Turbidity measuring device and turbidity measuring method

Abstract

The present invention relates to a turbidity measurement device and a turbidity measurement method capable of measuring the water quality turbidity of water for home appliances, the turbidity measurement device comprising: a fluid storage unit comprising a reflector; a first light source that emits light to the fluid inside the fluid storage unit; a first light receiving unit that receives scattered light scattered by suspended particles in the fluid; a control unit that measures the turbidity of the fluid by controlling the first light source and the first light receiving unit; the first light source and the first light receiving unit are disposed at a predetermined angle from each other around the fluid storage unit at the periphery of the fluid storage unit, and the reflector is located between a first surface facing the first light source and a second surface facing the first light receiving unit among the surfaces of the fluid storage unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a turbidity measurement device and a turbidity measurement method capable of measuring the turbidity of water used in household appliances. Background Art

[0002] Generally, household appliances that use water, such as water purifiers, dishwashers, and washing machines, need to use clean water, and thus are equipped with various sensors for monitoring the turbidity of water quality.

[0003] Turbidity refers to the concentration of light-scattering particles or light-absorbing particles suspended in a fluid. When the turbidity in the fluid increases, the light transmittance may change according to the distribution of suspended particles, refractive index, surface characteristics, etc. in the fluid.

[0004] By using the turbidity information of such water quality to change the cleaning cycle or water purification cycle of household appliances, it is possible to minimize the waste of water, electricity, detergents, etc., and it is possible to provide drinking water purified under optimal conditions, or it is possible to provide items such as tableware and clothes cleaned under optimal conditions.

[0005] However, existing turbidity sensors have limitations in measuring water quality pollution in the low turbidity range, and thus it is difficult to ensure the safety of drinking water like household appliances for drinking water.

[0006] Therefore, in the future, it is necessary to develop a turbidity measurement device having a wide-range sensing function that can detect water quality in both high turbidity ranges and low turbidity ranges. Summary of the Invention

[0007] Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0008] An object of the present invention is to solve the aforementioned problems and other problems.

[0009] An object of the present invention is to provide a turbidity measurement device and a turbidity measurement method capable of achieving wide-range sensing of water quality from a low turbidity range to a high turbidity range by amplifying a light signal of low turbidity by using a reflector.

[0010] Technical Solutions for Solving the Problems

[0011] A turbidity measurement device according to an embodiment of the present invention may include: a fluid storage unit including a reflector; a first light source that emits light into the fluid inside the fluid storage unit; a first light receiving unit that receives scattered light scattered by suspended matter particles in the fluid; a control unit that controls the first light source and the first light receiving unit to measure the turbidity of the fluid; the first light source and the first light receiving unit are arranged at a predetermined angle with respect to each other around the fluid storage unit, and the reflector is located between a first surface facing the first light source and a second surface facing the first light receiving unit on the surface of the fluid storage unit.

[0012] In an embodiment, the present invention may further include a second light source that emits light toward the fluid inside the fluid storage unit. The second light source may be configured to be separated from the first light source by a predetermined angle with the fluid storage unit as the center and to be opposite to the first light receiving unit.

[0013] In an embodiment, the control unit may receive a first light receiving signal from the first light receiving unit when the first light source is turned on and the second light source is turned off, and may receive a second light receiving signal from the first light receiving unit when the first light source is turned off and the second light source is turned on, and may measure the turbidity of the fluid based on the first light receiving signal and the second light receiving signal.

[0014] In an embodiment, when measuring the turbidity of the fluid, if the first light receiving signal does not change because the first light receiving unit is in a saturated state and the second light receiving signal is normally received, the control unit may classify the turbidity of the fluid into a high turbidity range and measure the high turbidity value of the fluid based on the second light receiving signal.

[0015] In an embodiment, when measuring the turbidity of the fluid, if the second light receiving signal does not change because the first light receiving unit is in a saturated state and the first light receiving signal is normally received, the control unit may classify the turbidity of the fluid into a low turbidity range and measure the low turbidity value of the fluid based on the first light receiving signal.

[0016] In an embodiment, the present invention may further include a second light receiving unit that receives scattered light scattered by suspended solid particles in the fluid. The second light receiving unit may be configured to be separated from the first light receiving unit by a predetermined angle with the fluid storage unit as the center and to be opposite to the first light source.

[0017] The turbidity measurement method of the turbidity measurement device according to an embodiment of the present invention may include: receiving a user input requesting turbidity measurement; if the user input is received, turning on the first light source and turning off the second light source; receiving a first light receiving signal from the light receiving unit; turning off the first light source and turning on the second light source; receiving a second light receiving signal from the light receiving unit; and measuring the turbidity of the fluid based on the first light receiving signal and the second light receiving signal.

[0018] Advantages of the Invention

[0019] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the turbidity measurement device can achieve a wide range of sensing of water quality from a low turbidity range to a high turbidity range by using a reflector to amplify the light signal of low turbidity.

[0020] In addition, the present invention can ensure the safety of drinking water by detecting the low turbidity of the water quality in household appliances using water.

[0021] In addition, the present invention can replace the filter customized based on the water pollution degree. Therefore, by setting the replacement cycle of the customized filter according to the pollution standard, unnecessary replacement costs can be saved.

[0022] In addition, with the wide-range sensing function, the present invention can be applied to household appliances such as water purifiers and dishwashers that use various water qualities.

