step of the environment in the surveillance zone. The size and position of the surveillance zone in the detection field is a predefined property of the detection unit. The first configuration signal is preferably submitted in a static condition of the environment as to improve detection of changes during the operation of the sensor. During this action, the installer is outside the surveillance zone.

[0015] Furthermore, the sensor configuration port comprises a second configuration signal that transports the information for performing the generation of an environment coordinate system. After the environment has been mapped, the second signal is entered in the configuration unit to generate an environment coordinate system. By performing the creation of the environment coordinate system, a new reference position is detected within the surveillance zone. The reference position is the position of an object that is present in addition to the objects that have been mapped by mapping the environment. Preferably the object is the user or installer setting up the sensor.

[0016] Once the reference position is detected, the environment x-axis is defined to be the connecting line between the reference position and the origin of the detection coordinate system. The environment y- axis is determined to be perpendicular to the environment x-axis and the detection z-axis. The environment coordinate system and the detection coordinate system have a common origin.

[0017] The environment coordinate system is established in such a way that it comprises at least an environmental x-axis and an environmental y-axis.

[0018] According to a further advantage of the invention, the orientation of the environment coordinate system can easily be readjusted in case the sensor has been displaced or pivoted.

[0019] Furthermore, the sensor comprises at least one output port, which outputs specific signals that are respectively assigned to a detection event in at least one monitoring field of the surveillance zone.

[0020] The at least one monitoring field is defined in the environment coordinate system. After definition of the environment coordinate system, the map of the environment is transferred, particularly transformed from the detection coordinate system to the environment coordinate system.

[0021] During operation the evaluation unit transfers, particularly transforms the position value received from the detection unit to the environment coordinate system and compares the value with the reference map and the set monitoring zones in the environment coordinate system to determine the specific output signal.

[0022] According to this procedure, the coordinate system, with which the sensor according to the invention operates, can be adjusted to the environment after the sensor has been installed. The installer can easily define the basis for the coordinate system directly in the situation the sensor is supposed to monitor. A simple alignment with the barrier or the like is provided by the sensor according to the invention.

[0023] In an operation mode the sensor operates based on the environment coordinate system. In particular with regard to moving objects in the surveillance zone, speed and direction of these objects can be calculated with less computational effort using the environment coordinate system.

[0024] The sensor according to the invention allows a simple setup, where only a rough alignment of the detection field is necessary. As the environment coordinate system can easily be adjusted, also the at least one monitoring field can be set in an in-situ situation without necessarily visualizing the surveillance zone.

[0025] According to a further advantageous embodiment, the configuration means provide a third configuration signal that triggers the evaluation unit to perform a position-based monitoring field definition step. Thereby the evaluation unit defines the at least one monitoring field in a way that the detection unit determines a reference position of an object that is present in addition to the objects of the reference map. The at least one monitoring field is of a trapezoidal shape and is defined so that the parallel sides of the trapezoid are parallel to the x-axis. The position of the monitoring field is defined in dependency of the distance of the reference position of the object to the x-axis.

[0026] To configure a monitoring field that way, the installer goes to the reference position, where the position of the monitoring field is supposed to be located. Then the installer can activate the third configuration signal. Then, by evaluating the distance to the environment x-axis, the evaluation unit defines the monitoring field. Preferably, the evaluation unit can take the y-distance of the reference position and define a monitoring field that extends parallel to the x-axis. In particular, the depth, namely the size of the field in y-direction, can be of a predefined depth value. The monitoring field can then e.g. be located half the depth in direction to the x-axis from the reference position and half the depth in y-direction away from the x-axis from the reference position.

[0027] According to a further embodiment of the invention there is a first and a second monitoring field where the detection of an object in the first monitoring field is assigned to a different output signal than the detection of an object in the second monitoring field. Within the scope of the invention, more than two monitoring fields can be provided. According to a further advantageous embodiment, the first monitoring field and / or the second monitoring field is defined automatically after the generation of the environment coordinate system.

[0028] The evaluation unit can comprise a memory in which monitoring field parameters are stored.

[0029] This automatic definition of the monitoring field can be achieved due to predefined parameters relative to the environment x- axis and the environment y-axis. This assures that after the setup of the device, at least one monitoring field that is assigned to a specific first output signal is provided. Additionally, there is a second monitoring field assigned to a second output signal that is different to the first output signal. The second monitoring field can also be defined automatically or by a different setup procedure, e.g., by a position-based monitoring field definition. A further aspect is that a first monitoring field and a second monitoring field can be defined where the first monitoring field and / or the second monitoring field are defined by position-based monitoring field definition.

