Optical Sensor Economy Mode for Light Source Lifespan
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical sensor devices face challenges in determining distance using the time of flight method with poor reflecting objects, as they require high-intensity light sources, leading to reduced component lifespan due to operation at physical limits.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a control device that switches the light source into an economy mode with lower power during non-critical object situations, allowing for longer lifespan while ensuring swift transition to normal mode when necessary, and using ambient light for image recording in economy mode.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If high-intensity light sources are used to detect poor reflecting objects, then detection capability is improved, but service life of the light source is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The light source operates in periodic cycles between economy mode (reduced power) and normal mode (full power). The control device monitors object situations and triggers transitions between modes, allowing the system to accumulate sufficient light signals over time while reducing average power consumption and heat generation, thereby extending light source service life while maintaining detection capability.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If light source power is reduced to extend service life, then energy consumption is reduced, but detection capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts light source power based on real-time object situation assessment. The control device continuously monitors for predefined object situations (movement, ambient changes, object presence) and adaptively switches between economy and normal modes. This dynamic adaptation ensures optimal detection capability is maintained when needed while maximizing service life during non-critical periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The economy mode maintains continuous monitoring and detection capabilities at a reduced level, allowing the system to remain operational and detect significant changes. The control device continuously evaluates object situations and ensures seamless transitions between modes, maintaining uninterrupted useful action while optimizing resource utilization.
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
Extends the service life of light sources by reducing power usage during non-critical situations while maintaining detection capabilities, allowing for accurate distance measurements when required.
Implementation Method 1
a source for electromagnetic radiation, a receiver for the radiation and a control device, the control device being designed for emitting electromagnetic radiation by means of the source and for determining a distance that is covered by the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the source from a reflection surface of an object to the receiver, doing so by evaluating a propagation time of the electromagnetic radiation
Implementation Method 2
the distance from the object at which the light has been retro reflected can be determined from the phase difference of the oscillation modulated on between the emitted and the received reflected light
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor device including a source for electromagnetic radiation, a receiver and a control device, the control device being designed for emitting electromagnetic radiation by means of the source and for determining a distance that is covered by the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the source from a reflection surface of an object to the receiver, doing so by evaluating a propagation time of the radiation or a phase of an oscillation modulated onto the radiation. According to the invention, the control device provides an economy mode in which the power of the source is lower in a prescribed time interval by comparison with a normal object detection mode, means being provided to ensure switching back into the normal object detection mode in the event of a predefined object situation.