[0023] In addition, in the present invention, the light source can be realized by an inexpensive LED. Therefore, a low-cost sensor can be realized and can be widely applied to various household appliances.

[0024] In addition, the present invention can provide water quality control and customer confidence services through real-time monitoring and measurement of water quality. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Figure 1 is a diagram for explaining a turbidity measurement device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 2 is along Figure 1 a structural cross-sectional view taken along the I-I' line of.

[0027] Figures 3 to 5 is a diagram for explaining a fluid storage part of a turbidity measurement device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 6 is a diagram for explaining a reflector of a turbidity measurement device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 7 is a diagram for explaining a turbidity measurement method of a turbidity measurement device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 8 is a diagram for explaining a turbidity measurement device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 9 is a diagram for explaining a turbidity measurement method of a turbidity measurement device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 10 is a diagram for explaining the setting of the position of a reflector of a turbidity measurement device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 11 is a diagram for explaining the setting of the position of a light receiving part of a turbidity measurement device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 12 and Figure 13 is a diagram for explaining that the corresponding optical signals are amplified before and after applying a reflector to a turbidity measurement device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 14 It is a flowchart of the turbidity measurement method of the turbidity measurement device for explaining an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed implementation mode

[0036] Hereinafter, the embodiments disclosed in this specification will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Regardless of the figure numbers, the same or similar components will be given the same reference numerals, and repeated descriptions thereof will be omitted. In the following description, the suffixes "module" and "section" for components are given or used interchangeably only for the convenience of writing the specification, and they do not have meanings or functions that distinguish each other. In addition, when explaining the embodiments disclosed in this specification, if it is determined that the detailed description of related well-known technologies may confuse the gist of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, the detailed description thereof will be omitted. In addition, the drawings are only used to help understand the embodiments disclosed in this specification, and the technical idea disclosed in this specification is not limited by the drawings, and it should be understood to include all changes, equivalents, and substitutes within the idea and technical scope of this specification.

[0037] Terms including ordinal numbers such as "first" and "second" may be used to explain various components, but the components are not limited by the terms. The terms are only used for the purpose of distinguishing one component from other components.

[0038] When referring to a certain component being "connected" or "coupled" to another component, it should be understood that it may be directly connected or coupled to the other component, but there may also be other components between them. Conversely, if it is mentioned that a certain component is "directly connected" or "directly coupled" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components between them.

[0039] Figure 1 It is a diagram for explaining an embodiment of the turbidity measurement device of the present invention. Figure 2 is along Figure 1 Structural sectional view taken along the I-I' line.

[0040] As Figure 1 and Figure 2 shown, the turbidity measurement device of the present invention may include: a fluid storage unit 100 including a reflector 200; a first light source 310 and a second light source 320 that emit light into the fluid 110 inside the fluid storage unit 100; a light receiving unit 400 that receives the scattered light scattered by the suspended matter particles 120 in the fluid 110; and a control unit 500 that controls the first light source 310, the second light source 320, and the light receiving unit 400 to measure the turbidity of the fluid 110.

[0041] Here, the fluid storage unit 100 may have a cylindrical shape for storing fluid inside.

[0042] According to circumstances, the fluid storage unit 100 may also be formed in a tube shape with a through-hole to allow fluid to flow inside it, but this is only one embodiment and is not limited thereto.

[0043] In addition, the entire surface of the fluid storage unit 100 may be formed of a light-transmitting member.

[0044] This is to allow light emitted from a light source located outside to enter the fluid inside the fluid storage unit 100 and to receive scattered light inside.

[0045] According to circumstances, only a part of the surface of the fluid storage unit 100 may be formed of a light-transmitting member.

[0046] As an example, in the fluid storage unit 100, the light-transmitting member may be formed only on the incident surface where light enters from the outside to the inside and the emission surface where scattered light inside exits to the outside.

[0047] Here, the reflector 200 may be attached to the inner side surface of the fluid storage unit 100.

[0048] As another example, in the fluid storage unit 100, the light-transmitting member may also be formed only on the incident surface where light enters from the outside to the inside, the emission surface where scattered light inside exits to the outside, and the attachment surface to which the reflector 200 is attached.

[0049] Here, the reflector 200 may be attached to the outer side surface of the fluid storage unit 100.

[0050] The reflector 200 can play a role in amplifying scattered light by reflecting or re-reflecting the scattered light scattered by suspended matter particles inside the fluid storage unit 100 towards the suspended matter particles inside the fluid storage unit 100.

[0051] That is, the reflector 200 can maximize the light reflection characteristics of low-turbidity particles with low light scattering.

[0052] Here, the reflector 200 may be located between the first surface of the fluid storage unit 100 facing the first light source 310 and the second surface facing the light receiving unit 400 on the surface of the fluid storage unit 100.

[0053] This is because when the reflector 200 is located in the region between the first surface of the fluid storage unit 100 facing the first light source 310 and the second surface facing the light receiving unit 400 on the surface of the fluid storage unit 100, a light reception signal of the light receiving unit 400 with the largest turbidity variable and low-turbidity discrimination can be obtained.

[0054] Therefore, the present invention can accurately measure the water quality in the low-turbidity range by analyzing the light reception signal of the light receiving unit 400 with the largest turbidity variable and low-turbidity discrimination.

[0055] As an example, the reflector 200 may be at least one of a retroreflective film and a light reflecting film, but this is only one embodiment and is not limited thereto.