[0030] In particular, the monitoring field definition can rely on predefined field parameters that are the width of the monitoring field and / or the depth of the monitoring field. The width of the monitoring field is the length of the field in x-direction and the depth of the monitoring field is the length of the field in y- direction. A further predefined parameter could be the distance of the monitoring field to the x-axis (y- offset) and / or distance of the monitoring field to the y-axis (x-offset). The x-offset and the y-offset is the distance of the parallel side of the minimum bounding rectangle of the monitoring field that has the lowest environment coordinate value.

[0031] The positive direction of the x-axis is defined to be the direction from the origin to the reference position. The z-axis keeps the direction of the detection z-axis. In particular, the positive direction of the y-axis can be set by the installer but is preferably preset according to the right-hand-rule definition.

[0032] Accordingly, the orientation of the positive y-axis can be adjusted to the assumed main traffic direction to be monitored.

[0033] The width of the monitoring field can be set to the distance of the reference position used for the setup of the environment coordinate system to the environment y-axis.

[0034] Using predefined parameters allows a fast setup of monitoring fields although they can easily be customized by using the position-based monitoring field definition technique. According to a further embodiment of the invention, the monitoring field definition can be done by tracking the movement of an object in the surveillance zone, where the monitoring field is set to be a minimum bounding rectangle of all the positions of the installer that are detected during the tracking. Two sides of the minimum bounding rectangle are parallel to the x-axis. Width and depth of the monitoring field can be defined freely. Alternatively, the y-offset and the depth value are determined like that, but the width value is adjusted with a predefined value.

[0035] According to a further advantageous embodiment the configuration means comprise a mobile interface which can receive information form a mobile device for creating the configuration signal. This allows an installer to use an app on a mobile device to easily configure the environment coordinate system and the at least one monitoring field. In particular, an installer may readjust the monitoring field after the initial setup by using the mobile interface.

[0036] Configuration means can also comprise a remote control, or switches at the sensor to provide the different input signals.

[0037] In a further advantageous embodiment, the sensor comprises a housing having a first housing part that houses the detection unit and a second housing part relative to which the first housing part is pivotable around the scanner z-axis. Due to such an embodiment the detection field of the sensor can be roughly adjusted to the environment and finally configured to match with a barrier, door or gate by defining the environment coordinate system.

[0038] According to a further improvement the output interface of the sensor comprises a visualization interface to provide the sensor’s view in the environmental coordinate system, as well as the position and extent of the at least one monitoring field. This allows the installer to visually check the result of the configuration.

[0039] Furthermore, the invention refers to a teach-in method for configuring a sensor according to claim 11 , to define at least one monitoring field inside a surveillance zone of a detection field of a detection unit of the sensor, where the steps, described as follows, are performed.

[0040] At first the sensor is placed at its intended position. After the sensor is placed in its position, an environment mapping step is performed. By the environment mapping step, the static environment is mapped in a detection unit coordinate system as reference map, where the scanner coordinate system comprises a z-axis. The mapping of the environment as a reference map is a common step in teach-in processes of sensors for use with automatic gates or barriers.

[0041] After that, an x-axis definition step is performed after the sensor has generated its reference map. This definition step is started by an installer. In the x-axis definition step, an object is detected at a reference position in the surveillance zone. As previously described this object preferably is the installer. Once the installer is in the reference position the reference position is determined by the sensor. This can be initiated by a command of the controller.

[0042] When the sensor has determined the reference position, the evaluation unit defines the x-axis along the connecting line between the origin of the scanner coordinate system and the reference position. The evaluation unit generates an environment coordinate system based on the defined x-axis, and the scanner z-axis, where a y axis is perpendicular to the x-axis and the detection z-axis.

[0043] After the environment coordinate system is established, the sensor then maps the reference map to the environment coordinate system.

[0044] After the environment coordinate system is established, at least one monitoring field is defined in the environment coordinate system, where a detection of an object in a respective monitoring field leads to a specific output signal which is related to the respective monitoring field.

[0045] When all monitoring fields have been defined, the sensor is set to operation mode.

