Optical Sensor Distance Detection and Parameter Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical sensors, such as light curtains, have fixed sensor parameters that limit their adaptability to varying surveillance areas, requiring time-consuming and limited adjustment processes to change the distance settings, which restricts their flexibility in monitoring different-sized areas.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating distance detection means, like 3D-TOF cameras or pulse transit time methods, to automatically determine the distance between sensor units and adjust sensor parameters such as transmission power, receiver sensitivity, and threshold values, allowing for flexible adaptation to different monitoring areas without user-operated adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed sensor parameters are used in the optical sensor, then the device complexity is reduced and manufacturing is simplified, but the adaptability to varying surveillance areas is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The optical sensor system performs self-adjustment by automatically detecting the distance between sensor units and autonomously modifying sensor parameters such as transmission power and receiver sensitivity. This eliminates the need for manual intervention while maintaining adaptability across different surveillance areas, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes sensor parameters including transmission power of transmitters and sensitivity thresholds of receivers based on the detected distance between sensor units. This parameter adaptation enables the same hardware to function effectively across varying surveillance areas without increasing physical complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual adjustment methods such as DIP switches or jumpers are used to change sensor parameters, then the adaptability to different distances is improved, but the time required for adjustment increases and operation becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects the distance between sensor units and self-adjusts sensor parameters without requiring user intervention. The distance detection means measures the actual distance, and the control unit automatically modifies transmission power and receiver sensitivity accordingly, eliminating time-consuming manual adjustment procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback loop where the distance detection means continuously monitors the distance between sensor units, and the control unit adjusts sensor parameters based on this feedback. This closed-loop control ensures optimal performance across different distances without manual reconfiguration.
3Adaptability or versatility
If fixed sensor parameters are used, then the ease of operation is improved, but the functionality for varying surveillance areas is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The optical sensor system performs self-adjustment by automatically detecting the distance between sensor units and autonomously modifying sensor parameters such as transmission power and receiver sensitivity. This eliminates the need for manual intervention while maintaining adaptability across different surveillance areas, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes sensor parameters including transmission power of transmitters and sensitivity thresholds of receivers based on the detected distance between sensor units. This parameter adaptation enables the same hardware to function effectively across varying surveillance areas without increasing physical 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 reliable object detection across a wide range of distances, enhancing the optical sensor's functionality and adaptability to various applications by automatically setting sensor parameters based on measured distances, ensuring consistent performance without manual intervention.
Implementation Method 1
a distance sensor in the form of a 3D-TOF camera
Implementation Method 2
the distance between the sensor units is determined according to a pulse transit time method
Implementation Method 3
When the monitoring area is clear, the light beams from the transmitters reach the receiver of the respective transmitter-receiver pair unhindered. If an object intrudes on the monitoring area, the beam path of the light beams from at least one transmitter is interrupted.
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
Figure 6~8
AI summary
The optical sensor according to the invention serves to detect objects in a monitoring area and comprises at least one transmitter (5) forming a sensor component that emits light beams (4) and at least one receiver (6) forming a sensor component that receives light beams (4). The optical sensor has two sensor units (2a, 2b) arranged at opposite edges of the monitoring area. The sensor units comprise the sensor components of the optical sensor. At least one of the sensor units (2a, 2b) has distance detection means by which the distance between the sensor units (2a, 2b) can be detected. Depending on the detected distance, sensor parameters can be automatically adjusted or checked. The distance detection means are formed by a distance sensor in the form of a 3D time-of-flight (TOF) camera (15).Alternatively, the distance detection means have a measuring section by means of which the distance between the sensor units (2a, 2b) is determined using a pulse-time-of-flight method or a phase measurement. The measuring section in each sensor unit (2a, 2b) has at least one transmitting element (17a, 17b) and at least one receiving element (18a, 18b). A transmitting element (17a) of the first sensor unit (2a) sends a trigger beam (21) to a receiving element (18b) of the second sensor unit (2b), thereby activating the transmitting element (17b) of the second sensor unit (2b), which then sends a measuring beam (22) to the receiving element (18a) of the first sensor unit (2a). The transit times of the trigger beam (21) and the measuring beam (22) are determined in a processing unit.Alternatively, the distance detection means have an interface for signal transmission between the sensor units (2a, 2b), wherein the signal intensity of signals received at a sensor unit (2a, 2b) is used as a measure of the distance between the sensor units (2a, 2b).