Self-checking photoelectric sensor and method of operation
US11754438B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 16, 2022 |
| Grant date | Sep 12, 2023 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 16, 2042 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N2201/062
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Certain embodiments provide a self-checking photoelectric sensor that is configured to determine a characteristic (e.g., an amount of blockage and/or wellness/decay) of an optical pathway (e.g., an electro-optical pathway). An example method generally includes increasing, over a time period that starts at a first time, a current input to a light emitting element (LEE). The method generally includes receiving, by a light detection element, an output of the LEE via the optical pathway during the time period. The method generally includes converting, during the time period, the LEE output to a voltage output. The method generally includes determining a second time in the time period when the voltage output crosses a threshold. The method generally includes determining the characteristic of the optical pathway between the LEE and the light detection element based on a difference between the second time and the first time.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.