Detection based on “Light”
What is a “position” recognition type laser sensor?

The change in the distance to the target affects the position of the light concentrated on the CMOS detecting element. This information is used for detecting the target position.

The laser emits a laser beam to the target as shown above. The light reflected off the target is concentrated by the receiver lens and forms an image on the light receiving element. When the distance changes, the concentrated light reflects at a different angle and the position of the image changes accordingly.

The distance is measured based on the time in which the emitted laser beam returns to the sensor after hitting the target. The detection is unaffected by the surface condition of the target.

In the figure to the right, the sensor detects the time (T) that is the time until the reflected laser beam is received to calculate the distance (Y). The calculation formula is: 2Y (go-and-return distance) = C (light speed) × T (time before the reflected light is received)