[0056] In addition, the reflector 200 can amplify the scattered light by reflecting or re - reflecting the scattered light toward the suspended matter particles 120 of the fluid 110.

[0057] Here, the reflector 200 can amplify the scattered light by reflecting or re - reflecting the scattered light in the direction of the suspended matter particles 120 located at the inner center of the fluid storage unit 100.

[0058] As an example, the length of the reflector 200 may be less than or equal to the length of the fluid storage unit 100, and the width of the reflector 200 may be less than or equal to the width between the first surface of the fluid storage unit 100 facing the first light source 310 and the second surface of the fluid storage unit 100 facing the light receiving unit 400.

[0059] Here, the area of the reflector 200 can be calculated by the mathematical formula S = L×W (S is the area of the reflector, L is the length of the fluid storage unit, and W is the width between the first surface and the second surface of the fluid storage unit), but this is only one embodiment and is not limited thereto.

[0060] Next, the first light source 310 and the light receiving unit 400 can be arranged around the fluid storage unit 100 at a predetermined angle with respect to each other with the fluid storage unit 100 as the center.

[0061] As an example, the first light source 310 and the light receiving unit 400 can be arranged in directions perpendicular to each other with the fluid storage unit 100 as the center.

[0062] In addition, the second light source 320 can be arranged at a predetermined angle with respect to the first light source 310 with the fluid storage unit 100 as the center and opposite to the light receiving unit 400.

[0063] As an example, the second light source 320 can be perpendicular to the first light source 310 with the fluid storage unit 100 as the center.

[0064] In addition, the second light source 320 and the light receiving unit 400 can be symmetrically arranged on both sides of the fluid storage unit 100 along a line passing through the center point of the fluid storage unit 100.

[0065] In addition, when the first light source 310 is on the first line passing through the center point of the fluid storage unit 100, the second light source 320 can be on the second line passing through the center point of the fluid storage unit 100 and having a predetermined angle with respect to the first line.

[0066] As an example, the second light source 320 can be on the second line passing through the center point of the fluid storage unit 100 and perpendicular to the first line.

[0067] Moreover, the light output intensity of the second light source 320 can be the same as that of the first light source 310.

[0068] According to the situation, the light output intensity of the second light source 320 can also be different from that of the first light source 310.

[0069] Next, the first light source 310 and the second light source 320 can include light-emitting diodes, but this is only one embodiment and is not limited thereto.

[0070] Next, the control unit 500 can perform alternate on / off control on the first light source 310 and the second light source 320 to turn off the second light source 320 when the first light source 310 is on, or turn on the second light source 320 when the first light source 310 is off.

[0071] Here, the control unit 500 can receive the first light reception signal of the light reception unit 400 when the first light source 310 is on and the second light source 320 is off, and receive the second light reception signal of the light reception unit 400 when the first light source 310 is off and the second light source 320 is on, and can measure the turbidity of the fluid 110 based on the first light reception signal and the second light reception signal.

[0072] As an example, the first light reception signal of the light reception unit 400 can be a light reception signal generated based on a plurality of scattered lights including the first scattered light 210 in which the light emitted from the first light source 310 is scattered once by the suspended matter particles 120 in the fluid 110, and the second scattered light 220 in which the first scattered light 210 is scattered twice by the suspended matter particles 120 in the fluid 110 after being reflected or re-reflected by the reflector 200.

[0073] In addition, the second light reception signal of the light reception unit 400 can be a light reception signal generated based on the first scattered light 210 in which the light emitted from the second light source 320 is scattered once by the suspended matter particles 120 in the fluid 110.

[0074] Moreover, when measuring the turbidity of the fluid 110, if the first light reception signal does not change due to the light reception unit 400 being in a saturated state and the second light reception signal is normally received, the control unit 500 can classify the turbidity of the fluid 110 into a high turbidity range and measure the high turbidity value of the fluid 110 based on the second light reception signal.

[0075] Here, when measuring the high turbidity value of the fluid 110, the control unit 500 can measure the high turbidity value of the fluid 110 in the range of more than 1 NTU (Nephelometric Turbidity Unit) and 2000 NTU or less based on the second light reception signal.

[0076] At this time, the second light-receiving signal may be a light-receiving signal generated based on the first scattered light 210 obtained by the primary scattering of the light emitted from the second light source 320 by the suspended matter particles in the fluid 110.

[0077] Next, when measuring the turbidity of the fluid 110, if the second light-receiving signal does not change because the light-receiving unit 400 is in a saturated state and the first light-receiving signal is normally received, the control unit 500 may classify the turbidity of the fluid 110 into a low turbidity range and measure the low turbidity value of the fluid 110 based on the first light-receiving signal.

[0078] Here, when measuring the low turbidity value of the fluid 110, the control unit 500 may measure the low turbidity value of the fluid 110 below 1 NTU (Nephelometric Turbidity Unit) based on the first light-receiving signal.

[0079] At this time, the first light-receiving signal may be a light-receiving signal generated based on a plurality of scattered lights including the first scattered light 210 obtained by the primary scattering of the light emitted from the first light source 310 by the suspended matter particles 120 in the fluid 110 and the second scattered light 220 obtained by the secondary scattering of the first scattered light 210 by the suspended matter particles 120 in the fluid 110 after the first scattered light 210 is reflected or re-reflected by the reflector 200.

