Optoelectronic Sensor Assembly for Precise Distance Measurement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optoelectronic sensor arrangements face challenges in reliably detecting reflections from objects within a monitored area due to superimposed light signals from multiple sources, and they struggle to accurately determine the distance between light transmitters and receivers, especially when only two pairs are used.
Innovation Solution
The optoelectronic sensor arrangement employs a control unit to determine the point of incidence of light from each transmission cone on spatially resolving light receivers, allowing for independent control of light transmitters and receivers to evaluate light impingement points, enabling precise alignment and distance measurement, even with minimal pairs, by determining the angle of incidence and averaging values across multiple pairs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the center of gravity of received light is determined for each spatially resolving receiving element, then alignment can be detected, but reflections from objects cannot be reliably recognized because the center of gravity represents only a superimposed signal of different light sources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the light reception process by determining the center of gravity of received light only for light from a single specific light source (one light transmitter at a time), rather than for all light sources simultaneously. This segmentation allows separate evaluation of each light source's contribution, enabling reliable reflection detection while maintaining alignment detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic action by sequentially activating different light transmitters one at a time, determining the center of gravity for each activated transmitter's light separately. This periodic activation pattern allows the control unit to process light from each source independently, resolving the contradiction between alignment detection and reflection detection.
2Measurement precision
If a large number of light transmitters and light receivers are arranged in bars, then distance can be determined by counting visible pairs, but the device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by using only two light transmitters and two light receivers - the minimum necessary to perform distance determination through geometric calculation. Instead of requiring many transmitters and receivers to count visible pairs, the system uses just enough elements to establish the geometric relationships needed for accurate distance measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces the mechanical approach of counting visible light transmitter-receiver pairs (which would require many elements) with a geometric calculation method. By using the known positions of just two transmitters and two receivers, the control unit calculates distance based on geometric relationships, substituting computational geometry for mechanical enumeration.
3Reliability
If light transmitters emit light in an opening transmission cone and light receivers receive light from a reception cone, then reliable functioning under shock or vibration is ensured, but the precision of distance measurement and alignment detection is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the light reception process by determining the center of gravity of received light for each individual light source separately, rather than processing all light simultaneously. This segmentation maintains precision even with cone-shaped light patterns by isolating the geometric analysis to single-source contributions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the evaluation parameter from analyzing the entire light cone pattern to analyzing the center of gravity position of light from each individual transmitter. This parameter change enables precise measurement despite the divergent cone shape by focusing on the centroid position rather than the full angular distribution.
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 enhances the reliability of reflection detection and alignment, ensuring accurate distance determination and improved operational safety by distinguishing between permitted and unauthorized light inputs, even in scenarios with limited light transmitter and receiver configurations.
Implementation Method 1
each of which emits light into a transmission cone in a monitored area
Implementation Method 2
a retroreflector for reflecting back the light emitted by the light transmitters to the light receivers
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The photoelectronic sensor device has multiple light transmitters arranged parallely in a light transmitter bar that radiates light in a transmitting cone in a monitored area. The multiple light receivers (31) are provided in a photoelectronic sensor device and are arranged parallely in a light receiver bar that receives light from a receiving cone of the monitored area, and has a resolution range element (41). A control unit is provided with a medium for determining light impact points (L1) of the transmitting cone of the light transmitter and different light sources of the light receiver. An independent claim is also included for a method for monitoring a monitoring area with multiple light transmitters arranged parallely in a light transmitter bar.