Rotating Optical Sensor Display for Time-of-Flight Readability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical sensors require separate display devices for status and measurement information, which complicates readability and integration with the measuring device, especially in security applications where a unified and easily readable display is crucial.
Innovation Solution
An optical sensor with an integrated optical display unit on the rotor that is activated in phase with the rotation, allowing for direct display of status and measurement information to a stationary observer, enhancing functionality by using detection zones for activating sensor functions and displaying information in a rotating manner.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If separate display devices are used for status and measurement information, then the display functionality is provided, but the readability and integration with the measuring device is complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the display unit with the rotor of the optical sensor, integrating the display functionality directly into the measuring device. This merging eliminates the need for separate display devices and improves readability by positioning the display at the source of measurement, while the integrated design reduces overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotor is given multiple functions: it both performs the measurement scanning function and carries the display unit. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, improving integration while maintaining both measurement and display capabilities in a unified structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the display unit is integrated on the rotor, then the functionality and readability are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The display unit is merged with the rotor structure, creating an integrated assembly where the rotor serves both measurement and display purposes. This combination enhances functionality by unified the system while the shared structural elements reduce overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The display unit rotates together with the rotor, dynamically positioning the display at different angles during operation. This dynamic arrangement allows the display to be activated in the correct phase for stationary observers, enhancing versatility while utilizing the existing rotational motion of the rotor.
3Ease of operation
If the optical display unit rotates, then the all-round visibility is achieved, but the information readability for stationary observers deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The display unit is activated periodically during the rotation of the rotor, specifically in the correct phase when it passes through the observer's position. This periodic activation ensures that information is displayed clearly to stationary observers at the appropriate moment, while the continuous rotation provides all-round visibility coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-synchronizes the display activation with the rotor position, ensuring that information is displayed at the optimal moment before or as it reaches the observer's field of view. This preliminary timing coordination maintains information readability despite the rotating display.
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, all-round visibility and interactive communication with the sensor, improving safety and reliability by integrating display and measurement functions, allowing for activation of sensor functions without separate units and enhancing overall sensor functionality.
Implementation Method 1
an optical sensor for detecting objects in a monitored area based on a transit time principle
Implementation Method 2
a detector for detecting light pulses that are reflected by objects in the monitored area
Implementation Method 3
a rotor for rotating the optical display unit, the light source and the detector about an axis of rotation oriented transversely to a beam direction of the transmitted light pulses
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an optical sensor for detecting objects in a monitoring area according to the time-of-flight principle, comprising a light source for emitting transmitted light pulses into the monitoring area, a rotating device for rotating a beam direction of the transmitted light pulses around a rotation axis oriented transversely to the beam direction, a detector for detecting light pulses reflected by objects in the monitoring area, and a control and evaluation unit for controlling the light source, for evaluating the light pulses detected by the detector, and for determining an object distance based on a measured time of flight of the light pulses.The optical sensor is characterized in that an optical display unit for displaying status and/or measurement information is arranged on the rotor, and that the control and evaluation unit for displaying the status and/or measurement information is configured to activate the optical display unit in the correct phase when the rotor is rotating. The invention also relates to a method for optically displaying information using an optical sensor based on the time-of-flight principle.