Multiple-optical-axis photoelectric sensor system, multiple-optical-axis photoelectric sensor system control method, program, and recording medium

A method for controlling a multiple-optical-axis photoelectric sensor system configured to detect a detection object conveyed by a conveying device,

• the multiple-optical-axis photoelectric sensor system comprising:
• a projector comprising a plurality of light projecting units arrayed in line;
• and
• an optical receiver comprising a plurality of light receiving units that are arranged so as to face the plurality of respective light projecting units,
• the method comprising:
• making a light blocking determination as to whether each of a plurality of optical axes formed between the plurality of light projecting units and the plurality of light receiving units is in a light blocking state;
• and
• performing muting in order to temporarily disable the light blocking determination on condition that a detection signal input from an external muting instrument changes according to a predetermined sequence,
• wherein the performing muting comprises:
• starting the muting based on an output from the muting instrument;
• determining the sequence of the detection signal from the muting instrument during the muting by dividing the sequence into a plurality of stages;
• accumulating measurement information acquired in each stage, and analyzing the accumulated measurement information;
• and
• deciding an optimum setting value for a muting operation condition based on an analysis result of the measurement information.

An apparatus configured to detect a detection object conveyed by a conveying device,

• the apparatus comprising:
• a processor;
• a projector comprising a plurality of light projecting units arrayed in line;
• and
• an optical receiver comprising a plurality of light receiving units that are arranged so as to face the plurality of respective light projecting units,
• the processor configured to execute operations comprising:
• making a light blocking determination as to whether each of a plurality of optical axes formed between the plurality of light projecting units and the plurality of light receiving units is in a light blocking state;
• and
• performing muting in order to temporarily disable the light blocking determination on condition that a detection signal input from an external muting instrument changes according to a predetermined sequence,
• wherein, in the performing muting, the processor executes operations of:
• starting the muting based on an output from the muting instrument;
• determining the sequence of the detection signal from the muting instrument during the muting by dividing the sequence into a plurality of stages;
• accumulating measurement information acquired in each stage, and analyzing the accumulated measurement information;
• and
• deciding an optimum setting value for a muting operation condition based on an analysis result of the measurement information.

A non-transitory processor-readable recording medium in which a program for controlling a multiple-optical-axis photoelectric sensor system configured to detect a detection object conveyed by a conveying device is recorded,

• wherein the multiple-optical-axis photoelectric sensor system comprises:
• a projector comprising a plurality of light projecting units arrayed in line;
• and
• an optical receiver comprising a plurality of light receiving units that are arranged so as to face the plurality of respective light projecting units,
• the program causing a processor to execute operations of:
• making a light blocking determination as to whether each of a plurality of optical axes formed between the plurality of light projecting units and the plurality of light receiving units is in a light blocking state;
• and
• performing muting in order to temporarily disable the light blocking determination on condition that a detection signal input from an external muting instrument changes according to a predetermined sequence,
• in the performing muting, the program causes the processor to execute operations of:
• starting the muting based on an output from the muting instrument;
• determining the sequence of the detection signal from the muting instrument during the muting by dividing the sequence into a plurality of stages;
• accumulating measurement information acquired in each stage, and analyzing the accumulated measurement information;
• and
• deciding an optimum setting value for a muting operation condition based on an analysis result of the measurement information.