Photoelectric Sensor Edge Detection Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing photoelectric sensors face challenges in synchronizing the evaluation of pulsed light beams, particularly in maintaining accurate measurement times due to disturbances like extraneous light or coverage, which affects the determination of measurement intervals.
Innovation Solution
A method and photoelectric sensor design that synchronizes the acquisition of measured values by determining event times of positive and negative edges in the received signal, using an edge detector and control unit to derive clock information and measurement times without requiring additional oscillators or clock lines, ensuring synchronization with the received signal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If separate oscillators and clock lines are used for synchronization, then measurement timing can be synchronized with light pulses, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The receiving unit itself generates the clock signal needed for synchronization by detecting edges in the received signal. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate oscillators and clock lines from the transmitting unit, reducing device complexity while maintaining precise measurement timing synchronization.
Solution Approach 2:
The receiving unit performs multiple functions: it detects the light signal, generates clock signals from the received signal edges, and uses these clock signals for synchronized measurement. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate dedicated components, reducing overall system complexity.
2Measurement precision
If additional oscillators and clock lines are added for synchronization, then measurement times can be synchronized, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The receiving unit generates its own clock signal from the received signal, eliminating the need for separate oscillator components and clock line infrastructure. This reduces component count and manufacturing complexity, directly lowering production costs while achieving the required synchronization precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The clock signal generation function is merged into the receiving unit's existing signal processing capabilities. By combining what would be separate functions (light detection and clock generation) into a single integrated unit, the patent reduces component count and manufacturing cost.
3Measurement precision
If synchronization is performed with pulsed light beams, then measurement points can be defined within pulses, but synchronization is interrupted by disturbances such as ambient light or cover
Solution Approach 1:
The receiving unit continuously monitors the received signal for edge transitions and uses these detected edges to generate and adjust clock signals in real-time. This feedback mechanism allows the system to adapt to signal conditions and maintain synchronization reliability even when disturbances occur, as the clock generation is continuously adjusted based on actual received signal characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary edge detection and clock signal generation based on initial received signals before actual measurements are taken. This preliminary synchronization establishes a baseline timing reference that can be used to define measurement points within pulses, preparing the system in advance for accurate measurement while maintaining the ability to adapt to disturbances.
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 allows for quick and reliable synchronization of measurement times, reducing interference and enabling precise recording of measured values, even in asynchronous states, without the need for additional clock lines or separate oscillators.
Implementation Method 1
a receiving unit (3) arranged at a distance from the transmitting unit (2) for receiving the light beam (4) and converting it into a received signal (A)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a
AI summary
Method for operating a photoelectric sensor and photoelectric sensor. In a method for operating a photoelectric sensor, a pulsed light beam is emitted by a transmitter (2), which is received by a receiver (3) arranged at a distance from the transmitter (2) and converted into a received signal (A). In this method, measured values (A1, A2) of the received signal (A) are acquired by an evaluation device. The acquisition of the measured values is synchronized with the received signal (A) by the evaluation device. Event points (E) of positive and/or negative edges of pulses of the received signal (A) are determined by an edge detector (12) of the evaluation device.A control unit (13) of the evaluation device, to which the event times (E) are directed, determines a subsequent event time (E) after an event time (E) has been determined, provided it lies within a time interval around an expected subsequent event time (E). Synchronization is performed when at least two consecutive event times (E) have been determined. Measurement times (Z1, Z2) are then determined to acquire the measured values (A1, A2) from the event times (E).