Light Curtain Opening Monitoring for Variable Object Geometry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing monitoring systems require learning permissible objects beforehand and precise alignment, failing to detect irregularly positioned or sized objects, such as boxes of varying dimensions and orientations, potentially allowing impermissible objects to pass undetected.
Innovation Solution
A monitoring facility with an object recognition system and light curtains that recognize geometric shapes of objects in real-time, generating expected signal series for comparison, and a safety program to trigger shut-off signals only when deviations are detected, allowing for flexible object sizes and orientations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional light array methods are used to secure passages, then safety monitoring is provided, but permissible objects must be learned beforehand and precise alignment is required, reducing adaptability
Solution Approach 1:
The invention creates a virtual model (matrix) of the expected light beam interruption pattern based on the geometric parameters of permissible objects. Instead of requiring physical learning or alignment of actual objects, the system generates a digital representation of how light beams should be interrupted by valid objects, enabling flexible recognition without preprocessing
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from fixed geometric constraints to parameter-based recognition. By deriving geometric parameters (width, length, orientation) from light beam interruption patterns and comparing them against expected parameters in the virtual model, the system adapts to objects of varying sizes and orientations without requiring precise alignment or prior learning
2Productivity
If light beams are arranged to detect objects, then passage monitoring is achieved, but objects of varying sizes and orientations cannot be reliably detected
Solution Approach 1:
The invention adds a temporal dimension to the detection system by scanning light beam interruptions over time and constructing chronological signal series. This transforms static spatial detection into dynamic spatiotemporal analysis, enabling the system to track objects of varying sizes and orientations as they pass through the light curtain and compare their movement patterns against the virtual model
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic scanning and real-time signal series generation to adapt to moving objects. The scanner continuously captures light beam interruption patterns and updates the comparison against the virtual model in real-time, allowing reliable detection of objects with varying geometric properties without requiring fixed alignment
3Reliability
If opening width is matched exactly to object width to prevent person passage, then security is improved, but flexibility in handling different object sizes is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The virtual model matrix serves as a digital template that can represent multiple object sizes and orientations. Instead of physically constraining the opening to match a specific object width, the system creates a flexible digital representation of expected interruption patterns for various permissible object dimensions, allowing the same physical opening to safely accommodate diverse objects
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
Ensures reliable detection of objects of any size and orientation, reducing the need for safety-oriented data transmission and enhancing system safety by suppressing unnecessary shut-off signals.
Implementation Method 1
a light curtain, having a transmitter array with multiple transmitters emitting light beams and a receiver array with multiple receivers receiving light beams which recognize an interruption of a light beam
Data Source
AI summary
Monitoring facility and method for monitoring an opening, wherein to improve the monitoring facility through which objects are channeled via a transportation device, a light curtain includes a transmitter array with transmitters emitting light beams and a receiver array with receivers receiving light beams which recognize interruption of a light beam and provide a signal, where the light curtain is arranged such that the light beams extend orthogonally to a transportation plane of the transportation device, and includes a scanner which scans receiver signals of the light curtain in chronologically consecutive scanning steps and provides each scanned signal as a signal series, a controller unit with a safety program which transmits a shut-off signal to prevent a danger, and an object recognition system arranged opposite to the transportation direction in front of the light curtain which is configured to recognize objects and to derive parameters therefrom for their geometric shape.