Optoelectronic Touch Evaluation for Indoor-Outdoor Field Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Reliable detection of 'key press' on optoelectronic touch elements in field devices of automation technology is challenging due to varying environmental conditions, material types of control panels, and potential exposure to solar radiation, which complicates consistent operation, especially in potentially explosive areas.
Innovation Solution
A method that determines the location and environmental conditions of the field device to adjust evaluation criteria for detecting optoelectronic touch element actuations, using time-dependent and independent signal values, and accounting for control panel material, with adaptive adjustment values based on ambient radiation and operational states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed evaluation condition is used for detecting optoelectronic touch element actuation, then the detection method is simple, but reliable detection cannot be ensured under varying environmental conditions and with different control panel materials
Solution Approach 1:
The evaluation condition is made dynamic by automatically adapting it based on detected environmental conditions (indoor/outdoor location) and control panel material type. The system switches between a first evaluation condition (time-profile dependent) for indoor use and a second evaluation condition (time-profile independent) for outdoor use, allowing the detection parameters to change dynamically rather than remaining fixed.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the parameters of the evaluation condition based on environmental factors. When outdoor conditions are detected, the system uses a second evaluation condition that is independent of the temporal profile and incorporates ambient radiation compensation. When indoor conditions are detected, it uses a first evaluation condition that relies on time-profile analysis. This parameter adaptation ensures reliable detection across different environments.
2Reliability
If different evaluation conditions are used for indoor and outdoor locations, then detection reliability improves, but the system complexity increases due to location detection and condition switching
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically detecting its own environmental context (indoor or outdoor location, control panel material type) and autonomously selecting the appropriate evaluation condition. The evaluation unit itself carries out the location detection and condition selection without requiring external configuration or manual intervention, reducing the burden on the overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection of environmental conditions and control panel material type before actual touch detection begins. This preliminary action allows the system to pre-configure the appropriate evaluation condition, so that when touch detection is needed, the correct parameters are already in place, streamlining the overall process.
3Measurement precision
If time-profile dependent evaluation is used for indoor conditions, then detection accuracy improves, but response time increases due to temporal analysis
Solution Approach 1:
The invention dynamically selects between time-profile dependent and time-profile independent evaluation conditions based on the detected location. For indoor conditions where precision is prioritized, time-profile analysis is used. For outdoor conditions where rapid response is needed, the system switches to a time-profile independent evaluation that provides faster detection without requiring temporal analysis.
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 reliable detection of 'key press' in optoelectronic control elements by adapting evaluation conditions to environmental and material-specific factors, ensuring consistent operation across different settings and conditions.
Implementation Method 1
at least one transmitting unit which is arranged on an inside of the operating panel facing away from the outside and is designed to transmit an optical signal in the direction of the operating panel, and with at least one receiving unit corresponding to the at least one transmitting unit for receiving the optical signal
Data Source
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AI summary
Method for operating at least one optoelectronic touch and/or operating element (101, 102) which is arranged behind an optically transparent operating panel (103) of an automation field device and is intended to detect actuation of the optoelectronic touch and/or operating element by an operator of the field device, having the following method steps: a) detecting whether the automation field device is in an indoor area or an outdoor area; b) determining an evaluation condition which is used to detect the actuation of the optical touch and/or operating element (101, 102); c) detecting and/or evaluating whether there is actuation of the optoelectronic touch and/or operating element (101, 102) on the basis of the determined evaluation condition.