Light Barrier Alignment Using Self-Service Pulse Patterns
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light barrier arrangements face challenges in precise and cost-effective alignment due to the need for additional devices like laser pointers, which increase construction work and costs, and are cumbersome to mount.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves determining and visualizing alignment states based on signal strengths and codes received by receivers, allowing for precise adjustment of the light barrier arrangement without additional alignment aids, using signal strengths, pulse widths, and codes to assess alignment quality and display alignment information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a laser pointer is attached to the transmitter unit as an alignment aid, then alignment visibility is improved, but device complexity and mounting effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The transmitter unit performs self-alignment by emitting light pulses with distinctive temporal patterns (single pulse or pulse pairs) that enable the receiver unit to automatically determine alignment status without external alignment aids. The system uses its own emitted light signals for alignment purposes, eliminating the need for separate laser pointers or alignment tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment function is extracted from external alignment aids (laser pointers) and integrated into the core functionality of the transmitter unit. The transmitter emits specialized alignment pulses that carry alignment information, separating the alignment task from external devices and embedding it within the existing light barrier system.
2Ease of operation
If a laser pointer is mounted on the transmitter unit, then alignment capability is improved, but mounting time and labor increase
Solution Approach 1:
The transmitter unit performs self-alignment by emitting light pulses with distinctive temporal patterns (single pulse or pulse pairs) that enable the receiver unit to automatically determine alignment status without external alignment aids. The system uses its own emitted light signals for alignment purposes, eliminating the need for separate laser pointers or alignment tools.
3Measurement precision
If multiple light pulses are emitted with pulse pauses, then alignment precision is improved, but signal processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transmitter emits light pulses in periodic sequences with controlled pause intervals between pulses. This periodic emission pattern creates distinctive temporal signatures that the receiver can detect and evaluate to determine alignment status. The regular rhythm of pulse-emission and pause provides clear temporal markers for precise alignment measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary alignment testing by emitting specific pulse patterns (single pulse or pulse pairs) with known temporal characteristics before normal operation. These preliminary pulses serve as alignment probes that reveal the relative positioning between transmitter and receiver, enabling correction before full-scale operation begins.
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 method enables simple, reliable, and cost-effective alignment of light barrier arrangements, providing continuous and precise alignment feedback for accurate setup, reducing the need for external alignment tools and improving operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the transmitters generally emit light in the infrared range
Implementation Method 2
a laser pointer is attached to the transmitter unit as an alignment aid. The laser pointer emits a visible laser beam
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4e
AI summary
The invention relates to a light barrier arrangement for detecting objects (9) in a monitoring area, comprising at least one receiver (7), wherein, when the monitoring area is clear, the light beams (3) of the transmitter (4) are directed to the receiver (7), and when an object enters the monitoring area, the path of the light beams (3) is at least partially interrupted, and comprising an evaluation unit (8) in which an object detection signal is generated depending on the received signals from the receiver (7). In the evaluation unit (8), at least two different alignment states are determined depending on the received signals from the receiver (7), and an alignment quality is determined depending on the alignment states. The invention further relates to a method for detecting objects (9) in a monitoring area.