Light Scanner Display for Critical Distance Range Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light scanners lack immediate feedback on the correct setting of the scanning range and do not reliably indicate when objects are within the critical distance range, which is necessary for accurate object detection and background suppression.
Innovation Solution
A light scanner with a display unit featuring multiple display areas to show the set scanning range, critical distance range, and background, providing immediate feedback on object detection and range status, using a setting element like a rotary potentiometer and LEDs for intuitive visualization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the scanning range is set using a potentiometer or teach button, then the maximum switching distance can be adjusted, but the user receives no immediate feedback on whether the critical distance range to the background is maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a display unit with multiple display areas that provide real-time visual feedback during commissioning and operation. The first display area shows the set scanning distance in relation to maximum scanning distance, while the second display area indicates when objects are in the critical distance range. This feedback mechanism allows users to immediately see whether the critical distance range to the background is maintained, eliminating the information loss present in conventional systems.
2Ease of operation
If the scanning range is set without visual feedback, then the device structure remains simple, but the user cannot verify correct setting or detect objects in the critical distance range
Solution Approach 1:
The display unit is segmented into multiple functionally distinct display areas. The first display area visualizes the set scanning distance relative to maximum scanning distance, while the second display area specifically indicates objects in the critical distance range. This segmentation allows the complex information to be presented in an organized, easy-to-interpret manner, maintaining ease of operation despite the added complexity of multiple display regions.
3Reliability
If no display of distance ranges is provided, then the device is simpler, but the user must check documentation or use external devices to verify detection conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The light scanner performs self-verification of detection conditions through its integrated display unit. During commissioning, the display shows whether the critical distance range to the background is maintained. During operation, it continuously displays whether objects are within the scanning range or in the critical distance range. This self-service capability eliminates the need for external evaluation devices or consultation of documentation, thereby improving reliability without excessive complexity.
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
Enables users to easily verify the correct setting of the scanning range and detect objects within the critical distance range without external devices, ensuring reliable detection and background suppression during operation.
Implementation Method 1
a light emitter (12), a light receiver (14) connected to an evaluation unit (16)
Implementation Method 2
the first display area (40) consists of a number of LEDs
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The invention relates to a light scanner with background suppression comprising: a light transmitter, a light receiver, an evaluation unit for determining the distance between the light scanner and an object in the detection range of the light scanner, an adjustment element (26) for setting a scanning range within which an object is to be detected, a critical distance range being defined between the set scanning range and the background as a function of the set scanning range, a signal output for outputting a signal if an object is detected within the set scanning range, and a display unit (24) for displaying whether an object is within the scanning range located. In order to provide an improved light scanner with which the aforementioned disadvantages can be avoided and in particular an improved scanning range setting, object detection display and improved consideration of the critical distance range is possible, it is proposed that the display unit (24) has at least two display areas (40, 42), wherein the first display area (40) is designed in such a way that the set scanning distance can be displayed in relation to a maximum scanning distance (41) of the light scanner and the second display area (42) shows when an object is in the critical distance range. A third display area (44) represents the safe distance range from which an object is reliably masked out.