Approximate the Target Size
If distance to the ground is 150", set the sensor to alert when an object is detected closer than 130". Any object taller than 20" would open the door or trigger an alarm.
Senix How-To Guides
Fail-Safe Object Detection
In applications where the user wants to set an alarm to indicate when an object appears, one would normally program a switch to close when a target is closer than its setpoint.
This problem becomes difficult when you don’t know in advance what the target will look like or what its position will be with respect to the sensor.
Senix has recommendations to ensure fail-safe object detection while utilizing ToughSonic® ultrasonic sensors.
Troubleshooting Tough Proximity Detection Applications
Ultrasonic sensor technology is simple: an ultrasonic pulse is sent toward a target. The echo returns to the sensor, which converts the echo's time of flight into a level or distance measurement.
But if an ultrasonic echo strikes the object of interest at an oblique angle, the reflection may go awry and not return to the sensor for detection.
For example, workers at a loading dock want to detect a truck backing up into the bay. The objective is to either open the door when a truck backs up, or sound an alarm so personnel can respond and receive the truckload.
But what if the truck is small, oddly shaped, or there's no good target for sound to bounce off of?
Senix's solution: don't try to detect the truck—instead, detect the ground!
Senix's Solution for Fail-Safe Object Detection
Achieving fail-safe object detection requires setting your ultrasonic sensor's minimum range close to the distance to the ground.
Manage Temperature Variations
By setting the switch to window mode and enabling it for a range of 130"-170", the user will eliminate the impact of seasonal temperature variations.
Tweak Configurations with Software
SensorView™ software allows you to experiment with sensor gain and power, as well as add and customize filters, duplicate sensor configurations, and so much more.
Eliminate False Triggering
Apply and customize filtering, such that a vehicle or other target will have to be present for a specified period of time before the alarm is activated or the door opens.
What Targets Can ToughSonic Sensors Detect?
ToughSonic ultrasonic sensors can detect any object or material surface that will return its ultrasonic echo.
This includes large and small targets, liquids stored in tanks, and even some solid or granular bulk materials.
For example, ToughSonic sensors detect boxes on moving conveyors, can monitor presence/absence of a person at a kiosk, and even monitor hull-to-surface in real-time for flying hydrofoil boats.
The size, shape, and orientation of a target will affect the maximum distance at which it can be detected. For example, smaller targets require more sensor power and range.
Senix's ultrasonic sensors are not affected by optical characteristics of the target, including color, reflectivity, transparency, or opaqueness.