Optical sensor for detecting objects e.g. for protecting personnel around machine tool, detects object if distance values lying within protection field are registered in all angle segments of resolution region

摘要

The angular range of the monitored region is divided into a number of angle segments. For each segment, at least one distance value is derived from received light signals in an evaluation unit (8). At least one protection field is stored in the evaluation unit, and angle-dependent resolution regions are provided, the sizes of which are adapted to the width of a reference object arranged at the respective angular position at the edge of the protection field. The evaluation unit generates an object indication if distance values lying within the protection field are registered in all angle segments of at least one resolution region. An independent claim is included for a method of detecting objects using an optical sensor.