Optical Sensor Beam Speed Asynchrony for Interference Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing optical sensors used for object detection in surveillance areas often experience mutual interference when multiple sensors are deployed, leading to incorrect object detection signals due to synchronized beam operations, which compromises their functional reliability.

Innovation Solution

The solution involves operating the beam guidance means of each sensor at different speeds, using a setup mode to select and secure the speed through a speed index or vector, ensuring that interference signals are asynchronous and identifiable across multiple scans, thereby increasing detection reliability by masking out false detections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If multiple optical sensors are deployed in the surveillance area, then the monitoring coverage is improved, but mutual interference between sensors occurs leading to incorrect object detection signals

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemonitoring coverageVSAvoidobject detection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the rotational speed of the beam guidance means variable and sensor-specific. Each sensor operates at a uniquely assigned rotational speed that can be dynamically adjusted during setup mode, transforming the static synchronized operation into dynamic asynchronous operation to eliminate mutual interference while maintaining comprehensive monitoring coverage

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the rotational speed parameter of the beam guidance means for different sensors. During setup mode, each sensor is assigned a specific rotational speed from a predefined set, changing the operational parameters to ensure asynchronous beam operations and prevent interference signals from being misinterpreted as valid object detections

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If the beam guiding means operates at a fixed rotational speed, then the operation is simple, but interference signals from multiple sensors synchronize leading to false object detections

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational simplicityVSAvoiddetection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the operational parameters into distinct segments - specifically, assigning different rotational speed segments from a predefined set to different sensors. This segmentation ensures that while each sensor operates independently at its assigned speed, the overall system maintains coordinated operation through the structured parameter assignment, balancing simplicity with reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes periodic action through the rotational operation of the beam guidance means at assigned periodic intervals. By setting different rotational periods for different sensors during setup mode, the system creates asynchronous periodic actions that prevent synchronized interference while maintaining the regular, predictable operation needed for reliable detection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

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 significantly enhances the functional reliability of optical sensors by preventing mutual interference and ensuring accurate object detection, even in complex monitoring scenarios where multiple sensors are used.

Implementation Method 1

a transmitter (3) emitting light beams (2)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight: Light

Implementation Method 2

Light beams reflected from an object return to the receiver

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 3

a beam guiding means that performs a rotary movement so that the transmitted beams are periodically guided within the surveillance area during successive scans

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRotational motion:

Implementation Method 4

an evaluation unit in which an object detection signal is generated depending on received signals from the receiver

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSignal processing:

Data Source

PatentEP4166992B1Optical sensor
Publication Date: 2024.11.13 LEUZE ELECTRONIC GMBH & CO KG
  • EP4166992B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4166992B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4166992B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a sensor (1) for detecting objects (5) in a monitoring area, comprising a transmitter (3) emitting beams and a receiver (4) receiving beams, a beam guide that performs a rotary movement such that the beams are periodically guided within the monitoring area during successive scans (51, 52), and an evaluation unit in which an object detection signal is generated depending on the received signals from the receiver (4). Received signals from several scans (51, 52) are used to generate the object detection signal. In a setup phase, a rotational speed of the beam guide is selected, and in subsequent operating phases, during which object detections take place, the beam guide is operated at this rotational speed. The invention also relates to a corresponding method.