Abstract: An optical distance sensor with closed-loop exposure control comprises a light source that generates and guides an illumination light beam to a measured object. A detector detects a measuring light beam caused by reflection of the illumination light beam at the measured object. A measurement controller controls the detector during detection of the measuring light beam and readout of measurement values. In one phase of a measurement operation, an evaluation unit evaluates the measurement values for determining a distance between the distance sensor and the measured object. A closed-loop controller drives the light source, the detector, and/or the measurement controller such that a received amount of light, detected during a shutter time, is in or approaching a target range. The distance sensor emits the illumination light beam and detects the measuring light beam in phases of the measurement operation and in measurement pauses between the phases of the measurement operation.

Abstract: An optical distance sensor with closed-loop exposure control comprises a light source that generates and guides an illumination light beam to a measured object. A detector detects a measuring light beam caused by reflection of the illumination light beam at the measured object. A measurement controller controls the detector during detection of the measuring light beam and readout of measurement values. In one phase of a measurement operation, an evaluation unit evaluates the measurement values for determining a distance between the distance sensor and the measured object. A closed-loop controller drives the light source, the detector, and/or the measurement controller such that a received amount of light, detected during a shutter time, is in or approaching a target range. The distance sensor emits the illumination light beam and detects the measuring light beam in phases of the measurement operation and in measurement pauses between the phases of the measurement operation.