System for detecting objects

Abstract

The invention relates to a system (1) for detecting objects, comprising 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 such that object detections of the sensor unit (60) are evaluated and transmitted to the radio unit (40) for further communication.

Description

[0001] System for recording objects

[0002] The invention relates to a system for detecting objects.

[0003] Typical systems for detecting objects are connected to a power supply and are usually inflexible in their arrangement options.

[0004] The object of the invention is to provide a system for detecting objects that is independent of a power supply and can be flexibly constructed.

[0005] This problem is solved by the system according to the invention.

[0006] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

[0007] 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 control unit, and an optical sensor unit, wherein the sensor unit is designed as an optical proximity switch, and wherein the sensor control unit is designed such that object detections by the sensor unit are evaluated and transmitted to the radio unit for further communication.

[0008] The integration of a photovoltaic element enables a self-sufficient energy supply for the system, allowing for independent and flexible placement without external power sources.

[0009] By using an energy management unit, the energy gained can be used efficiently, leading to a longer lifespan of the energy storage system and increased reliability of the system.

[0010] The combination of sensor control and an optical sensor unit, which functions as a proximity switch, enables precise and rapid object detection, thus improving the system's response time and being advantageous for applications such as security systems or automation technology. Preferably, the photovoltaic element is a modular component of the system and can be installed outside of the system's housing.

[0011] The modularity of the photovoltaic element allows for an adaptable configuration of the system, which facilitates installation in different environments and under varying light conditions.

[0012] The ability to install the photovoltaic element outside the housing increases flexibility in positioning and maximizes light exposure, thus increasing the energy efficiency of the system.

[0013] By externally mounting the photovoltaic element, the system can be designed in sizes and form factors that are optimized for the specific application without compromising energy generation efficiency.

[0014] In particular, it is advantageous if the photovoltaic element is optimized with regard to artificial light, especially LED light.

[0015] Optimizing the photovoltaic element for artificial light, especially LED light, enables its use in indoor spaces with artificial lighting, thus expanding the system's range of applications.

[0016] Specific adaptation to LED light sources can maximize energy yield in environments with such lighting, improving the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of the system.

[0017] The ability to harvest energy from artificial light reduces dependence on daylight and enables continuous performance even under fluctuating or low light conditions. Furthermore, it is advantageous if the sensor unit is a modular component of the system and can be installed outside of the system's housing.

[0018] The modularity of the sensor unit offers a high degree of adaptability to specific object detection requirements by making it possible to place sensors in strategically advantageous positions.

[0019] External mounting of the sensor unit can facilitate maintenance and replacement without having to open the main housing of the system, thus increasing operational reliability and ease of maintenance.

[0020] By using multiple modular sensor units, the system can be scaled and configured for complex applications with multiple detection points, increasing the versatility and effectiveness of the system.

[0021] Preferably, the system has multiple sensor units.

[0022] The ability to integrate multiple sensor units enables comprehensive monitoring and acquisition across a wide area or multiple zones, improving the accuracy and reliability of the system.

[0023] With multiple sensor units, the system can perform redundant measurements, which increases fault tolerance and reduces the probability of false alarms or monitoring failures. The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments and the drawings.

[0024] They show schematically:

[0025] Figure 1 shows a detection system according to the invention,

[0026] Figure 2 shows a typical data collection situation on a conveyor belt.

[0027] Figure 3 shows a variant with an external solar cell,

[0028] Figure 4 shows a variant with an external sensor unit.

[0029] In the following description of preferred embodiments, identical reference numerals denote identical or comparable components.

[0030] The present invention relates to a detection system for recognizing the presence of objects, in particular material containers. The detection system operates autonomously and can be easily retrofitted without requiring electrical connections. It is ideally suited for modern production facilities where material flows must be regularly adapted to new customer requirements, as well as for locations where an electrical connection of conventional sensors is not possible.

[0031] The detection system preferably consists of the following components: a solar cell for energy generation, 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 the sensor signals to a controller, and a sensor unit for detecting the presence of material containers. The detection system can be built either as a single housing in which all components are integrated, or modularly, with the solar cell being positioned separately. In both cases, the system is sustainable and energy-efficient, as it utilizes energy from the environment, particularly from light.

[0032] The detection system works by using a sensor unit to identify the presence of material containers. This sensor unit can be, for example, a photocell or infrared cells. Once a material container is detected, the sensor unit sends a signal to the sensor controller, which evaluates the signal and forwards it to the radio unit. The radio unit then transmits the information to an external controller using a standard protocol such as MQTT.

[0033] The design of the detection system allows for easy retrofitting and installation in various locations. It can be flexibly adapted to specific requirements, for example, by attaching additional sensor units outside the housing. The use of a solar cell and an energy storage device ensures operational reliability even under unfavorable lighting conditions.

[0034] This application addresses the problem of object detection in a system, particularly with regard to the power supply and flexibility of the sensor unit. Specifically, the application offers improvements to the system's power supply through the integration of a photovoltaic element as a modular component. This allows the system to operate independently of an external power source and thus increases its flexibility.

[0035] Furthermore, the photovoltaic element is specifically optimized for artificial light, particularly LED light, to ensure efficient energy harvesting. The application also enables the modular design of the sensor unit outside the system's housing. This allows the sensor unit to be positioned in various locations for precise object detection. Additionally, the system can incorporate multiple sensor units to ensure comprehensive object detection across different areas. Overall, this application addresses the challenges of power supply and object detection flexibility within a system through the integration of a photovoltaic element and the modular design of the sensor unit.

