Longitudinal Optical Sensor Detector Calibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing detectors for determining the position of objects within a range of measurement face challenges in achieving high resolution with low technical effort, particularly in optimizing the positioning of longitudinal optical sensors for optimal measurement results in terms of resolution and dynamic range.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize at least two longitudinal optical sensors and a transfer device with a focal plane, where the object is moved to calibration positions to record sensor signals, forming calibration signals and functions to define the relationship between object coordinates and sensor signals, allowing for precise position determination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple longitudinal optical sensors are used to improve measurement precision, then position determination resolution is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the detection task by using multiple longitudinal optical sensors positioned at different locations. Each sensor captures beam cross-section information from different perspectives, and the evaluation device segments the analysis by evaluating each sensor's signal independently before combining results, thereby achieving high resolution without proportionally increasing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The longitudinal optical sensors serve multiple functions: they detect beam cross-section for position determination, work across different measurement ranges through calibration, and can be used in various detector configurations. This multi-functionality allows the same sensor type to address multiple measurement requirements without adding diverse complex components
2Measurement precision
If longitudinal optical sensors are positioned optimally for high resolution, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to complex positioning requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary calibration by moving the object to predefined calibration positions and recording sensor signals before actual measurement. This preliminary action establishes calibration signals and functions that define the relationship between object coordinates and sensor signals, eliminating the need for complex real-time positioning adjustments during operation
Solution Approach 2:
The evaluation device uses feedback from the sensor signals to determine object position by evaluating the relationship between beam cross-section and sensor response. The system continuously adjusts and refines position determination based on the feedback from multiple sensors, maintaining high resolution without requiring manual positioning intervention
3Measurement precision
If calibration procedures are performed to improve measurement accuracy, then position determination precision is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration process is performed as a preliminary action before actual measurement operations. By establishing calibration functions once, the system eliminates the need for repeated calibration during measurement sequences, thereby minimizing time loss while ensuring high measurement accuracy throughout the measurement range
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration data is used continuously across the entire measurement range without requiring re-calibration. The evaluation device continuously applies the calibration functions to interpret sensor signals, maintaining accurate position determination throughout the measurement range without interrupting the useful measurement 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 enables high-resolution position determination of objects with reduced technical effort by optimizing sensor signal processing and calibration, enhancing measurement accuracy and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the longitudinal optical sensor is designed to generate at least one longitudinal sensor signal in a manner dependent on an illumination of sensor region by at least one light beam propagating from the object to the detector
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2A~3B
Figure 4A~4C
AI summary
A method for adjusting a detector (110) for determining a position of at least one object (112) within a range of measurement (114) is disclosed. The detector (110) comprises at least two longitudinal optical sensors (116) and at least one transfer device (118) for imaging the object (112) into an image plane. The transfer device (118) has a focal plane. The transfer device (118) is positioned in between the longitudinal optical sensors (116) and the object (112). Each of the longitudinal optical sensors (116) has at least one sensor region (120). Each of the longitudinal optical sensors (116) is designed to generate at least one longitudinal sensor signal in a manner dependent on an illumination of the respective sensor region (120) by at least one light beam (178) propagating from the object (112) to the detector (110), wherein the longitudinal sensor signal, given the same total power of the illumination, is dependent on a beam cross-section of the light beam (178) in the sensor region (120). The detector (110) further comprises at least one evaluation device (124). The method comprises the following steps: (i) subsequently moving the object (112) longitudinally to at least two different calibration positions (134, 136) having at least two different longitudinal coordinates within the range of measurement (114); (ii) recording, for each of the calibration positions (134, 136), at least one first longitudinal sensor signal generated by a first longitudinal optical sensor (126) and at least one second longitudinal sensor signal generated by a second longitudinal optical sensor (128); (iii) forming, for each of the calibration positions (134, 126), at least one calibration signal using the first and second longitudinal sensor signals; (iv) generating a calibration function using the calibration signals, the calibration function defining a relationship between the longitudinal coordinate of the object (112) and the first and second longitudinal sensor signals.