[0080] In addition, the control unit 500 may use the mathematical formula T(x) = a 0 + a i P(x, θ i )(where T(x) is the output value of the sensor for a sample with a turbidity value of x, a 0 is the initial value, a i is the coefficient, and P(x, θ i ) is the position of the light-receiving unit having a specified angle θ centered on the fluid storage unit with a turbidity value of x) to determine the turbidity variable and the position of the light-receiving unit 400 where the low turbidity is most distinguishable.

[0081] In addition, the control unit 500 may analyze the ADC (Analog Digital Convert) pattern by angle of the reflector 200 centered on the fluid storage unit 100 based on the first light-receiving signal of the light-receiving unit 400 to determine the turbidity variable and the position of the reflector 200 where the low turbidity is most distinguishable.

[0082] As described above, in the present invention, in order to achieve a wide range of turbidity sensing including a low turbidity range and a high turbidity range, the light source and the reflector 200 may be fixed, and the light-receiving unit 400 may be arranged at a specific position where the turbidity variable and the low turbidity are most distinguishable, or the light source and the light-receiving unit 400 may be fixed, and the reflector 200 may be arranged at a specific position where the turbidity variable and the low turbidity are most distinguishable.

[0083] Therefore, by using a reflector to amplify the optical signal of low turbidity, the present invention can achieve a wide-range sensing for measuring water quality from a low turbidity range to a high turbidity range.

[0084] In addition, by detecting the low turbidity of water quality in household appliances using water, the present invention can ensure the safety of drinking water.

[0085] In addition, the present invention can replace the filter customized based on the water quality pollution degree. Therefore, by setting the replacement cycle of the customized filter according to the pollution standard, unnecessary replacement costs can be saved.

[0086] In addition, with the wide-range sensing function, the present invention can be applied to household appliances such as water purifiers and dishwashers that use various water qualities.

[0087] In addition, in the present invention, the light source can be implemented by an inexpensive LED. Therefore, a low-cost sensor can be achieved and widely applied to various household appliances.

[0088] In addition, the present invention can provide water quality control and customer confidence services through real-time monitoring and measurement of water quality.

[0089] Figures 3 to 5 It is a diagram for explaining a fluid storage part of a turbidity measurement device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0090] As Figures 3 to 5 shown, the fluid storage part 100 may have a cylindrical shape for storing fluid inside.

[0091] Here, the fluid storage part 100 may also be formed in a tube shape with a through hole so that fluid can flow inside it. However, this is only one embodiment and is not limited thereto.

[0092] As Figure 3 shown, the entire surface of the fluid storage part 100 may be formed of a light-transmitting member.

[0093] This is to make the first light 312 emitted from the first light source located outside and the second light 322 emitted from the second light source located outside enter the fluid inside the fluid storage part 100, and enable the light-receiving part outside to receive the scattered light inside.

[0094] And, the reflector 200 may be located between the first surface facing the first light source and the second surface facing the light-receiving part on the surface of the fluid storage part 100.

[0095] Here, the reflector 200 can play a role in amplifying the scattered light by reflecting or re-reflecting the scattered light scattered by the suspended matter particles 120 inside the fluid storage part 100 towards the suspended matter particles 120 inside the fluid storage part 100.

[0096] As an example, in the present invention, if the first light 312 emitted from the first light source located outside is incident on the fluid inside the fluid storage unit 100, a plurality of scattered lights including the first scattered light 210 obtained by the first light 312 emitted from the first light source being scattered once by the suspended matter particles 120 in the fluid, the reflected light 230 obtained by the first scattered light 210 being reflected or re - reflected by the reflector 200, and the second scattered light 220 obtained by the reflected light 230 being scattered twice by the suspended matter particles 120 in the fluid 110 can be emitted to the light receiving unit outside.

[0097] In addition, in the present invention, if the second light 322 emitted from the second light source located outside is incident on the fluid inside the fluid storage unit 100, the first scattered light 210 obtained by the second light 322 emitted from the second light source being scattered once by the suspended matter particles 120 in the fluid can be emitted to the light receiving unit outside.

[0098] As another embodiment, as Figure 4 shown, only a part of the surface of the fluid storage unit 100 may be formed of a light - transmissive member.

[0099] In the fluid storage unit 100, the light - transmissive member 150 may be formed only on the incident surface where the first light 312 and the second light 322 enter from the outside into the inside, and the emission surface where the first scattered light 210 and the second scattered light 220 inside are emitted to the outside, while the light - non - transmissive member 160 may be formed in the remaining regions.

[0100] Here, the reflector 200 may be attached to the inner side surface of the fluid storage unit 100.

[0101] As yet another embodiment, as Figure 5 shown, in the fluid storage unit 100, the light - transmissive member 150 may be formed only on the incident surface where the first light 312 and the second light 322 enter from the outside into the inside, the emission surface where the first scattered light 210 and the second scattered light 220 inside are emitted to the outside, and the attachment surface where the reflector 200 is attached, while the light - non - transmissive member 160 may be formed in the remaining regions.

[0102] Here, the reflector 200 may be attached to the outer side surface of the fluid storage unit 100.

[0103] Figure 6 It is a diagram for explaining the reflector of the turbidity measurement device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0104] As Figure 6 shown, the reflector 200 can play a role in amplifying the scattered light by reflecting or re - reflecting the scattered light scattered by the suspended matter particles inside the fluid storage unit 100 in the direction of the suspended matter particles inside the fluid storage unit 100.

