Optoelectronic Sensor Overlapping Monitoring Fields
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optoelectronic sensors used in safety technology for monitoring protective fields have limitations in simultaneously monitoring multiple fields, leading to reduced spatial resolution and inefficient tracking of object movements, which can result in unnecessary machine shutdowns and lack of precise access control.
Innovation Solution
The use of overlapping monitoring fields, which create additional overlap segments, allowing for a higher number of simultaneously monitored fields without increasing hardware, enabling more precise position determination and movement tracking by assigning objects to specific segments based on overlapping field configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple protective fields are monitored simultaneously using traditional methods, then the monitoring coverage is improved, but the spatial resolution and tracking precision deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring area is segmented into multiple overlapping monitoring fields, where each field is monitored by dedicated evaluation units. This segmentation allows simultaneous monitoring of multiple fields while maintaining precise spatial resolution through the overlap segments that provide redundant detection coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension of monitoring by creating overlap segments between adjacent monitoring fields. These overlap segments add spatial differentiation capability, allowing the system to distinguish object positions more precisely across multiple fields without sacrificing coverage area.
2Reliability
If traditional safety sensors are used to detect protective field violations, then safety monitoring is achieved, but detailed positional information and movement tracking are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides continuous feedback about object position by monitoring which specific monitoring fields and overlap segments are active. This feedback mechanism maintains safety monitoring reliability while simultaneously providing detailed positional information that enables precise movement tracking and collaboration decisions.
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides safety monitoring by detecting protective field violations, tracks object movement through sequential field activation, and determines precise position through overlap segment analysis. This multi-functionality eliminates information loss while maintaining safety reliability.
3Measurement precision
If several light curtains are mounted parallel to detect different approach positions, then positional detection capability is improved, but installation complexity and system complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
A single laser scanner is designed to perform multiple functions: it generates monitoring fields, detects objects, determines position, and tracks movement. This universal device replaces multiple parallel light curtains, achieving the same positional detection capability while dramatically reducing installation and system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of multiple separate light curtains into a single integrated laser scanner system. By combining field generation, object detection, and position determination into one device, the system achieves equivalent positional detection capability without the complexity of multiple separate installations.
4Area of stationary object
If the number of simultaneously monitored protective fields is increased, then monitoring coverage and detection capability are improved, but response time and processing speed deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The evaluation system is segmented into multiple parallel evaluation units, each responsible for specific monitoring fields. This segmentation enables simultaneous processing of multiple fields without bottlenecking, maintaining fast response time while increasing the number of monitored fields and overall coverage area.
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 spatial resolution and tracking capabilities, allowing for safer and more efficient operation of machines and improved access control by increasing the number of monitored segments, reducing downtime, and providing detailed information on object movements without requiring complex reprogramming.
Implementation Method 1
A light transmitter 12 generates a light signal 14 which is periodically deflected by a deflection unit 16a, 16b in a monitoring area 18. The reflected light 20 is received by a light receiver 24 via the deflection unit 16b and receiving optic 22.
Implementation Method 2
The evaluation unit 30 determines, in particular, the time of flight of the light signal 14. The distance of the object from the laser scanner 10 is calculated from the light travel time using the speed of light.
Implementation Method 3
A light transmitter 12 generates a light signal 14 which is periodically deflected by a deflection unit 16a, 16b in a monitoring area 18.
Data Source
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AI summary
An optoelectronic sensor (10) for the reliable detection of objects in a monitoring area (18) is described. The sensor comprises a light receiver (24) for generating a received signal from received light (20) from the monitoring area (18) and an evaluation unit (30) configured to simultaneously monitor a first number of monitoring fields (40) and, based on the received signal, to determine in which monitoring field (40) or fields (40) an object is located. The monitoring fields (40) overlap at least partially, resulting in a second number of monitoring segments (42) larger than the first. The monitoring segments (42) differ from one another in which monitoring fields (40) overlap.