Abstract: A method for operating an optical detection device provided for monitoring at least one monitoring region is disclosed. The method includes actuating at least one light-emitting element to transmit a light signal, receiving at least one reflected light signal using at least two monitoring regions of at least one receiver, and using at least one received light signal to determine at least on receive variable. The eye safety of the detection device is checked by configuring at least one of the receiving regions as a measurement receiving region and at least one of the receiving regions as a test region, generating at least one measurement receive variable that characterizes a quantity of light captured in one measurement time interval, and generating at least one test receive variable that characterizes a quantity of light captured in one test time interval.

Abstract: A safety device for at least one light source for preventing exceeding specified light energy limits in the emission of light using the at least one light source is disclosed. The device includes at least one electrical component for influencing an electrical energy supply of at least one light source, and at least one electrical capacitive component, which is connected to a light source current path of the at least one light source. The device also has at least one state of charge comparison means, which is connected to at least one capacitive component, using which a state of charge variable characterizing a state of charge of the capacitive component is compared to a specified limiting state of charge variable and at least one alarm status for influencing the electrical energy supply of the at least one light source is set depending on the result of the comparison.

Abstract: A switching apparatus for switching a first actuator and a second actuator between a power supply and a ground, including: a first switch for switching a first current path between the first actuator and the ground; a second switch for switching a second current path between the second actuator and the ground; and a third switch for switching a current path between the power supply and the first actuator and a current path between the power supply and the second actuator; in which, as a result of the switching, the third switch simultaneously closes or opens the current path to the first actuator and to the second actuator. Also described are a related brake system and method.

Abstract: A switching apparatus for switching a first actuator and a second actuator between a power supply and a ground, including: a first switch for switching a first current path between the first actuator and the ground; a second switch for switching a second current path between the second actuator and the ground; and a third switch for switching a current path between the power supply and the first actuator and a current path between the power supply and the second actuator; in which, as a result of the switching, the third switch simultaneously closes or opens the current path to the first actuator and to the second actuator. Also described are a related brake system and method.