[0046] To determine, whether a detection occurred within a respective monitoring field or not, the positions of detection events are transferred, particularly transformed, to the environment coordinate system and evaluated with respect to the definition of monitoring fields in the environment coordinate system.

[0047] Advantageously, the surveillance area comprises a first monitoring field and a second monitoring field, where the first monitoring field is related to an output of a safety signal and the second monitoring field is associated with an activation signal.

[0048] According to a further improvement of the method for configuring a sensor, a so-called teach-in method, the first monitoring field is defined in a way that it has trapezoidal shape, in particular, a rectangular shape that has two sides which are parallel to the environment x-axis with predefined offset of one side, where the y-offsets are set to specific value YO which is the smallest value of the two sides. The monitoring field extends over a certain depth defined by a predetermined depth value.

[0049] For example, the y-offset value can be determined by measuring a field set position, where the field set position is the reference position of an object in the position-based monitoring field definition step. To determine the y-offset value the half of a predefined depth value is subtracted from the y-value of the field set position.

[0050] The invention furthermore refers to an arrangement that comprises a gate, barrier or door that is connected to a pre-described sensor according to the invention.

[0051] The arrangement is preferably set up in a way that the x-axis is defined to be parallel to the barrier, gate or door that is controlled by the sensor.

[0052] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the sensor can determine the position and / or the orientation of the barrier. Accordingly, an error can be output if the deviation in position or orientation of the barrier and the x-axis is beyond a certain threshold angle or threshold distance.

[0053] Further advantages, features and potential applications of the present invention may be gathered from the description which follows, in conjunction with the embodiments illustrated in the drawings.

[0054] Throughout the description, the claims and the drawings, those terms and associated reference signs are used as they appear in the enclosed list of reference signs. The drawings show:

[0055] Fig. 1 an arrangement comprising a barrier with a boom and a sensor for use with the barrier in a first configuration step;

[0056] Fig. 2 a second configuration step;

[0057] Fig. 3 a third configuration step;

[0058] Fig. 4 a schematic top view of arrangement of Fig.1 Fig. 5 a schematic view of a sensor according to the invention, and

[0059] Fig. 6 a flow diagram of the inventive method to configure a sensor.

[0060] Fig. 1 shows an arrangement 10 comprising a barrier 20 with a boom 22 and a sensor 30. The barrier 20 is set beside a street, where an installer wants to add functional areas to allow different behaviors for the barrier.

[0061] According to the invention, the sensor 30 comprises a detection unit (not shown) that provides a detection field 32. A sensor 30 according to the invention is described in more detail in Fig. 5. Inside the detection field 32 the detection unit provides a surveillance zone 34 in which it can detect objects and determine the position relative to the detection unit. A static post 110 is within the surveillance zone 34 in this example.

[0062] Furthermore, there is an installer 100, to configure the sensor 30. In the situation shown in Fig. 1 the installer initiates a first configuration step, by sending a first configuration signal to the sensor 30. The sensor 30 is programmed to perform an environment mapping step in which the post 110 is detected and recorded in a reference map.

[0063] Fig. 2 shows a second configuration step to configure an environment coordinate system of the sensor 30. To do so, the installer moves to a chosen reference position 50, which in this case is aligned with the sensor 30 and distant to the boom 22. Once the installer 100 chooses to be in the reference position 50 a second configuration signal can be sent to the sensor 30 to start the generation of the environment coordinate system (XE, YE, ZE) as shown and explained in Fig. 4. The sensor 30 scans the detection field and detects objects in the surveillance zone 32. In this case these are the post 110 and the installer 100 in the reference position 50. Although it detects two objects, the sensor 30 will ignore the post as it is known to belong to the background. Accordingly, the reference position will be regarded as the relevant position to determine the x-axis for the environment coordinate system. The x-axis of the environment coordinate system will be defined in the direction of the connecting line form the sensor 30 to the reference position 50. The y-axis of the environment coordinate system is the axis that is perpendicular to this x-axis and the z-axis of the detection unit which is assumed to be vertical in this example. After this step an environment coordinate system is generated that perfectly matches the setup without the need to adjust the sensor 30 manually to adapt to the situation. Fig. 3 shows a further configuration step in which a position-based definition of a second monitoring field 38 is explained. For this, the installer 100 moves to a reference position 52, around which the second monitoring field 38 shall be defined. Once the installer reaches the position, the position-based definition step can be started, by the installer triggering a third configuration signal.