[0036] A system for detecting the presence of objects, in particular material containers, is proposed, with at least one optical proximity switch, wherein the detection system has photovoltaic energy collection cells, and the proximity switches detect the presence of the material containers using a light sensor.

[0037] The detection system operates autonomously in ambient light without being connected to a power source or control system and can be easily retrofitted, for example, on a material shelf or conveyor belt.

[0038] Installation costs are minimal because no electrical connections are required. The status of material containers, in particular, can be transmitted to a control unit from anywhere in the room. Subsequent changes to the location are easily possible, as there is no fixed connection to another system.

[0039] The data acquisition system is ideally suited for modern production facilities where material flows are regularly adjusted to meet new customer demands. It can also be used in locations where an electrical connection for conventional sensors is not possible.

[0040] The detection system preferably comprises the following components: - A solar cell, which is particularly suitable and preferably optimized for energy generation in indoor spaces, for example those illuminated with LED light,

[0041] - An energy storage device, for example in the form of a battery or capacitor,

[0042] - An energy management unit for energy-efficient control of the energy storage system and / or the entire recording system,

[0043] - A sensor controller for the operation of the detection system,

[0044] - A radio unit, for example Bluetooth, Mioty or other radio gateways for transmitting the sensor signals to a controller, preferably using a standard protocol such as MQTT,

[0045] - A sensor unit, for example in the form of a photocell or infrared cells, for detecting the presence of material containers

[0046] The system can, for example, be designed so that all the above-mentioned components are housed in a common enclosure.

[0047] However, it is also conceivable to build the detection system modularly, so that, for example, the solar cell can be built separately from the common housing and the solar cell can be ideally positioned for energy absorption.

[0048] Such a system has the advantage of being sustainable due to the use of solar cells. Operational reliability is ensured in unfavorable lighting conditions by the integrated energy storage devices, such as a capacitor or battery. In its proposed configuration, the system is compatible with a wide range of gateways.

[0049] The system is easily adaptable to a wide range of optical sensors. It is easy to retrofit and install.

[0050] Figure 1 schematically shows a detection system 1 according to the invention with a solar cell or a photovoltaic element 10, an energy storage device 20, an energy management unit 30, a radio unit 40 for wireless communication with external systems, a sensor control 50 and an optical sensor unit 60 for detecting objects 200, wherein the optical sensor unit 50 is designed as an optical proximity switch and the sensor control 50 is designed such that object detections of the sensor unit 60 are evaluated and transmitted to the radio unit 40 for further communication.

[0051] Figure 2 shows a typical detection situation of a material container 200 or an object 200 on a conveyor belt 100. The detection system 1 is oriented towards the conveyor belt 100 and can detect the presence of an object 200 via its sensor unit 60.

[0052] Figure 3 shows a variant in which the solar cell 10 is arranged outside a common housing, for example near a light source 300.

[0053] Furthermore, it is conceivable to construct other components of the detection system 1 modularly and, for example, to arrange the sensor unit 60 flexibly. In the example according to Figure 4, it is also provided that, in addition to the sensor unit 60 in the common housing of the detection system, a second sensor unit 60 is arranged outside the housing at another suitable location.

[0054] The following section provides further explanations of some terms:

[0055] The term "Energy Management Unit 30" refers here to a component of the system that is responsible for controlling and optimizing the energy supply and use.

[0056] The term "radio unit 40" refers here to a unit responsible for wireless communication between the detection system 1 and other devices or systems.

[0057] The term "sensor controller 50" refers here to a control unit that evaluates the data from the sensor unit and transmits the results to the radio unit 40 for further communication. The term "modular component" refers here to a component of the system that can be installed separately outside the housing and performs an independent function.

[0058] The term "energy storage" here refers to a device that is able to store the energy generated by the photovoltaic element in order to use it later.

[0059] The term "optical sensor unit" here refers to a component of the system that is capable of detecting objects using optical sensors and, if necessary, collecting information about them.

[0060] The term "object detection" here refers to the process by which the optical sensor unit collects information about the presence or, if applicable, the position of objects 200.

[0061] The term "optical proximity switch" refers here to a special type of optical sensor that is able to detect the approach or distance of objects 200.

[0062] The detection system according to the invention offers numerous advantages. It is sustainable, energy-efficient, and easy to retrofit. Thanks to the use of a solar cell and an energy storage device, it is independent of a power source and can operate reliably even under unfavorable lighting conditions. Wireless communication enables flexible transmission of sensor signals to an external controller. The system is compatible with a wide range of gateways and can be easily adapted to various optical sensors.

[0063] The present invention has been explained with reference to a detailed description and schematic diagrams. However, it should be noted that this description serves only as an example and should not be considered a limitation of the invention. Various modifications and variations of the invention are possible, provided they remain within the scope of protection of the appended claims. Reference numerals

[0064] 1. Data collection system

[0065] 10 photovoltaic elements

[0066] 20 energy storage

[0067] 30 Energy Management Unit

[0068] 40 radio units

[0069] 50 Sensor control

[0070] 60 sensor units

[0071] 100 assembly line

[0072] 200 objects, material containers

[0073] 300 light sources

Claims

Patent claims 1. System (1) for detecting objects, comprising a photovoltaic element (10), an energy storage device (20), an energy management unit (30), a radio unit (40), a sensor control unit (50) and an optical sensor unit (60), wherein the sensor unit (60) is configured as an optical proximity switch, and wherein the sensor control unit (50) is configured such that object detections by the sensor unit (60) are evaluated and transmitted to the radio unit (40) for further communication.

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

3. System (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the photovoltaic element is optimized with regard to artificial light, in particular LED light.

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

5. System (1) according to claim 4, wherein the system (1) comprises several sensor units (60).

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