[0105] That is, the reflector 200 can maximize the light reflection characteristics of low-turbidity particles with low light scattering.

[0106] Here, the reflector 200 can be located between the first surface of the fluid storage unit 100 facing the first light source and the second surface facing the light receiving unit.

[0107] This is because when the reflector 200 is located in the region between the first surface of the fluid storage unit 100 facing the first light source and the second surface facing the light receiving unit, the light receiving signal of the light receiving unit with the largest turbidity variable and low turbidity discrimination can be obtained.

[0108] Therefore, the present invention can accurately measure the water quality in the low turbidity range by analyzing the light receiving signal of the light receiving unit with the largest turbidity variable and low turbidity discrimination.

[0109] The reflector 200 can be at least one of a retroreflective film and a light reflecting film, but this is only one embodiment and is not limited thereto.

[0110] As an example, the length L1 of the reflector 200 can be equal to or less than the length L2 of the fluid storage unit 100, and the width W1 of the reflector 200 can be equal to or less than the width W2 between the first surface of the fluid storage unit 100 facing the first light source and the second surface of the fluid storage unit 100 facing the light receiving unit.

[0111] Here, the area of the reflector 200 can be calculated by the mathematical formula S = L × W (S is the area of the reflector, L is the length of the fluid storage unit, and W is the width between the first surface and the second surface of the fluid storage unit), but this is only one embodiment and is not limited thereto.

[0112] Figure 7 It is a diagram for explaining the turbidity measurement method of the turbidity measurement device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0113] As Figure 7 shown, the present invention can include a control unit 500 that controls the first light source 310, the second light source 320, and the light receiving unit 400 to measure the turbidity of the fluid.

[0114] Here, the control unit 500 can alternately control the on / off of the first light source 310 and the second light source 320 so that the second light source 320 is turned off when the first light source 310 is turned on, or the second light source 320 is turned on when the first light source 310 is turned off.

[0115] Moreover, when the first light source 310 is turned on and the second light source 320 is turned off, the control unit 500 can receive the first light reception signal of the light reception unit 400. When the first light source 310 is turned off and the second light source 320 is turned on, the control unit 500 can receive the second light reception signal of the light reception unit 400, and can measure the turbidity of the fluid based on the first light reception signal and the second light reception signal.

[0116] As an example, the first light reception signal of the light reception unit 400 can be a light reception signal generated based on a plurality of scattered lights including first scattered light obtained by the light emitted from the first light source 310 being scattered once by suspended matter particles in the fluid and second scattered light obtained by the first scattered light being reflected or re-scattered by the reflector and then being scattered again by suspended matter particles in the fluid.

[0117] In addition, the second light reception signal of the light reception unit 400 can be a light reception signal generated based on first scattered light obtained by the light emitted from the second light source being scattered once by suspended matter particles in the fluid.

[0118] Moreover, when measuring the turbidity of the fluid, if the first light reception signal does not change because the light reception unit 400 is in a saturated state and the second light reception signal is normally received, the control unit 500 can classify the turbidity of the fluid into a high turbidity range and measure the high turbidity value of the fluid based on the second light reception signal.

[0119] Herein, the control unit 500 can measure the high turbidity value of the fluid in the range exceeding 1 NTU (Nephelometric Turbidity Unit) and not exceeding 2000 NTU based on the second light reception signal.

[0120] Next, when measuring the turbidity of the fluid, if the second light reception signal does not change because the light reception unit 400 is in a saturated state and the first light reception signal is normally received, the control unit 500 can classify the turbidity of the fluid into a low turbidity range and measure the low turbidity value of the fluid based on the first light reception signal.

[0121] Herein, the control unit 500 can measure the low turbidity value of the fluid 110 not exceeding 1 NTU (Nephelometric Turbidity Unit) based on the first light reception signal.

[0122] Figure 8 FIG. is for explaining a turbidity measurement device according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 9 FIG. is for explaining a turbidity measurement method of a turbidity measurement device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0123] As Figure 8 and Figure 9As shown in the figure, the turbidity measurement device of the present invention may include: a fluid storage unit 100 including a reflector 200; a light source 300 that emits light into the fluid 110 inside the fluid storage unit 100; a first light receiving unit 410 and a second light receiving unit 420 that receive the scattered light scattered by the suspended matter particles 120 in the fluid 110; and a control unit 500 that controls the light source 300, the first light receiving unit 410, and the second light receiving unit 420 to measure the turbidity of the fluid 110.

[0124] Here, the fluid storage unit 100 may have a cylindrical shape for storing fluid inside.

[0125] The reflector 200 can play a role in amplifying the scattered light by reflecting or re - reflecting the scattered light scattered by the suspended matter particles inside the fluid storage unit 100 towards the direction of the suspended matter particles inside the fluid storage unit 100.

[0126] That is, the reflector 200 can maximize the light reflection characteristics of low - turbidity particles with low light scattering.

[0127] Here, the reflector 200 may be located between the first surface of the fluid storage unit 100 facing the light source 300 and the second surface facing the first light receiving unit 410 on the surface of the fluid storage unit 100.

[0128] This is because when the reflector 200 is in the region between the first surface of the fluid storage unit 100 facing the light source 300 and the second surface facing the first light receiving unit 410 on the surface of the fluid storage unit 100, the light receiving signal of the first light receiving unit 410 with the largest turbidity variable and low - turbidity discrimination can be obtained.