[0064] To define the second monitoring field 38 a predefined algorithm is applied. In this case the algorithm defines a rectangular monitoring field with two sides parallel to the x-axis. Furthermore, a depth value D is predefined for the position-based monitoring field definition. In this case D is 2 meters. The algorithm further defines that the monitoring field is positioned in a way that it is symmetrical relative to the reference position with respect to its depth D. In this case the second monitoring field extends 1 meter from the reference position in the direction of the x-axis and 1 meter away from it.

[0065] According to this procedure, a fast way to establish a monitoring field is provided where a detection occurring in this second monitoring field 38 will lead to a specific sensor output, which e.g., triggers the barrier 20 to open.

[0066] Fig. 4 explains the internal function of the sensor 30 in a top view of the arrangement of Fig. 1 . The sensor 30 provides a detection field 32. The detection unit has an internal coordinate system which in this case defines the x-axis Xs in the middle of the detection field and the y-axis Ys perpendicular thereto.

[0067] The environment scan is done in this scanner coordinate system (Xs, Ys). After the static environment has been mapped in a reference map (in this case post 110), the definition of the x-axis can take place.

[0068] As can be seen, and as already described with regard to Fig. 2, the reference position 50 is detected and the environment coordinate system is generated, having the environment x-axis XE and the environment y-axis YE. The reference map is transferred, particularly transformed, to the environment coordinate system.

[0069] As a next step the monitoring fields are defined. In this example a first monitoring field 36 is automatically defined. This first monitoring field 36 is of a predefined rectangular shape and is further defined by an algorithm using the predefined depth value D1 of, exemplarily, 2 meters. The first monitoring field 36 is positioned symmetrically to the environment x-axis XE with respect to its depth. The output signal related to a detection in the first monitoring field 36 is set as safety output, in a way that it prevents the barrier 20 from closing as long as an object is detected inside the first monitoring field 36.

[0070] The second monitoring field 38 is set up as described with regard to Fig.3.

[0071] After the configuration is completed the sensor 30 can be set to operation mode in which the position measurements are transferred, particularly transformed, from the detection coordinate system to the environment coordinate system and compared to the definitions and reference maps in the environment coordinate system.

[0072] According to the invention, a full setup of automation zones can easily be done in-situ, so that the installer 100 has a physical reference of the arrangement. If the sensor is erroneously pivoted during operation, a readjustment can be done easily, as only a new x-axis needs to be defined, and all previously configured monitoring field definitions can be maintained.

[0073] Fig. 5 shows a schematic view of a sensor 30 according to the invention. The sensor 30 comprises a housing 70, where the housing comprises a first fixing part 72 and a housing part 74 which houses the electrical components of the sensor 30. The housing part 74 is mounted rotatably in the fixing part around a rotation axis R. The rotation axis R in this case corresponds with the z-axis.

[0074] Furthermore, the sensor 30 comprises a detection unit 64, which generates a detection field 32 as described in Fig. 1 . The detection unit 64 preferably is a microwave radar unit. The sensor 30 comprises an evaluation unit 66 and an output port 68, which is in operation connected to a control unit 80 of an arrangement, e.g. a barrier 20. The evaluation unit 66 analyses the output information of the detection unit 64. The detection unit 64 provides a map of objects within a surveillance zone of the detection field. Depending on this map the evaluation unit 66 determines which output signal is sent via the output port 68. To select the specific output signals the evaluation unit 66 defines specific monitoring fields in the surveillance zone according to the teach-in process as previously described. For this task the configuration means 62 comprise a mobile input device 63a and an input receiver 63b which is mounted in the housing part 74.

[0075] The detection unit 64 can comprise a first chip mapping the objects in a detection coordinate system. Preferably, the chip already transforms the map from a polar coordinate system to a cartesian coordinate system. The evaluation unit 66 can comprise a separate chip that transforms the detection map to the previously generated environment coordinate system. In this environment coordinate system, the objects are evaluated with regard to position, movement and moving trajectory by the evaluation unit 66.

[0076] The evaluation unit 66 triggers the output port 68 depending on the evaluation result.

