Optical Sensor Preprocessing for Serial Link Response Time

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing monitoring arrangements for systems, such as machines or robots, face limitations in adapting optical sensor evaluations to changing requirements due to serial transmission constraints, leading to high reaction times and inefficient data processing.

Innovation Solution

A monitoring arrangement where the controller specifies configurations for the optical sensor to preprocess sensor information, generating partial results that are then transmitted to the controller for further processing, enabling flexible monitoring and secure data transmission through checksums, and allowing for data compression and quick reaction times.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If sensor signals are transmitted unprocessed through the serial transmission link, then complete signal evaluation can be performed in the controller, but the response time becomes unacceptably long due to the limited data transmission capacity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability of signal evaluationVSAvoidresponse time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the signal evaluation process into two segments: preprocessing in the optical sensor (generating partial results) and further evaluation in the controller. This segmentation allows the serial transmission link to carry only essential partial results rather than complete raw sensor data, reducing transmission time while maintaining evaluation flexibility in the controller.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The optical sensor performs preliminary preprocessing of sensor signals before transmission, generating partial results that capture essential information. This preliminary action reduces the data volume that needs to be transmitted through the serial link, enabling faster response times while preserving the ability to perform complete evaluation in the controller.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Loss of time

If complete sensor signal evaluation is performed in the optical sensor, then response time is reduced, but the system loses flexibility in adapting to changing requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresponse timeVSAvoidadaptability of signal evaluation
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The evaluation process is segmented between the optical sensor (preprocessing) and controller (further evaluation). The controller can specify different configurations for the preprocessing, allowing flexibility in adapting to changing requirements while the time-critical preprocessing occurs in the sensor with fast response.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements dynamic adaptability by allowing the controller to specify different configurations for the optical sensor's preprocessing based on changing requirements. This dynamic configuration capability enables the system to adapt its evaluation strategy without sacrificing response time, as the controller can adjust parameters for different operational scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Loss of information

If all sensor data is transmitted through the serial transmission link, then complete evaluation is possible, but the data transmission capacity is exceeded and response time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompleteness of sensor dataVSAvoiddata transmission time
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The optical sensor extracts essential information from complete sensor signals by generating partial results that capture the most relevant data. This extraction process removes unnecessary data volume while preserving critical information needed for evaluation, enabling efficient transmission through the serial link without significant information loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Preprocessing in the optical sensor performs preliminary data reduction by generating partial results before transmission. This preliminary action identifies and transmits only the most essential sensor information through the serial link, maintaining data completeness for critical evaluation while dramatically reducing transmission time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary 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 solution provides a flexible and secure monitoring system capable of adapting to changing requirements with reduced reaction times and efficient data processing, ensuring safe operation by generating control signals for system shutdowns when necessary.

Implementation Method 1

The monitoring system includes an optical sensor and a control unit for managing the system's operation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical detection: Photoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

The controller and the optical sensor are connected via a serial transmission link

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic signal transmission: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3540380B1Monitoring arrangement for a plant
Publication Date: 2021.06.23 LEUZE ELECTRONIC GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3540380B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3540380B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3

AI summary

The invention relates to a monitoring arrangement (1) for a system (2) controlled by a controller (3) and comprising an optical sensor (6) with an evaluation unit and sensor component. The controller (3) and the optical sensor (6) are connected via a serial transmission link (8). The optical sensor (6) is configured by the controller (3). Depending on the configuration in the evaluation unit of the optical sensor (6), preprocessing of individual sensor information from the sensor component is performed. From this, partial results are generated, which are transmitted to the controller (3) for further processing.