Optical Detection of Transparent Objects Using Spatially Resolved Sensor Triangulation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for detecting transparent objects using optical sensors face challenges such as the need for a reflector, vulnerability to steam and aggressive cleaning agents, and system-related incorrect measurements due to interference from other reflecting objects, which can lead to false negatives in the detection of transparent objects like glass or plastic bottles in industrial settings.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a spatially resolving sensor to measure the illuminance and local distribution of light reflected from a reference surface, such as a metal plate, which determines the presence or absence of transparent objects through triangulation, eliminating the need for a dedicated reflector and reducing interference from other reflective objects by calculating their distance and light components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a reflector is placed behind the transparent object to ensure sufficient signal strength, then the detection reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases and the reflector becomes vulnerable to damage from steam and cleaning agents
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses the housing or existing structural components of the sensor assembly itself as the reference surface, eliminating the need for a separate reflector component. The housing acts as both the mounting structure and the optical reference surface, thereby simplifying the device while maintaining detection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical support for the sensor assembly and simultaneously acts as the reference surface for optical detection. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for a dedicated reflector, reducing device complexity while maintaining detection capability.
2Illumination intensity
If a reflector is used to provide sufficient reflected light, then the signal strength is improved, but the reflector is susceptible to damage from steam and aggressive cleaning agents
Solution Approach 1:
The housing or existing structural component serves as the reference surface, eliminating the need for a separate reflector that would be vulnerable to damage. The housing is inherently part of the sensor assembly and can be designed to withstand the environmental conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing acts as an intermediary structure that provides the necessary reflective or remitting surface without being a separate, vulnerable component. By integrating the reference surface function into the existing housing structure, the system avoids introducing additional components that would require protection from harsh environments.
3Reliability
If light intensity attenuation by the transparent object is compensated by light from other reflective objects, then the measurement range is extended, but false negatives occur in detection
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses a spatially resolved sensor to measure the local distribution of reflected light, allowing differentiation between light reflected from the reference surface and light from other sources. By analyzing the spatial pattern of reflected light, the system can identify and exclude contributions from unwanted reflective objects, preventing false negatives while maintaining measurement precision.
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 enhances the reliability of transparent object detection by using existing reflective surfaces and minimizing light losses, reducing the impact of scattered light and ambient conditions, thus providing accurate switching signals without the need for specialized reflectors, and meeting hygiene standards in food and manufacturing environments.
Implementation Method 1
The light beam from a light source is reflected and/or remitted via a reference surface onto a spatially resolved sensor
Implementation Method 2
the measured distance of a laser light beam changes when the transparent disk is introduced into the measuring beam path due to its refractive index
Implementation Method 3
the distance of the reflection point is determined using the principle of triangulation, based on the local distribution of the illuminance and the light falling on the sensor
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The method involves projecting a light steel on a spatially resolving sensor (2) through a reference surface (6). A partially transparent object (5), which is to be detected, is located temporarily within a light beam (7) prior to a reference surface. The intensity of illumination and spatial distribution on the spatial resolution sensor are measured. A distance between the reference surface and the partially transparent object is determined based on the spatial distribution of the illumination. An independent claim is included for a light source for use with an optical sensor and an one-dimensional detector array for detecting partially transparent objects.