Multi-Wavelength Color and Distance Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices and methods for detecting an object's color and distance are inadequate as they fail to accurately account for how color values change with distance, leading to inconsistent color resolution.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a transmitting unit with multiple light sources emitting light in different wavelength ranges, superposition optics to combine these lights onto a common beam axis, and an evaluation unit that determines distance using a line or time-of-flight sensor and color using a CCD sensor, with dynamic signal amplification to correct for distance-based color variations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single light source emitting broadband white light is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the color detection precision deteriorates due to distance-induced color value changes
Solution Approach 1:
The single broadband light source is segmented into multiple discrete wavelength sources (red, green, blue LEDs). Each wavelength component is independently controlled and measured, allowing separate optimization of color detection for each wavelength band while maintaining relatively simple device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of light wavelength by using multiple LEDs with different peak wavelengths (630nm, 530nm, 470nm). This enables selective illumination at specific wavelengths and compensates for distance-induced color variations by adjusting the intensity ratios of different wavelength components based on measured distance.
2Measurement precision
If multiple light sources with different wavelength ranges are used, then the color detection precision is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional optical components
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple LED light sources emitting different wavelength ranges (red, green, blue) are merged into a single illumination system. The superposition optics combines these separate wavelength beams into a common optical path, achieving precise color detection without requiring separate optical systems for each wavelength.
Solution Approach 2:
The receiving optic serves multiple functions: it collects reflected light for both distance measurement (by the line sensor) and color detection (by the color sensor). The single receiving optic handles both measurement tasks simultaneously, reducing the need for separate optical components.
3Measurement precision
If distance measurement is performed separately from color detection, then the measurement precision of each parameter is improved, but the productivity decreases due to sequential measurement requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs continuous illumination with multiple wavelength components simultaneously. The receiving optic continuously collects reflected light for both distance and color measurement, enabling parallel and continuous operation of both measurement functions without interruption or sequential switching.
Solution Approach 2:
The LEDs are activated in sequential periods (red, then green, then blue), but the measurement process itself is continuous. Each wavelength is measured during its activation period, and the evaluation unit continuously processes data from both sensors, achieving periodic illumination with continuous measurement output.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables precise and consistent color recognition across varying distances by accounting for distance-induced changes in color values, maintaining optimal color resolution through dynamic signal adjustment.
Implementation Method 1
The light element has a first light source, a second light source and a third light source which are spaced apart from one another and which are designed to emit light in three different predefined wavelength ranges
Implementation Method 2
a superposition optics which is designed to superimpose the light emitted by the three light sources and to direct it onto a common beam axis
Implementation Method 3
a first receiving element, a second receiving element arranged at a distance from the first receiving element, and a receiving optic designed to receive light remitted by the object and to direct it onto the first receiving element and the second receiving element
Implementation Method 4
The first receiving element can also be embodied as a time-of-flight sensor
Implementation Method 5
the second receiving element is designed to detect different color components in the light remitted by the object, for example, using a so-called CCD sensor
Data Source
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AI summary
Device comprising a transmitting unit, comprising a light element configured to emit light in a predefined wavelength range and transmitting optics configured to direct the emitted light onto an object; a receiving unit, comprising a first receiving element, a second receiving element spaced apart from the first receiving element, and receiving optics configured to receive light reflected from the object and to direct it onto the first receiving element and the second receiving element; and an evaluation unit configured to evaluate light received from the first receiving element and to determine the distance of the object, and to evaluate light received from the second receiving element and to determine the color of the object.