[0129] Therefore, the present invention can accurately measure the water quality in the low - turbidity range by analyzing the light receiving signal of the first light receiving unit 410 with the largest turbidity variable and low - turbidity discrimination.

[0130] Next, the light source 300 and the first light receiving unit 410 may be arranged around the fluid storage unit 100 at a predetermined angle with the fluid storage unit 100 as the center.

[0131] As an example, the light source 300 and the first light receiving unit 410 may be arranged in directions perpendicular to each other with the fluid storage unit 100 as the center.

[0132] Next, the second light receiving unit 420 may be arranged at a predetermined angle with the first light receiving unit 410 with the fluid storage unit 100 as the center and opposite to the light source 300.

[0133] As an example, the second light receiving unit 420 may be arranged perpendicular to the first light receiving unit 410 with the fluid storage unit 100 as the center and opposite to the light source 300.

[0134] That is, the light source 300 and the second light receiving unit 420 can be symmetrically arranged on both sides of the fluid storage unit 100 along a line passing through the center point of the fluid storage unit 100.

[0135] Here, when the first light receiving unit 410 is located on a first line passing through the center point of the fluid storage unit 100, the second light receiving unit 420 can be located on a second line passing through the center point of the fluid storage unit 100 and having a predetermined angle with the first line.

[0136] As an example, the second light receiving unit 420 can be located on a second line passing through the center point of the fluid storage unit 100 and perpendicular to the first line.

[0137] The first light receiving unit 410 and the second light receiving unit 420 of the present invention can be photodiodes, but this is only one embodiment and is not limited thereto.

[0138] And, as Figure 9 shown, the control unit 500 of the present invention can perform alternate opening and closing control on the first light receiving unit 410 and the second light receiving unit 420 to turn off the second light receiving unit 420 when the light source 300 and the first light receiving unit 410 are turned on, or turn on the second light receiving unit 420 when the light source 300 is turned on and the first light receiving unit 410 is turned off.

[0139] Here, the control unit 500 can receive the first light receiving signal of the first light receiving unit 410 when the first light receiving unit 410 is turned on and the second light receiving unit 420 is turned off, receive the second light receiving signal of the second light receiving unit 420 when the first light receiving unit 410 is turned off and the second light receiving unit 420 is turned on, and measure the turbidity of the fluid 110 based on the first light receiving signal and the second light receiving signal.

[0140] As an example, the first light receiving signal of the first light receiving unit 410 can be a light receiving signal generated based on a plurality of scattered lights including a first scattered light 210 in which light emitted from the light source 300 is scattered once by the suspended matter particles 120 in the fluid 110 and a second scattered light 220 in which the first scattered light 210 is scattered twice by the suspended matter particles 120 in the fluid 110 after being reflected or re-reflected by the reflector 200.

[0141] In addition, the second light receiving signal of the second light receiving unit 420 can be a light receiving signal generated based on the first scattered light 210 in which light emitted from the light source 300 is scattered once by the suspended matter particles 120 in the fluid 110.

[0142] Moreover, when measuring the turbidity of the fluid 110, if the first light-receiving signal does not change because the first light-receiving unit 410 is in a saturated state and the second light-receiving signal of the second light-receiving unit 420 is normally received, the control unit 500 may classify the turbidity of the fluid 110 into a high turbidity range and measure the high turbidity value of the fluid 110 based on the second light-receiving signal.

[0143] Here, when measuring the high turbidity value of the fluid 110, the control unit 500 may measure the high turbidity value of the fluid 110 in the range of more than 1 NTU (Nephelometric Turbidity Unit) and 2000 NTU or less based on the second light-receiving signal of the second light-receiving unit 420.

[0144] At this time, the second light-receiving signal of the second light-receiving unit 420 may be a light-receiving signal generated based on the first scattered light 210 obtained by the light emitted from the light source 300 being scattered once by the suspended matter particles 120 in the fluid 110.

[0145] Next, when measuring the turbidity of the fluid 110, if the second light-receiving signal does not change because the second light-receiving unit 420 is in a saturated state and the first light-receiving signal of the first light-receiving unit 410 is normally received, the control unit 500 may classify the turbidity of the fluid 110 into a low turbidity range and measure the low turbidity value of the fluid 110 based on the first light-receiving signal.

[0146] Here, when measuring the low turbidity value of the fluid 110, the control unit 500 may measure the low turbidity value of the fluid 110 below 1 NTU (Nephelometric Turbidity Unit) based on the first light-receiving signal of the first light-receiving unit 410.

[0147] At this time, the first light-receiving signal of the first light-receiving unit 410 may be a light-receiving signal generated based on a plurality of scattered lights including the first scattered light 210 obtained by the light emitted from the light source 300 being scattered once by the suspended matter particles 120 in the fluid 110 and the second scattered light 220 obtained by the first scattered light 210 being reflected or re-reflected by the reflector 200 and then scattered twice by the suspended matter particles 120 in the fluid 110.

[0148] Figure 10 It is a diagram for explaining the setting of the position of the reflector in the turbidity measurement device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0149] As Figure 10 shown, the present invention can analyze the ADC (Analog Digital Convert) pattern by angle of the reflector 200 centered on the fluid storage unit based on the light-receiving signal of the light-receiving unit to determine the turbidity variable and the position of the reflector 200 with the largest low turbidity discrimination.