[0077] Fig. 6 shows a flow diagram of a method for configuring the sensor for the use in the arrangement of Fig. 1 . After the sensor has been located and has been roughly oriented with regard to the gate or barrier, in this example the boom 22, the so-called teach-in of the sensor can start according to the method of the invention.

[0078] The method has an installer domain and a sensor domain, where the installer domain is shown on the left side of the diagram and the sensor domain is shown on the right side. In order to configure the sensor the installer enters a first configuration signal. This could be done, e.g., via a button on the sensor, via a remote control or even via an application on a mobile device. Preferably, the completion of the mapping step is indicated by the sensor.

[0079] After the first configuration signal has been entered, the sensor maps its environment as previously described to its detection coordinate system. After the mapping step is completed, the installer moves to the reference position and enters the second configuration signal. It is also possible that the second configuration signal is entered before the installer moves to the reference position and the sensor detects the reference position at which the installer remains longer than a predefined timespan.

[0080] Based on the determined reference position the sensor, more specifically the evaluation unit, determines the x-axis of the environment coordinate system and generates an environment coordinate system.

[0081] The evaluation unit transfers, particularly transforms, the reference map to the environment coordinate system and in this example automatically defines a rectangular monitoring field that is symmetric with respect to its depth direction to the environment x-axis.

[0082] After that the installer in this case enters a third configuration signal that triggers the sensor to execute a position-based monitoring field definition step. In this step the installer moves to a reference position. Once the reference position is detected the evaluation unit defines a second monitoring field, that is rectangular and symmetric with respect to the depth to the reference position, where the rectangle is parallel to the environment system. Alternatively, or additionally, a fourth configuration signal can be entered to execute a field definition step by which the installer defines a track by walking along this track. This track is recorded by the sensor and a minimum bounding rectangle with respect to the track defines a monitoring field.

[0083] Once the definition of monitoring fields is completed, the installer enters a start signal that puts the sensor from a configuration mode to an operation mode. In the operation mode the sensor determines detection events that are different to the reference map and compares the position of the detection events to the monitoring fields defined in the y-x plane of the environment coordinate system. During operation, all the position of the detection events are transferred, particularly transformed, to the environment coordinate system as previously configured by the installer.

[0084] List of reference signs10arrangement

[0085] 20 barrier

[0086] 22 boom

[0087] 30 sensor

[0088] 32 detection field

[0089] 34 surveillance zone

[0090] 36 monitoring field

[0091] 38 monitoring field

[0092] 50 reference position

[0093] 52 reference position

[0094] 62 configuration means

[0095] 63a input

[0096] 63b receiver

[0097] 64 detection unit

[0098] 66 evaluation unit

[0099] 68 output port

[0100] 70 housing

[0101] 72 fixing part

[0102] 74 housing part

[0103] 80 controller

[0104] 100 installer

[0105] 110 post D Depth of monitoring field

[0106] W Width of monitoring field

Claims

C l a i m s1 . Sensor (30) for use with an automatic door, gate or barrier (20), where the sensor (30) comprises an evaluation unit (66), an output port (68) and a detection unit (64), where the detection unit (64) provides a detection field (32) and which detects objects in a surveillance zone (34) of the detection field (32), where the detection unit (64) determines the position of objects detected in a surveillance zone (34) of the detection field (32), where the position refers to a detection coordinate system which has a detection z-axis; the evaluation unit (66) maps the position relative to the origin of a detection coordinate system; the evaluation unit (66) can output a specific signal depending on the position of the object; the sensor (30) comprises a configuration means (62) via which a configuration signal can be set to configure the relation between position and specific output signal; where the configuration means (62) provide a first configuration signal for performing a mapping step, in which the detection unit (64) maps the position of objects in the surveillance zone (34) in the detection coordinate system as reference map; characterized in that the configuration means (62) provide a second configuration signal so that the evaluation unit (66) generates an environment coordinate system, where the environment coordinate system comprises at least an environment x-axis and an environment y-axis, where the evaluation unit (64) determines the reference position (50) within the surveillance zone (34); the evaluation unit (64) sets the environment x-axis to be the connecting line between the reference position (50) and the origin of the detection coordinate system; the environment y-axis is determined to be perpendicular to the x-axis and the z-axis of the detection coordinate system; where, furthermore, at least one monitoring field (36, 38) is defined in the environment coordinate system where the specific output signals are assigned to a detection event within the at least one monitoring field (36, 38), after definition of the evaluation coordinate system, the reference map is transferred, particularly transformed, from the detection coordinate system to the environment coordinate system.

