Object Detection System Dynamic Receiver Threshold Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing object detection systems for movable barriers often fail to accurately detect legitimate obstructions due to high gain settings causing them to ignore obstructions by refracting or reflecting light from nearby objects, especially at moderate to short distances between the emitter and receiver.
Innovation Solution
An object detection system that automatically adjusts its receiver threshold based on the distance between the emitter and receiver, using a multi-stage range determining operation to increase sensitivity at longer distances and decrease sensitivity at shorter distances, thereby avoiding false negatives and ensuring reliable obstruction detection across a wide range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the gain is set high to achieve better range and immunity to adverse weather, then the detection range is improved, but the system fails to detect legitimate obstructions at moderate to short distances due to light refraction or reflection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automatic gain adjustment that dynamically adapts the system's sensitivity based on the detected distance to the obstruction. The controller modifies the gain setting in real-time during operation, transitioning from static to dynamic parameter adjustment, thereby optimizing both detection range and accuracy for different installation scenarios
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically changes the gain parameter based on detected signal characteristics and distance measurements. By adjusting this critical parameter dynamically, the system resolves the contradiction between maintaining high detection range and ensuring accurate obstruction detection at varying distances
2Device complexity
If the emitter and receiver are placed at short distances apart, then the device complexity is reduced, but the system cannot reliably detect obstructions due to light refraction and reflection from nearby objects
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the controller continuously monitors the detected signal strength and characteristics. Based on this feedback, the controller automatically adjusts the gain to compensate for the short distance between emitter and receiver, ensuring reliable obstruction detection without requiring complex installation configurations
Solution Approach 2:
The object detection system performs self-adjustment of its gain parameter based on the actual installation conditions and detected signals. This self-service capability allows the system to automatically optimize its performance for short-distance installations without requiring manual intervention or complex external calibration equipment
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
The system effectively reduces the likelihood of ignoring legitimate obstructions by adjusting the receiver threshold, ensuring accurate detection and increased safety and reliability in various installation scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
the emitter emits infrared (IR) light, which is not visible to the human eye
Implementation Method 2
a receiver or detector, which detects the light emitted by the emitter
Implementation Method 3
emitted light from the emitter can refract or reflect from a legitimate obstruction
Implementation Method 4
emitted light from the emitter can refract or reflect from a legitimate obstruction
Data Source
AI summary
In one aspect, an object detection system is provided that adapts to the distance between the emitter and receiver. The system may utilize a range determining operation whereby the receiver will adjust an operation threshold, such as the detected signal strength required for the receiver to indicate that no object is present. The system may increase the threshold of the receiver as the strength of the received signal from the emitter increases, and upon certain conditions, decrease the threshold of the receiver as the strength of the received signal decreases. The system may utilize different receiver thresholds corresponding with different distance ranges between the emitter and receiver. By increasing the threshold of the receiver, the system may disregard low-level reflected light, thereby avoiding ignoring legitimate obstructions, while allowing the system to operate reliably over a wide physical range between the emitter and receiver.