Optical Sensors - Distance Measuring are specialized devices designed to detect the distance, absence, or presence of an object by utilizing a light transmitter, often infrared, and a photoelectric receiver. These sensors function by emitting light waves which, when hit an object, are reflected back to the sensor. The time it takes for the light wave to return is then calculated to measure the distance of the object from the sensor. They are widely used due to their advantages like high level of accuracy, non-contact measurement, and ability to measure on diverse targets.
These sensors have specific applications across various fields. For instance, they are used in automotive safety systems for collision avoidance, in robotics for object detection and navigation, in construction and civil engineering for accurate distance measurement, and in healthcare devices for patient monitoring. Key manufacturers in this sector include Texas Instruments, Honeywell, Panasonic, Banner Engineering, and Siemens. The main characteristics that distinguish these sensors are their high reliability, accuracy, range, and robustness even in challenging environmental conditions. They can operate over long distances and have relatively high speed and resolution, making them a handy tool in any industry that requires precise distance measurement.