Optical Sensor Test Light Source Spatial Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical sensors for object detection face challenges in ensuring high error security and reliability during testing, as test patterns can alter or falsify recorded images, making reliable object detection impossible.
Innovation Solution
The optical sensor employs a test light source emitting test light beams that vary in space and/or time, allowing the evaluation unit to separate and evaluate useful information from test information within the received images, enabling fault detection without impairing object detection processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If test patterns are generated in the detection area to test the image sensor, then error security and reliability are improved, but object detection is impaired because the test patterns falsify the recorded images
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the image sensor array into multiple independently controllable regions (first image sensor region and second image sensor region). The test light source illuminates only the first region with test patterns while the second region remains available for normal object detection. This spatial segmentation allows simultaneous testing and operational use without interference between the two functions.
2Reliability
If the optical sensor is designed with high functionality to include comprehensive testing capabilities, then error security is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the image sensor array serve multiple functions: it acts as both a test target (receiving test patterns from the test light source) and an operational sensor (detecting objects in the detection area). The same image sensor pixels are used for both testing and normal operation, eliminating the need for separate test and operational sensor arrays, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining comprehensive testing capabilities.
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 ensures high functional and error security by allowing parallel testing and object detection, with the ability to generate error messages or interrupt operation if faults are detected, while maintaining unaffected object detection and position/speed determination.
Implementation Method 1
the light source emits light rays into the detection area. The light beams are reflected from an object to be detected to the image sensor
Implementation Method 2
The optical sensor has a test light source emitting test light beams, the test light beams being guided onto the image sensor
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an optical sensor (1) for detecting objects in a detection area (8) and comprises a light source (4) emitting light beams (3), a receiver in the form of an image sensor (5) having an arrangement of receiving elements, and an evaluation unit (7) for evaluating received images from the image sensor (5). The optical sensor (1) has a test light source (11) emitting test light beams (10), wherein the test light beams (10) are directed onto the image sensor (5), thereby producing a variation in the received images. The evaluation unit (7) is configured to separate and separately evaluate the useful information of the received images from the test information, which is formed by the variations in the received images caused by the test light beams (10).