Optical Scanner Crosstalk Mitigation via Period Duration Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical scanners experience crosstalk interference when operated synchronously, leading to impaired functionality, especially in safety applications, due to mutual influencing of light beams, which can result in loss of detection capability.
Innovation Solution
An optical scanner with an electronic control device that automatically adjusts the period duration of the beam deflection by a difference amount relative to a nominal value to prevent crosstalk, allowing scanners of the same kind to operate without significant mutual influence, even when placed close together.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If optical scanners are operated synchronously with the same period duration, then the scanning operation is simple and coordinated, but crosstalk interference occurs between scanners leading to impaired detection capability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by automatically adjusting the period duration of the beam deflection unit. The electronic control device modifies the scanning period to differ from the nominal value, thereby changing the temporal parameters of operation. This parameter modification prevents synchronous operation with adjacent scanners, eliminating crosstalk interference while maintaining simple scanning functionality.
2Reliability
If the period duration is manually adjusted to avoid crosstalk, then mutual influence between scanners is reduced, but the assembly and operation becomes time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the electronic control device to automatically adjust the period duration without manual intervention. The system monitors and self-corrects the scanning parameters to prevent crosstalk, eliminating the need for user involvement in complex adjustments. This automatic self-adjustment mechanism reduces operational complexity while maintaining reliable scanner performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic control device incorporates feedback mechanisms to detect and respond to crosstalk conditions. By monitoring the scanning environment and adjusting the period duration based on detected interference patterns, the system automatically maintains optimal operation. This feedback-driven adjustment eliminates manual tuning requirements and simplifies deployment.
3Area of stationary object
If scanners are placed close together to optimize space utilization, then installation density increases, but crosstalk interference between adjacent scanners occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes periodic action by implementing time-varying scanning periods that prevent synchronous operation. The beam deflection unit operates with periodically adjusted timing that differs from adjacent scanners, creating temporal separation in their scanning cycles. This periodic variation in operation time allows dense spatial placement while preventing harmful crosstalk interference through temporal diversification.
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 solution ensures reliable and safe operation of optical scanners by eliminating crosstalk without requiring complex adjustments or additional devices, maintaining scanning time settings as perceived by the user and enhancing reliability, particularly in safety sensors.
Implementation Method 1
a light transmitter (15) for transmitting a light beam (17); a beam deflection unit (19) that is configured to deflect the transmitted light beam (17) in a periodically varying manner
Implementation Method 2
a light receiver (27) for receiving reflected light
Data Source
AI summary
An optical scanner comprises a light transmitter for transmitting a light beam; a beam deflection unit that is configured to deflect the transmitted light beam in a periodically varying manner with a predefined period duration in order to scan a detection zone; a light receiver for receiving reflected light; and an electronic control device for controlling the beam deflection unit. The electronic control device is configured to automatically increase or decrease the period duration by a difference amount with respect to a nominal value before or during the operation of the optical scanner in order to counteract crosstalk between the optical scanner and a further optical scanner.