Optical Sensor Edge Detection Using Evaluation Windows
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical monitoring systems face limitations in accurately determining object edges and geometric data with high reliability and efficiency, particularly in scenarios where objects are positioned near boundaries or substrates, leading to potential errors in edge detection and data processing.
Innovation Solution
The method involves generating evaluation windows that cover local regions along a line of light and a defined distance range, using the outermost measuring points within these windows to determine object data, such as edge positions and widths, while ensuring that only valid limit points contribute to object height measurements, thereby reducing data complexity and enhancing detection reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If all measuring points within an evaluation window are used for object detection, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and computing effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential measuring points (outermost points) from the complete set of measuring points within an evaluation window. By identifying and using only the leftmost and rightmost measuring points that define object edges, the system eliminates the need to process all intermediate points, thereby reducing computational complexity while maintaining accurate edge detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the monitoring area into multiple evaluation windows, each independently processed to detect objects in specific regions. This segmentation allows the system to focus computational resources on local regions rather than processing all measuring points globally, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining measurement precision within each window
2Adaptability or versatility
If evaluation windows are expanded to cover larger areas, then detection versatility is improved, but measurement precision for specific objects decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of evaluation window parameters including position, size, and shape based on detected object characteristics. The system can adaptively resize windows to fit objects of varying dimensions and reposition them to optimize detection, allowing large coverage areas to be divided into multiple dynamically adjusted windows that maintain high measurement precision for each individual object
Solution Approach 2:
By dividing the monitoring area into multiple smaller evaluation windows rather than using one large window, the system achieves both versatility (covering large areas through multiple windows) and precision (focusing computational resources on local regions). Each window can be independently optimized for objects within its boundaries
3Productivity
If multiple evaluation windows are used to detect different objects, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring area is segmented into multiple independent evaluation windows that can simultaneously process different objects. Each window operates independently to detect objects within its boundaries, enabling parallel processing that increases productivity. The segmentation approach maintains manageable complexity by keeping each window's processing logic simple and identical
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 allows for quick and accurate determination of object edges and geometric data with reduced computing effort, minimizing errors and ensuring high detection reliability by focusing on the essential limit points and adaptively adjusting evaluation windows to object dimensions and geometries.
Implementation Method 1
transmitting light rays (2) with a light transmitting unit (3, 4) that form a line of light (5) on the object (6); imaging the line of light (5) as reflected from the object (6) on an array of receiving elements (8) that detects the reflected line of light (5)
Implementation Method 2
evaluating the receiving element signals to structure a distance profile of the object using a triangulation principle
Data Source
AI summary
A method for optically monitoring an object within a monitoring area includes transmitting light rays with a light transmitting unit that form a line of light on the object. The line of light reflected from the object is imaged on an array of receiving elements that detects the reflected line of light and produces receiving element signals that correspond to measuring points on the object. The receiving element signals are evaluated to structure a distance profile of the object using a triangulation principle. The evaluating includes generating at least one evaluation window which covers in a first direction a local region extending along the line of light and in a second direction a distance range, and using the measuring points located farthest outside within the evaluation window for a left limit point and a right limit point for determining object data.