Handheld Color Measurement Instrument with Optical Position Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hand-held spectrophotometers for color measurement face issues such as mechanical distortion of color patches, inaccurate distance measurement, and tethering to a computer, leading to poor quality readings and limited flexibility in use.
Innovation Solution
A compact handheld color measurement instrument with a non-contact scanning guide system, optical linear position feedback, and a wireless communication option, allowing for accurate alignment and operation without physical connection to a computer, using a scanning guide with a plateau and markings for alignment and a vertical guide for precise movement, along with an illumination ring for user feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a mechanical linear feedback mechanism (wheel) is used to measure movement over color patches, then the speed and direction of movement can be measured, but the wheel distorts the color patches and may inaccurately measure distance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wheel feedback mechanism with an optical linear position feedback sensor that reads markings on a scanning guide. This substitution eliminates physical contact between the measurement device and color patches, removing the source of distortion while maintaining accurate position measurement through optical detection of the scanning guide markings.
2Measurement precision
If the hand-held spectrophotometer contacts the color patches during scanning, then alignment can be maintained, but the contact alters the visual appearance and absolute color of the patches
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a scanning guide as an intermediary element between the spectrophotometer and the color patches. The scanning guide provides physical reference markings for position feedback and structural guidance, enabling the spectrophotometer to maintain proper alignment and scanning path without directly contacting the color patches, thus preventing color alteration while ensuring measurement accuracy.
3Reliability
If the spectrophotometer is tethered to a computer by a USB cable, then data can be transmitted, but the cable restricts the working area and may cause cord binding or scan interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic communication system that allows the spectrophotometer to operate in multiple modes: tethered to a computer via USB cable for stable data transmission, or untethered using internal memory and wireless communication capabilities. This dynamic adaptability enables the device to function flexibly across different working areas and scenarios, eliminating cord binding and scan interference issues while maintaining reliable data transmission when needed.
4Measurement precision
If a mechanical wheel is used for linear feedback, then movement measurement is possible, but the wheel may malfunction or wear, causing inaccurate distance measurement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wheel with an optical linear position feedback sensor that reads markings on a scanning guide. This optical system eliminates mechanical wear and malfunction issues inherent in wheel-based mechanisms, providing consistent and reliable distance measurement throughout the device's operational life without degradation from friction or mechanical stress.
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 accurate, non-contact color readings and increased flexibility in use, reducing distortion and improving data integrity with wireless data transmission and storage, facilitating efficient color measurement away from the computer.
Implementation Method 1
An optical linear position feedback sensor located in the base of the color measurement instrument uses the markings to determine the lateral movement of the color measurement instrument
Data Source
AI summary
A color measurement system includes a hand held color measurement instrument, which may be provided with a wireless interface to a computer. The color measurement system includes a scanning guide for holding the hand held color measurement instrument in proper alignment with a color target. The scanning guide includes a calibration reference to allow convenient calibration of the hand-held color measurement instrument. The hand-held color instrument includes an illumination ring to provide visual feedback to the user. The color of the illumination ring changes in order to display a color similar to that being read by the hand-held color measurement instrument. Color management profiling of the hand held color measurement instrument illumination ring improves the color rendition capability of the illumination ring.