2. Sensor according to claim 1 characterized in that the at least one monitoring field (36, 38) is defined by an y-offset value relative to the environmental x-axis and a depth value (D).

3. Sensor according to claim 1 or 2 characterized in that the configuration means provide a third configuration signal which triggers the evaluation unit (62) to perform a position-based monitoring field definition of the at least one monitoring field (38) in a way that the detection unit (64) determines a reference position (52) of an object that is present in addition to the objects of the reference map, where the at least one monitoring field (38) is defined in parallel to the x-axis and depending on the distance of the reference object to the x-axis.

4. Sensor according to one of the preceding claims characterized in that there is a first monitoring field (36) and a second monitoring field (38) where the detection of an object in the first monitoring field (36) is assigned to a different output signal than the detection of an object in the second monitoring field (38).

5. Sensor according to claim 4 characterized in that the first monitoring field (36) and / or the second monitoring field (38) is defined automatically after configuration of the environment coordinate system.

6. Sensor according to claim 3 or 5 characterized in that the first monitoring field (36) and / or the second monitoring field (38) are defined by position-based monitoring field definition.

7. Sensor according to claims 1 to 6 characterized in that the evaluation unit (66) comprises a memory in which field parameters are stored, where the field parameters are particularly the width (W) and / or the depth (D) of the monitoring field (36, 38), or the distance of the monitoring field (36, 38) to the x-axis (y-offset) and / or the distance of the monitoring field to the y-axis (x-offset), so that the monitoring field definition can be based on predefined values of the field parameters.

8. Sensor according to one of the preceding claims characterized in that the configuration means (62) comprise an interface (63a) which can receive information to generate the input signals received from a mobile device (63b).

9. Sensor according to one of the preceding claims characterized in that the sensor comprises a housing having a first housing part (74) that houses the detection unit (64) and a second housing part (72) relative to which the first housing part (74) is pivotable around the z-axis of the detection coordinate system.

10. Sensor according to one of the preceding claims characterized in that one output port (68) is configured to output the information of the sensor’s view in the environmental coordinate system, as well as the position and extent of the at least one monitoring field (36, 38).11 . Method for configuring a sensor to define at least one monitoring field (36, 38) inside a surveillance zone (34) of a detection field (32) provided by a detection unit (64) of the sensor (30), where the following steps are executed: a. The sensor (64) is positioned at its place of operation; b. an environment mapping step is performed, where the static environment is mapped in a detection coordinate system, where the detection coordinate system comprises a z- axis; characterized in that c. an x-axis determination step is performed, in which an object is detected at a reference position in the surveillance zone, and where the x-axis is defined along the connecting line between the origin of the detection coordinate system and the reference position; d. an environment coordinate system is generated based on the defined x-axis, and the detection z-axis; e. the map of static environment is transferred, particularly transformed, to the environment coordinate system; f. at least one monitoring field (36, 38) is established in the environment coordinate system; g. operation mode is started, where during operation the positions of detection events are transferred, particularly transformed, to the evaluation coordinate system and where adetection event in a respective monitoring field leads to a specific output signal which is related to the respective monitoring field (36, 38).

12. Method according to claim 11 characterized in that the surveillance area (34) comprises a first monitoring field (36) and a second monitoring field (38).

13. Method according to claim 12 characterized in that the first monitoring field (36) is related to a safety signal and the second monitoring field (38) is associated with an activation signal.

14. Method according to claim 11 or 13 characterized in that the at least one monitoring field (36, 38) is defined in a way that it has a trapezoidal, in particular a rectangular, shape that has two sides which are parallel to the x-axis with predefined distances of the sides, where the distance of one side is the y-offset.

15. Method according to anyone of the claims 11 to 14 characterized in that the second monitoring field (36, 38) is of a trapezoidal, in particular a rectangular, shape and where, in particular, the y-offset is determined by measuring a reference position (52), of which the half of a predefined depth value is subtracted to determine the y-distance of the respective side of the rectangle to the x-axis.

16. Arrangement (10) comprising a barrier (20) or gate and a sensor (30) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 10 where the sensor (30) is used as an input device to control the barrier (20) or gate.

17. Arrangement according to claim 16 characterized in that the x-axis is defined parallel to the gate or boom (22).

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