Optoelectronic Sensor Transparent Object Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light barrier and light scanner technologies face challenges in reliably detecting transparent objects, especially those with non-uniform transmission and reflection properties, such as bottles with labels, due to small signal differences and increased complexity and cost when using multiple sensors or camera systems.
Innovation Solution
An optoelectronic sensor that transmits a light signal and evaluates the received signal using a sensitive threshold or multiple thresholds to detect transparent objects, with an additional feature evaluation capability to determine specific characteristics of the objects, such as labels, without requiring additional hardware or complex installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a light barrier or light scanner is used to detect transparent objects, then the detection of transparent objects is enabled, but the signal distance is small and detection robustness is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by using a teaching process where reference objects (transparent objects with and without additional features) are first processed to generate reference signals. These reference signals are stored and later used for comparison during actual detection. This preliminary characterization of expected signal patterns enables more robust detection of transparent objects by comparing actual signals against known references, thereby improving reliability despite small signal distances.
2Reliability
If multiple sensors or camera systems are used to detect transparent objects with labels, then detection capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by enabling a single optoelectronic sensor to perform multiple functions: detecting transparent objects, identifying additional features like labels, and providing robust detection all through one device. The evaluation unit processes signals to extract multiple types of information from the same optical path, eliminating the need for multiple specialized sensors or camera systems while maintaining detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the detection of transparent objects and the identification of additional features (such as labels) into a single integrated process. By combining reference signal generation, signal comparison, and feature detection in one evaluation unit, the system achieves multi-functional detection without requiring separate sensor systems, thereby reducing device complexity and cost.
3Area of stationary object
If multiple sensors are arranged in parallel to form a light grid, then detection coverage is improved, but installation and alignment complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by enabling a single optoelectronic sensor to provide both comprehensive detection coverage and simplified installation. The sensor's evaluation unit processes signals to detect transparent objects and identify additional features across the monitored zone without requiring multiple sensors to be precisely aligned, thereby maintaining detection coverage while eliminating installation complexity.
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
The sensor effectively detects transparent objects and evaluates additional features in a single, simple, and cost-effective process, improving detection robustness and reducing interference between sensors, while maintaining uncomplicated installation and operation.
Implementation Method 1
a light transmitter for transmitting a light signal, a light receiver for generating a received signal from the received light signal
Data Source
AI summary
An optoelectronic sensor (10) is provided for detecting transparent objects (30) in a monitored zone (22) that has a light transmitter (12) for transmitting a light signal (14), a light receiver (26) for generating a received signal from the received light signal, an evaluation unit (28) that is configured to evaluate the received signal and to generate an object determination signal that indicates whether a transparent object (30) has been detected in the monitored zone (22), and an output (32) for outputting the object determination signal. The evaluation unit (28) is further configured to recognize with respect to the received signal and to a piece of reference information whether a detected transparent object (30) has an additional feature (34) and to output a corresponding piece of additional feature information.