Dynamic Protected Field Adaptation in Vehicle Laser Scanners
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optoelectronic sensors in vehicles struggle with inaccuracies in path borders, leading to unnecessary safety shut-downs due to static protected fields that do not adapt to external circumstances, such as uneven floors and vehicle movements.
Innovation Solution
An optoelectronic sensor system that dynamically adapts the protected fields to the vehicle's position and movement, using a dynamic fitting method that adjusts the protected field's geometry and orientation in real-time to compensate for inaccuracies, thereby increasing safety and reducing false shut-downs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If static protected fields are used for vehicle safety monitoring, then the system structure is simple, but the vehicle positioning inaccuracies cause erroneous shut-downs when protected fields abut path borders
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transforming static protected fields into dynamic protected fields that automatically adapt to vehicle position and path borders. The protected field geometry changes in real-time based on vehicle location, eliminating erroneous shut-downs while maintaining system reliability without requiring complex manual configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service through automatic protected field adaptation where the evaluation unit autonomously calculates and adjusts protected field parameters based on detected path borders and vehicle position. This eliminates the need for manual optimization and continuous intervention, reducing operational complexity while improving reliability.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If protected fields are narrowed to reduce erroneous shut-downs, then false alarms decrease, but the safety reserve is reduced and persons may be overlooked
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting protected field parameters (position, orientation, dimensions) based on vehicle location and path border detection. This allows the system to maintain optimal protected field width that prevents erroneous shut-downs while ensuring sufficient coverage for person detection, resolving the contradiction between reducing false alarms and maintaining detection capability.
3Manufacturing precision
If manual optimization of protected fields is performed, then some tolerance in width can be achieved, but the configuration is laborious and can only be optimized up to a specific limit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical configuration with an automated evaluation unit that calculates protected field parameters based on detected path borders and vehicle position. This substitution of manual optimization with automated computational adjustment achieves precise protected field positioning while eliminating laborious configuration efforts.
4Reliability
If dynamic adaptation of protected fields is implemented, then erroneous shut-downs are reduced and safety is increased, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing an evaluation unit that performs multiple functions: detecting path borders, determining vehicle position, calculating protected field parameters, and monitoring for objects. This multi-functional approach achieves dynamic protected field adaptation while minimizing system complexity by consolidating functions into a single integrated unit.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The dynamic adaptation of protected fields reduces erroneous shut-downs, enhances safety by maintaining a wider detection capability, and simplifies configuration by eliminating the need for manual adjustments, ensuring a larger safety reserve and increased availability.
Implementation Method 1
measures the time of flight of light up to the reception of reflections of the objects in the field of view
Implementation Method 2
measures the time of flight of light up to the reception of reflections of the objects
Implementation Method 3
The scan beam is periodically deflected over an angular range so that the object distribution in the scan plane is acquired
Data Source
AI summary
An optoelectronic sensor (10), in particular a laser scanner, for a vehicle (100) which moves on a path (104) bordered at both sides, the optoelectronic sensor having a light receiver (24) for the conversion of received light (20) into electric signals as well as an evaluation unit (30, 34) which is configured to determine the position of objects in a monitored zone of the sensor (10) from the electric signals and to recognize whether an unauthorized object is located within a protected field (102) dynamically changing in position and/or extent, wherein a safety output (32) is provided via which a stop signal or a brake signal can be output to the vehicle (100) by the evaluation unit (30, 34) on the recognition of a protected field intrusion. The evaluation unit (30, 34) is furthermore configured to recognize borders (110) of the path (104) from the electric signals and to fit the protected field (102) dynamically into the borders (110).