Laser Scanner Signal Dynamics Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional laser scanners face challenges in maintaining sensitivity and reliability due to signal dynamics, which cause unnecessary sensitivity at certain distances, leading to increased availability problems and potential disruptions from external influences like dust or insects.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves an electronic correction of signal dynamics by adapting sensitivity using a control and evaluation unit, which adjusts detection thresholds and sensitivity based on distance-dependent signal dynamics, potentially complementing optical corrections, to ensure robust object detection and reduce sensitivity to external disruptions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If high sensitivity is maintained to detect objects with very low remission, then detection capability is improved, but the sensor becomes more susceptible to disruptions from external influences like dust or insects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the sensitivity adaptive rather than static. The control unit dynamically adjusts the sensitivity based on the detected distance to the object, using signal dynamics models to optimize detection thresholds in real-time. This allows the sensor to maintain high sensitivity only when needed (at detected distances) while reducing sensitivity to avoid false disruptions from external influences when objects are not present or at unexpected distances.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of sensitivity dynamically based on distance measurements. By using signal dynamics that relate detection thresholds to distance, the system adjusts its operational parameters (sensitivity levels) according to the actual working conditions. This ensures optimal detection capability at the measured distance while preventing unnecessary sensitivity that would cause disruptions from dust, insects, or other external factors.
2Reliability
If sensitivity reserves are kept back to compensate for drifting due to component aging or contamination, then reliability is improved, but unnecessary sensitivity increases leading to more disruptions from external influences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces static sensitivity reserves with dynamic sensitivity adjustment. Instead of maintaining constant sensitivity reserves to compensate for potential drifting, the system uses real-time distance measurements and signal dynamics models to adjust sensitivity adaptively. This dynamic approach provides compensation only when actually needed based on measured conditions, eliminating unnecessary sensitivity that would cause disruptions from external influences like dust or insects.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-adjustment of sensitivity based on its own measurements. The control unit uses the measured distance and signal dynamics to automatically determine the appropriate sensitivity level, eliminating the need for pre-configured sensitivity reserves. This self-service mechanism ensures reliability compensation is applied only when the measured conditions actually require it, rather than maintaining constant conservative sensitivity settings.
3Device complexity
If constant sensitivity is used across all distances, then device complexity is reduced, but signal dynamics cause unnecessary sensitivity at certain distances leading to disruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the sensitivity parameter based on the distance parameter detected by the sensor. By implementing distance-dependent sensitivity adjustment through signal dynamics models, the system optimizes detection thresholds for each measured distance. This prevents unnecessary sensitivity at certain distances that would cause disruptions from external influences, while maintaining relatively simple control logic that uses the existing distance measurement capability of the sensor.
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
This approach allows for more robust and reliable operation by leveling signal dynamics electronically, reducing unnecessary sensitivity and minimizing disruptions, thereby increasing availability without compromising reliability.
Implementation Method 1
The light is remitted at objects in the monitored zone and is evaluated in the laser scanner
Implementation Method 2
the laser scanner measures object distances with reference to the time of flight between the transmission and reception of a single light pulse
Data Source
AI summary
An optoelectronic sensor, in particular a laser scanner, for detecting an object in a monitored zone is provided having a light transmitter for transmitting a light beam into the monitored zone; a light receiver for generating a received signal from the light beam remitted by the object; a moving deflection unit for a periodic deflection of the light beam to scan the monitored zone in the course of the movement; and having a control and evaluation unit that is configured to determine the time of flight between the transmission and reception of the light beam and to determine the distance from the object therefrom, wherein the sensor has a correction of the signal dynamics, i.e. of the relative reception power in dependence on the distance of the scanned object, The control and evaluation unit is here configured to correct the signal dynamics by adapting the sensitivity of the sensor.