Light Grid Strip Segmentation for Uniform Beam Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional light grids with identical transmitter/receiver strips face challenges in producing a simple and cost-effective solution for applications requiring all beam data, especially for line camera-like applications, due to structural and manufacturing issues related to the division of transmitter/receiver strips into halves.
Innovation Solution
A method for operating a light grid using two structurally identical transmitter/receiver strips, where each strip alternates between transmission and reception units, allowing for synchronized scanning and data exchange through daisy chains, avoiding the need for separate feedback lines and reducing manufacturing complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If transmitter/receiver strips are divided in half into transmitter area and receiver area, then both transmitter and receiver can be activated sequentially from the center, but this causes complete interruption of data exchange in one direction when one half is covered, leading to serious algorithmic problems
Solution Approach 1:
The transmitter/receiver strip is segmented into multiple groups (first groups with transmitter units, second groups with receiver units) arranged alternately, rather than dividing into two large halves. This allows selective activation of individual groups while maintaining data exchange paths through other groups, preventing complete interruption of data flow.
Solution Approach 2:
Different groups along the strip have different functional qualities (transmitter or receiver), allowing localized activation of specific transmitter-receiver pairs. This enables data exchange to continue through non-covered groups while maintaining the ability to activate from the center when needed.
2Ease of manufacture
If transmitter/receiver strips are constructed with identical structure, then manufacturing complexity and costs are reduced, but separate feedback lines are required for data exchange, increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The optical path and feedback path are merged into a single communication channel. Transmitter units transmit light beams that carry both optical data and feedback information sequentially through the same physical medium, eliminating the need for separate feedback lines while maintaining identical strip structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The light beam transmission path serves multiple functions: it transmits optical data from transmitter to receiver and simultaneously provides the feedback path for data exchange. This multi-functionality eliminates separate feedback infrastructure while maintaining structural uniformity.
3Productivity
If sequential scan is carried out with individual pairs activated one after another, then the entire protective field can be monitored, but a rectangular protective field with consistent resolution requires transmitters and receivers opposite to be always active at the same time
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic sequential activation of transmitter-receiver pairs in a coordinated scan pattern. Each pair is activated in sequence for brief intervals, but the coordinated timing ensures that when one transmitter is active, its opposite receiver is also active, maintaining consistent resolution while covering the entire protective field.
Solution Approach 2:
The feedback mechanism provides information about the state of each transmitter-receiver pair, enabling coordinated activation timing. This ensures that transmitters and receivers opposite to each other are activated simultaneously, maintaining consistent protective field resolution while achieving complete monitoring coverage through sequential scanning.
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 enables the creation of a cost-effective light grid with consistent resolution and reduced algorithmic problems, suitable for applications requiring all beam data, while maintaining safety and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the transmitter units arranged in one transmitter/receiver strip in the direction in which they extend emit light beams
Implementation Method 2
there is a reduction in the target value of an energy input into a given receiving unit because the object in the light beam shadows the receiving unit
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The method involves performing scanning on transmitting-/receiving strips (102, 103) so that a direction is predetermined. Successive transmitting units (S1-S3, S1'-S3') on the transmitting-/receiving strips are activated after each other in the direction. Groups with receiving units (E1-E3) are skipped. The receiving units and other successive receiving units (E1'-E3') on the transmitting-/receiving strips are activated after each other in an opposite direction. Other groups with the transmitting units are skipped. Data obtained during scanning is evaluated. An independent claim is also included for a light grid including a protection field.