LightBarrier

This simulation component adds a configurable light ray to the simulation and outputs a value indicating whether the ray is interrupted by other objects or not.

When to use

Use this simulation component if you want to add a light ray to the simulation environment. For example, a conveyor belt that is transporting some pallets should be stopped when a light barrier is interrupted to execute some further actions with your machine.

How to use

Add this simulation component from the simulation component library. If the light ray should be attached to a 3D object, select the 3D object either in the 3D View window or in the Assembly Structure window by using the select button near the property Object3D. After that you can adjust the origin of the light ray, change direction or even adjust the length of the ray.

Note

The LightBarrier only interrupts on 3D objects, which are part of the physical simulation. That means, only 3D objects whose Rigid Body Behavior is not equal to None can interrupt the light ray.

Parameters

GlobalDirection

Indicates the direction of the light ray in the global coordinate system.

GlobalOrigin

Indicates the origin of the light ray in the global coordinate system.

Length

Indicates the length of the light ray in m.

Object3D

Indicates the 3D object the light ray is attached to. If not set, the reference of the light ray is the world origin.

Outputs

Interrupted

An output indicating whether the light ray is interrupted by an other physical 3D object or not.

NotInterrupted

An output indicating whether the light ray is not interrupted by an other physical 3D object or is.

Example

In this example, the 3D object of a light ray sensor is selected as Object3D. If the simulation is running and a 3D object interrupts the ray, the simulation component sets the corresponding outputs.

In this case, the ray is interrupted by a palette which means, output Interrupted is True.

Further Information

For more details visit the Video Guides section, where you can find a video guide demonstrating this topic under Light barriers and inductive sensors .