Light Barrier Response Time Reduction via Signal Decoupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light barrier arrangements have high response times due to the need for large time intervals between beam axes or reception time windows for signal evaluation, which delays the generation of object detection signals.
Innovation Solution
A light barrier arrangement with a computer unit and a secondary computer structure that allows independent evaluation and registration of received signals, enabling shorter time intervals for signal processing and reducing response time by decoupling signal evaluation from signal reception.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If the evaluation unit processes received signals sequentially after reception, then the signal evaluation can be performed, but the reaction time for generating object detection signals becomes excessively long
Solution Approach 1:
The evaluation unit is divided into two independent parts: a receiving circuit that registers received signals at fixed time intervals, and a computer unit that evaluates these signals. This segmentation allows the receiving circuit to operate independently and continuously, while the computer unit processes signals at its own pace, eliminating the sequential bottleneck that caused long reaction times.
Solution Approach 2:
A receiving circuit acts as an intermediary between the receiver and the computer unit. This intermediate component buffers and registers received signals at predetermined time intervals, decoupling the reception process from the evaluation process. The receiving circuit serves as a mediator that enables the computer unit to evaluate signals without being constrained by the timing of signal reception.
2Productivity
If large time intervals are used between beam axes or reception time windows, then the evaluation unit has sufficient time to process signals, but the reaction time when generating object detection signals increases
Solution Approach 1:
The receiving circuit performs preliminary action by registering received signals at predetermined time intervals before the computer unit evaluates them. This preliminary registration creates a buffer of ready-to-process signals, allowing the computer unit to immediately begin evaluation without waiting for the next signal reception cycle, thus reducing reaction time while maintaining continuous processing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the timing relationship between reception and evaluation. The receiving circuit operates at fixed time intervals independent of the computer unit's evaluation speed. This dynamic decoupling allows the system to maintain high productivity through continuous reception while the computer unit processes signals at its own optimized pace, eliminating the trade-off between processing time and reaction time.
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 design significantly reduces the response time for generating object detection signals by allowing independent timing of signal evaluation and registration, enabling faster object detection without extending reception time windows.
Implementation Method 1
at least one transmitter (4) that emits light beams (3) in the form of light pulses
Implementation Method 2
at least one receiver (7) ... In reception time windows adjusted to the transmission time windows, the light pulses are registered at the receiving end
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The invention relates to a light barrier arrangement (1) for detecting objects in a monitoring area, comprising at least one transmitter (4) that emits light beams (3) in the form of light pulses, and at least one receiver (7). When the monitoring area is clear, the light beams (3) emitted by the transmitter (4) are directed to the receiver (7). When an object enters the monitoring area, the light beams (3) are interrupted. The light barrier arrangement further comprises an evaluation unit (8) in which an object detection signal is generated based on received signals from the receiver (7). The evaluation unit (8) comprises a computer unit and an associated computer structure. The associated computer structure includes a receiving circuit in which received signals are detected at a time interval determined by the light pulses.In the evaluation unit (8), the received signals are evaluated and the object detection signal is generated at time intervals specified relative to the time clock.