Optoelectronic Sensor Photonic Network for Parallel Field Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optoelectronic sensors face inefficiencies as light sources become 'useless' when no object is present in their field of view, leading to incomplete data acquisition and reduced scanning speed.
Innovation Solution
The sensor employs a photonic network that distributes transmission light from multiple light sources to adjacent irradiation points, allowing simultaneous scanning of contiguous sections of the field of view using different light sources, enhancing data acquisition and speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single light source scans a restricted section of the field of view, then the device complexity is reduced, but the productivity and data acquisition speed are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The field of view is divided into multiple contiguous sections, with each section assigned to a specific light source. The photonic network is segmented into multiple irradiation points, where each irradiation point is dedicated to a specific light source. This segmentation allows parallel scanning of different field of view sections, improving data acquisition speed while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular organization.
Solution Approach 2:
The photonic network is designed with universal irradiation points that can receive and process transmission light from different light sources. Each irradiation point is configured to work with its assigned light source, creating a multi-functional system where the same photonic infrastructure supports multiple light sources scanning different sections simultaneously, thereby increasing productivity without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Measurement precision
If light sources are distributed to scan different sections, then the measurement precision and object detection capability are improved, but the loss of time for switching between light sources occurs
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple light sources operate simultaneously and continuously to scan different sections of the field of view. There is no need to switch between light sources because each light source is permanently assigned to a specific section and operates in parallel with others. This continuous parallel operation eliminates switching time losses while improving object detection accuracy through multi-sectional coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The photonic network is pre-configured with dedicated irradiation points for each light source before operation begins. This preliminary assignment of light sources to specific field of view sections eliminates the need for dynamic switching during operation, allowing all light sources to work continuously without time loss for reconfiguration or switching.
3Productivity
If multiple light sources scan the same section simultaneously, then the data acquisition is improved, but the harmful factors from multiple light beams increase
Solution Approach 1:
Each light source is assigned to scan a specific local section of the field of view, creating distinct scanning zones. This local quality assignment ensures that light beams from different sources do not overlap or interfere with each other, as each beam is confined to its designated section. Data acquisition efficiency is improved through parallel scanning of multiple sections without the harmful interference that would result from simultaneous scanning of the same section.
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 enables improved data acquisition and increased scanning speed by utilizing multiple light sources in parallel, ensuring comprehensive object detection and position determination.
Implementation Method 1
The light sources emit transmission light to a photonic network. The photonic network has a plurality of irradiation points from each of which transmission light exits or to each of which the transmission light can be supplied.
Implementation Method 2
a transmission optics for projecting transmission light into the field of view
Implementation Method 3
at least one detector for detecting transmission light reflected by the object
Implementation Method 4
the time of flight is, for example, measured using a known phase method or pulse method to determine the distance of the object. This method is also called LIDAR (Light Detection And Ranging).
Data Source
AI summary
An optoelectronic sensor includes a plurality of light sources for generating transmission light, including at least a first and a second light source. The optoelectronic sensor includes transmission optics for projecting transmission light into the field of view and at least one detector for detecting transmission light reflected by the object. A photonic network has a plurality of irradiation points to each of which transmission light, in particular in each case of exactly one light source, can be supplied. The transmission light exits into the transmission optics and ultimately exits into the field of view. A plurality of irradiation points that are arranged directly next to one another or that are directly adjacent are in this respect configured to irradiate transmission light into partial fields of view, in particular different partial fields of view and/or a plurality of partial fields of view arranged next to one another or are adjacent.