Sensor Control Device for Mutual Interference Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sensor systems face mutual interference issues when the number of sensor units exceeds a certain limit, leading to unnecessary waiting times and inefficient light projection periods, as they rely on fixed delay times and light projection orders without considering the degree of interference.
Innovation Solution
A sensor control device with a light projection control part and a light projection timing setting part that automatically detects mutual interference and sets periodic light projection timings for each sensor unit based on detection results, preventing overlap and optimizing light projection periods according to the number of units and their types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fixed delay times are used to prevent mutual interference, then mutual interference is prevented for a limited number of sensor units, but the system cannot handle more sensor units and generates unnecessary waiting times
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the light projection period variable rather than fixed. The control device dynamically adjusts the light projection period based on the detection result from each sensor unit, allowing the system to adapt to different numbers of sensor units and eliminate unnecessary waiting times while preventing mutual interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using detection results from each sensor unit to adjust the light projection period. The control device receives detection results indicating whether mutual interference occurred, and uses this feedback to optimize the light projection period for subsequent operations, resolving the contradiction between preventing interference and minimizing waiting time.
2Reliability
If the light projection period is set based on the upper limit of sensor units, then mutual interference is prevented for maximum units, but unnecessary waiting time is generated when fewer units are used
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the light projection period based on the actual number of sensor units in use rather than using a fixed period based on the upper limit. This allows the system to maintain reliable interference prevention while optimizing productivity by eliminating unnecessary waiting time when fewer sensor units are deployed.
3Speed
If sensor units are operated simultaneously, then detection speed is improved, but mutual interference occurs between multiple sensor units
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by controlling sensor units to operate in periodic cycles with optimized timing. The control device sets the light projection period to allow simultaneous operation of multiple sensor units while preventing mutual interference through proper timing coordination, thus maintaining both high detection speed and reliability.
4Quantity of substance
If a large number of sensor units are used, then detection coverage is improved, but mutual interference cannot be prevented with fixed delay times
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts the light projection period based on the actual number of sensor units deployed. This allows the system to support a large number of sensor units for improved detection coverage while maintaining reliable interference prevention through optimized timing that adjusts to the system scale.
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 solution effectively prevents mutual interference and minimizes light projection periods, ensuring efficient detection of workpieces by dynamically adjusting light projection timings, even with a large number of sensor units, while maintaining comfort and improving response speed.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor unit (100) including a light projection part (110) and a light reception part (120)
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor control device and a sensor system are provided through which it is possible to automatically detect whether mutual interference occurs for a plurality of sensor units, and it is possible to automatically set periodic light projection timings for preventing mutual interference. A sensor control device includes a light projection control part configured to instruct a light projection operation for each of a plurality of sensor units and a light projection timing setting part configured to set periodic light projection timings when each of the sensor units is periodically operated based on results of light projection control for each of the sensor units and detection results of each of the sensor units.