Optoelectronic Safety System Receiver Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing optoelectronic security systems face challenges in achieving rapid evaluation with high sensitivity and security due to the risk of erroneous object detection caused by reflections, which requires reading out the entire receiver surface, leading to prolonged evaluation times.

Innovation Solution

The system divides the light receiving unit into processing areas based on predetermined criteria, allowing for differential signal processing, forming area signals that reduce the number of signals to evaluate and simplify processing, using a microprocessor or ASIC module to assign photodiode elements and combine signals for faster and more accurate detection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the entire receiver surface is read out to avoid erroneous detections due to reflections, then detection reliability is improved, but evaluation time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection reliabilityVSAvoidevaluation time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The receiver surface is divided into multiple processing areas, each evaluated independently. This segmentation allows the system to focus evaluation resources on specific regions rather than processing the entire receiver surface uniformly, thereby reducing overall evaluation time while maintaining detection reliability through targeted monitoring of critical areas.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different processing areas are assigned different evaluation criteria and priorities based on their specific characteristics and susceptibility to reflections. Critical areas with higher reflection risk receive more rigorous evaluation, while less critical areas use simplified evaluation, optimizing the balance between reliability and speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Measurement precision

If the entire receiver surface is read out to ensure accurate object detection, then detection accuracy is improved, but processing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidprocessing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

By dividing the receiver surface into distinct processing areas, the system reduces processing complexity through modular evaluation. Each area can be processed independently with optimized algorithms tailored to its specific characteristics, making the overall complex task more manageable and efficient.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies full evaluation rigor only to processing areas where it is most needed (e.g., areas prone to reflections), while using simplified evaluation for other areas. This partial application of comprehensive evaluation maintains detection accuracy in critical regions without unnecessarily increasing processing complexity across the entire receiver surface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive 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 approach significantly reduces evaluation time and enhances detection accuracy by adapting the evaluation effort to specific conditions, enabling reliable object detection and machine control with improved security and sensitivity.

Implementation Method 1

a plurality of light transmitters (20) in a light grid arrangement for emitting light signals (24) into a surveillance area (26), at least one spatially resolving light receiving unit (10) for receiving the light signals (24) emitted by the light emitters (20)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight transmission and detection: Light

Implementation Method 2

The individual elements of the photodiode matrix are assigned to the different processing areas (16) depending on the predetermined selection criterion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric conversion: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP1906368B1Optoelectronic security system
Publication Date: 2011.07.27 SICK AG
  • EP1906368B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1906368B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The optoelectronic safety system has a number of light emitters in a light grating assembly for emitting light signals in a monitoring area. A local resolution light receiving unit (10) is provided for receiving the light signal, which is emitted by the light emitters. An evaluation unit (19) is provided for reading out the signals of the light receiving unit. The evaluation unit is arranged to divide the surface of a light receiving unit in two processing areas depending on a predetermined selection criteria. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a method for the orientation of an optoelectronic safety system (2) a method for the operation of an optoelectronic safety system.