[0150] As an example, as Figure 10 shown, when determining the position of the reflector 200, the present invention can determine the position of the reflector 200 by magnifying the intensity of the light-receiving signal pattern and distinguishing the turbidity value of 1.1 NTU of the high-turbidity pattern A and the turbidity value of 0.1 NTU of the low-turbidity pattern B at the same time.

[0151] That is, the present invention can find the specific position where the turbidity variable and the low-turbidity discrimination are maximized by fixing the positions of the light source and the light-receiving unit and changing the position of the reflector 200.

[0152] Therefore, by using the reflector 200 to amplify the light signal of low turbidity, the present invention can achieve a wide-range sensing of the water quality from the low-turbidity range to the high-turbidity range.

[0153] Figure 11 It is a diagram for explaining the setting of the position of the light-receiving unit of the turbidity measurement device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0154] As Figure 11 shown, the present invention can determine the position of the light-receiving unit 400 where the turbidity variable and the low-turbidity discrimination are maximized through the mathematical formula T(x) = a 0 + a i P(x, θ i )(where T(x) is the output value of the sensor for the sample with a turbidity value of x, a 0 is the initial value, a i is the coefficient, and P(x, θ i ) is the position of the light-receiving unit having a specified angle θ centered on the fluid storage unit with a turbidity value of x).

[0155] As an example, as Figure 11 shown, when determining the position of the light-receiving unit as a photodiode, the present invention can determine the position of the light-receiving unit by magnifying the signal intensities of the high-turbidity light-receiving signal pattern and the low-turbidity light-receiving signal pattern based on the light-receiving signal pattern according to turbidity and achieving low-turbidity discrimination.

[0156] That is, the present invention can find the specific position where the turbidity variable and the low-turbidity discrimination are maximized by fixing the positions of the light source and the reflector and changing the position of the light-receiving unit.

[0157] Figure 12 And Figure 13 is a diagram for explaining that the corresponding light signal is amplified before and after applying the reflector in the turbidity measurement device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0158] Figure 12 It is a diagram for explaining that the corresponding light signal is amplified before applying the reflector in the present invention, Figure 13This is a diagram for explaining that the corresponding optical signal is amplified after applying a reflector in the present invention.

[0159] As Figure 12 shown, when measuring the ADC value of the light-receiving signal according to turbidity of a solution sample without applying a reflector, the turbidity slope indicating light amplification is about 126.8. Therefore, it is difficult to distinguish between low turbidity signal values and high turbidity signal values, and thus low turbidity measurement cannot be performed.

[0160] On the contrary, as Figure 13 shown, when measuring the ADC value of the light-receiving signal according to turbidity of a solution sample with a reflector applied, the turbidity slope indicating light amplification is improved to about 311.2. Therefore, it is possible to distinguish between low turbidity signal values and high turbidity signal values, and thus low turbidity measurement can be performed.

[0161] Figure 14 This is a flowchart for explaining the turbidity measurement method of a turbidity measurement device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0162] As Figure 14 shown, the present invention can receive a user input requesting turbidity measurement (S10).

[0163] Moreover, if the present invention receives the user input, it can turn on the first light source and turn off the second light source (S20).

[0164] Next, the present invention can receive a first light-receiving signal from the light-receiving unit (S30).

[0165] Here, the first light-receiving signal can be a light-receiving signal generated based on a plurality of scattered lights including first scattered light obtained by the light emitted from the first light source being scattered once by suspended solid particles in the fluid and second scattered light obtained by the first scattered light being reflected or re-scattered by the reflector and then being scattered twice by suspended solid particles in the fluid.

[0166] Then, the present invention can turn off the first light source and turn on the second light source (S40).

[0167] Moreover, the present invention can receive a second light-receiving signal from the light-receiving unit (S50).

[0168] Here, the second light-receiving signal can be a light-receiving signal generated based on the first scattered light obtained by the light emitted from the second light source being scattered once by suspended solid particles in the fluid.

[0169] Next, the present invention can measure the turbidity of the fluid based on the first light-receiving signal and the second light-receiving signal (S60).

[0170] Here, in the present invention, if the first light-receiving signal does not change due to the light-receiving unit being in a saturated state and the second light-receiving signal is normally received, the turbidity of the fluid can be classified into a high turbidity range and the high turbidity value of the fluid can be measured based on the second light-receiving signal.

[0171] In addition, in the present invention, if the second light-receiving signal does not change due to the light-receiving unit being in a saturated state and the first light-receiving signal is normally received, the turbidity of the fluid can be classified into a low turbidity range and the low turbidity value of the fluid can be measured based on the first light-receiving signal.

[0172] As described above, the turbidity measurement device of the present invention can achieve a wide-range sensing of water quality from a low turbidity range to a high turbidity range by using a reflector to amplify the light signal of low turbidity.

[0173] In addition, the present invention can ensure the safety of drinking water by detecting the low turbidity of the water quality in household appliances using water.

[0174] In addition, the present invention can replace the filter replacement customized based on the water quality pollution degree. Therefore, by setting the replacement cycle of the customized filter according to the pollution standard, unnecessary replacement costs can be saved.

[0175] In addition, due to the wide-range sensing function of the present invention, it can be applied to household appliances such as water purifiers and dishwashers that use various water qualities.

[0176] In addition, in the present invention, the light source can be implemented by an inexpensive LED, so a low-cost sensor can be achieved and widely applied to various household appliances.

