Optoelectronic Measuring System with Compensation Light Source
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical measuring systems with multiple measurement paths are limited by sequential processing, leading to slow performance and increased noise, making simultaneous evaluation of multiple paths inefficient and costly.
Innovation Solution
An optoelectronic measuring system with chronologically sequentially clocked transmission light sources, a compensation light source, and a receiver unit, allowing for simultaneous evaluation of multiple measurement paths using shared components like the receiver and compensation light source, with each transmission path having its own evaluation unit and clock generator, enabling efficient and cost-effective operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If sequential multiplex mode is used to evaluate multiple measurement paths, then device complexity is reduced by sharing components, but processing time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by using clock generators to modulate transmission light sources at different frequencies, enabling time-division multiplexing where multiple measurement paths are evaluated in periodic cycles rather than purely sequentially. This allows the system to share receivers and compensation light sources while maintaining higher processing throughput through structured periodic measurement cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the measurement system into multiple independent measurement paths, each with its own transmission light source and clock generator, that can be evaluated simultaneously or in controlled sequences. This segmentation allows parallel processing capabilities while still enabling component sharing through the common receiver and compensation light source, resolving the contradiction between complexity reduction and productivity improvement.
2Adaptability or versatility
If more transmission light sources are added to increase the number of measurement paths, then measurement coverage and versatility improve, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by designing a system where a single receiver and a single compensation light source serve multiple measurement paths simultaneously. Each transmission light source is dedicated to one measurement path, but the receiving and compensation components are shared across all paths, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining the ability to monitor multiple paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the compensation light source and receiver functions into shared resources that serve all measurement paths. By combining these components rather than duplicating them for each path, the system achieves versatile multi-path measurement capability without proportionally increasing device complexity or cost.
3Productivity
If transmission light sources emit alternatingly at clock frequency, then simultaneous evaluation of multiple paths is enabled, but noise from extraneous light and interference factors increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses feedback through the compensation light source, which is controlled based on signals from the receiver to actively counteract extraneous light and interference. The compensation light source receives feedback about the actual light conditions and adjusts its emission to cancel out harmful ambient light, enabling simultaneous multi-path evaluation with reduced noise impact.
Solution Approach 2:
The compensation light source acts as an intermediary that mediates between the transmission light sources and the receiver. It introduces a compensating light signal that interferes destructively with extraneous light, thereby reducing the harmful effects of ambient light interference during simultaneous multi-path measurement.
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 simultaneous evaluation of multiple optical measurement paths without interference, reducing processing time and costs by sharing expensive components, allowing for high sensitivity and efficient operation even in environments with extraneous light.
Implementation Method 1
at least two transmission light sources (101, 102) which emit light in a chronologically sequentially clocked manner
Implementation Method 2
a receiver unit (2) with a receiver (3) for receiving the light emitted by the transmission light sources (101, 102) and for converting the received light signal into an electrical receiving signal
Implementation Method 3
a compensation light source (500) for emitting a compensation light
Data Source
AI summary
An optoelectronic measuring system comprises at least two transmission light sources that emit time-sequentially clocked, phased light. A compensation light source is controlled independently of the transmission light sources. A receiver receives the light radiated by the transmission light sources, and the compensation light source converts them into an electrical received signal. At least two evaluation units evaluate the received signal and generate one control signal each. At least two transmission paths each comprise a transmission light source, an evaluation unit and a clock generator. The clock generator generates the clock for the transmission light sources and for the evaluation unit. The evaluation units each generate a control signal. A control unit generates a compensation control signal from the control signals, with which the compensation light source is controlled and supplied. The evaluation unit generates a clock-synchronous control signal for the transmission light source from the received signal.