Laser Scanner 360-Degree Detection Without Dead Zone
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional safety laser scanners face a limitation in achieving a 360° viewing range due to the need for a dead zone in the angular range for internal reference target measurement, which restricts the usable viewing range and complicates compact designs.
Innovation Solution
A laser scanner design that tests the signal path internally without restricting the field of view by using a test light signal that remains within the scanner, decoupling the test and measurement signals temporally and spatially, allowing for a 360° viewing range without a dead zone.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an internal reference target system is used for safe detection, then the reliability of the laser scanner is improved, but the viewing range is reduced due to the required dead zone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from spatial separation (angular dead zone) to temporal separation for reference target measurement. By measuring the reference target during temporal intervals when the measurement beam is not actively scanning, the system eliminates the need for angular dead zones while maintaining measurement reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary approach where the reference target measurement is performed through the measurement beam path itself rather than requiring a separate dedicated angular range. The system uses the measurement beam's temporal idle periods to perform reference target measurements, effectively mediating between safety requirements and full viewing range.
2Measurement precision
If a dead zone is created for reference target measurement, then the signal path testing is ensured, but the usable viewing area is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic reference target measurements during the temporal idle periods of the measurement beam's rotational cycle. By utilizing the periodic nature of the beam's rotation and measuring the reference target during intervals when the beam is returning to its starting position, the system maintains measurement precision without requiring a permanent angular dead zone.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuous useful action by eliminating dead zones from the viewing range. The reference target measurement is performed during temporal gaps in the measurement cycle rather than requiring spatial exclusion zones, thereby maintaining continuous coverage of the entire angular range while still performing necessary signal path verification.
3Device complexity
If the measurement beam is used for reference target measurement, then the device complexity is reduced, but the temporal resolution for object detection is affected
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement beam serves dual purposes: it performs both object detection and reference target measurement. By using the same beam for both functions and utilizing temporal idle periods for reference target measurement, the system reduces device complexity without requiring separate dedicated beams, while the time loss is minimized by performing measurements during otherwise idle temporal intervals.
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
Enables reliable and safe detection of objects across a full 360° range without reducing the viewing area, ensuring compliance with safety standards and allowing for continuous system testing without external interference.
Implementation Method 1
a light transmitter (12) for transmitting a light signal (16) into a monitored zone (20)
Implementation Method 2
a light receiver (26) for generating a received signal (56) from the light signal remitted by objects in the monitored zone (20)
Implementation Method 3
a movable deflection unit (18) for periodic deflection of the light signal (16) to scan the monitored zone (20) in the course of the movement
Implementation Method 4
the evaluation unit (34) is configured also to detect objects in angular positions of the deflection unit (18) in which the signal path is tested
Data Source
AI summary
A laser scanner (10) is provided which has a light transmitter (12) for transmitting a light signal (16) into a monitored zone (20), a light receiver (26) for generating a received signal from the light signal (22) remitted by objects in the monitored zone (20), a movable deflection unit (18) for the periodic deflection of the light signal (16, 22) to scan the monitored zone (20) in the course of the movement, and an evaluation unit (34) for detecting the objects with reference to the received signal and for testing the signal path from the transmission of the light signal (16) up to the detection of the objects. In this respect, the evaluation unit (34) is configured also to detect objects in angular positions of the deflection unit (18) in which the signal path is tested.