[0177] In addition, the present invention can provide water quality control and customer confidence services through real-time monitoring and measurement of water quality.

[0178] Industrial Applicability

[0179] According to the turbidity measurement device of the present invention, by using a reflector to amplify the light signal of low turbidity, it has the effect of being able to achieve a wide-range sensing of water quality from a low turbidity range to a high turbidity range, and thus has significant industrial applicability.

Claims

1. A turbidity measurement device, characterized in that, comprising: a fluid storage part including a reflector; a first light source that emits light into the fluid inside the fluid storage part; a first light receiving part that receives scattered light scattered by suspended matter particles in the fluid; and a control part that controls the first light source and the first light receiving part to measure the turbidity of the fluid; the first light source and the first light receiving part are arranged at a predetermined angle with respect to each other around the fluid storage part with the fluid storage part as the center; the reflector is located between a first surface of the surface of the fluid storage part facing the first light source and a second surface facing the first light receiving part.

2. The turbidity measurement device according to claim 1, characterized in that, the reflector reflects or re - reflects the scattered light to the suspended matter particles in the fluid to amplify the scattered light.

3. The turbidity measurement device according to claim 1, characterized in that, further comprising a second light source that emits light into the fluid inside the fluid storage part; the second light source is arranged at a predetermined angle with respect to the first light source around the fluid storage part and faces the first light receiving part.

4. The turbidity measurement device according to claim 3, characterized in that, the first light source and the second light source include light - emitting diodes.

5. The turbidity measurement device according to claim 3, characterized in that, the control part performs alternate on - off control on the first light source and the second light source so that the second light source is turned off when the first light source is turned on, or the second light source is turned on when the first light source is turned off.

6. The turbidity measurement device according to claim 5, characterized in that, when the first light source is turned on and the second light source is turned off, the control part receives a first light receiving signal from the first light receiving part; when the first light source is turned off and the second light source is turned on, the control part receives a second light receiving signal from the first light receiving part; the control part measures the turbidity of the fluid based on the first light receiving signal and the second light receiving signal.

7. The turbidity measurement device according to claim 6, characterized in that, the first light receiving signal of the first light receiving part is a light receiving signal generated based on a plurality of scattered lights including first scattered light and second scattered light. The first scattered light is scattered light that is scattered once by suspended matter particles in the fluid from the light emitted by the first light source, and the second scattered light is scattered light that is scattered twice by suspended matter particles in the fluid after the first scattered light is reflected or re - reflected by the reflector; the second light receiving signal of the first light receiving part is a light receiving signal generated based on first scattered light that is scattered once by suspended matter particles in the fluid from the light emitted by the second light source.

8. The turbidity measurement device according to claim 6, characterized in that, when measuring the turbidity of the fluid, if the control part determines that the first light receiving signal does not change because the first light receiving part is in a saturated state and the second light receiving signal is normally received, the control part classifies the turbidity of the fluid into a high - turbidity range and measures the high - turbidity value of the fluid based on the second light receiving signal.

9. The turbidity measurement device according to claim 6, wherein, when measuring the turbidity of the fluid, if the control unit determines that the second light receiving signal has not changed due to the first light receiving unit being in a saturated state and the first light receiving signal is normally received, the control unit classifies the turbidity of the fluid into a low turbidity range and measures the low turbidity value of the fluid based on the first light receiving signal.

10. The turbidity measurement device according to claim 1, wherein, it further includes a second light receiving unit that receives the scattered light scattered by the suspended solid particles in the fluid; the second light receiving unit is arranged at a predetermined angle with respect to the first light receiving unit centered on the fluid storage unit and faces the first light source.

11. The turbidity measurement device according to claim 10, wherein, the first light receiving unit and the second light receiving unit include photodiodes.

12. The turbidity measurement device according to claim 10, wherein, the control unit performs alternate opening and closing control on the first light receiving unit and the second light receiving unit to close the second light receiving unit when the first light source and the first light receiving unit are turned on, or to turn on the second light receiving unit when the first light source is turned on and the first light receiving unit is turned off.

13. The turbidity measurement device according to claim 12, wherein, when measuring the turbidity of the fluid, if the control unit determines that the first light receiving signal has not changed due to the first light receiving unit being in a saturated state and the second light receiving signal of the second light receiving unit is normally received, the control unit classifies the turbidity of the fluid into a high turbidity range and measures the high turbidity value of the fluid based on the second light receiving signal.

14. The turbidity measurement device according to claim 12, wherein, when measuring the turbidity of the fluid, if the control unit determines that the second light receiving signal has not changed due to the second light receiving unit being in a saturated state and the first light receiving signal of the first light receiving unit is normally received, the control unit classifies the turbidity of the fluid into a low turbidity range and measures the low turbidity value of the fluid based on the first light receiving signal.

15. A turbidity measurement method, wherein, the turbidity measurement method is a turbidity measurement method of a turbidity measurement device, the turbidity measurement device includes a first light source, a second light source, and a light receiving unit arranged at a predetermined angle around a fluid storage unit, and the fluid storage unit includes a reflector, the turbidity measurement method includes: receiving a user input requesting turbidity measurement; if the user input is received, turning on the first light source and turning off the second light source; receiving a first light receiving signal from the light receiving unit; turning off the first light source and turning on the second light source; receiving a second light receiving signal from the light receiving unit; and measuring the turbidity of the fluid based on the first light receiving signal and the second light receiving signal.

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