Color Reading Device Light Transmitting Layer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing color reading devices face challenges in handling and accuracy due to the need for enclosed detection units, interference from light sources, and reduced signal-to-noise ratios, which complicates the measurement of test strips and other samples.
Innovation Solution
A color reading device utilizing a light transmitting layer of translucent or transparent material for total internal reflection, separating the sample from the light intensity sensor and directing light emission onto the sample surface, allowing for accurate measurements without an open detection unit and enabling the light source to be arranged at a distance from the sensor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If the light source is located next to the light intensity sensor to allow for large light intensity being reflected from the test strip, then the light intensity for measurement is improved, but the heat transfer caused by the light source reduces the accuracy of measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional planar arrangement where the light source and sensor are positioned close together, to a three-dimensional configuration using a light guiding layer that extends the optical path. The light source is positioned at a distance from the sensor, but light is guided through the translucent sample holder to reach the measurement point, effectively adding a spatial dimension to the light transmission path.
Solution Approach 2:
The light guiding layer acts as an intermediary component between the light source and the light intensity sensor. It receives light from the source, guides it through the sample holder to illuminate the test strip, and enables the sensor to detect the reflected light without being in direct proximity to the heat-generating light source.
2Measurement precision
If a large distance is maintained between the light source and the light intensity sensor to prevent thermal interference, then measurement accuracy is improved, but the amount of reflected light reaching the sensor is significantly reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The light guiding layer serves as a mediator that efficiently transports light from the source over a larger distance to the measurement point and back to the sensor, maintaining sufficient light intensity despite the increased separation between source and sensor.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes a three-dimensional light guiding structure that extends the optical path length, allowing light to travel from the source, through the sample holder, reflect off the test strip, and return to the sensor without significant intensity loss, effectively decoupling the distance constraint from the light intensity requirement.
3Reliability
If an enclosed detection unit is used to prevent light interference and contaminants, then measurement reliability is improved, but the device complexity and handling difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The translucent sample holder serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the light guiding layer to transmit light, serves as the sample placement area where the test strip is positioned, and functions as a protective enclosure that prevents contaminants from reaching the light source and sensor while allowing optical transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the light guiding function, sample holder function, and protective enclosure function into a single integrated translucent sample holder component, eliminating the need for separate enclosed detection units and reducing overall device complexity.
4Illumination intensity
If additional optical elements like lenses are added to improve light transmission, then light intensity is improved, but the production cost of the color reading device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a simple translucent sample holder made from inexpensive materials such as translucent plastic or glass, replacing complex and expensive optical elements like lenses, mirrors, and prisms. This single low-cost component achieves effective light guidance and transmission without requiring precision optical manufacturing.
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
This configuration enhances measurement accuracy and reduces production costs by maintaining high signal-to-noise ratios and allowing for miniaturization of the device while preventing thermal interference from the light source.
Implementation Method 1
The light that is emitted from a light source is then at least partly transmitted through the transmitting layer by total reflection and is coupled out in case it reaches the out-coupling surface region
Implementation Method 2
The light that is emitted from a light source is then at least partly transmitted through the transmitting layer by total reflection and is coupled out in case it reaches the out-coupling surface region
Implementation Method 3
a light intensity sensor for measuring a light intensity that is reflected from the illuminated wet sample surface region, which can be used for determining the color of the illuminated wet sample surface region
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
AI summary
A color reading device (1) for reading a color of a wet sample surface region (12) of a sample (2) comprises a light source (8) for illuminating the sample surface region (12) and further comprises a light intensity sensor (13) for measuring a light intensity that is scattered or reflected from the illuminated sample surface region (12), which can be used for determining the color of the illuminated sample surface region (12). The color reading device (1) comprises a light transmitting layer (4) of a translucent or transparent material with a first surface (5) of the light transmitting layer (4) comprising a out-coupling surface region (11) onto which the sample surface region (12) of the sample (2) can be placed. The light source (8) is arranged at a coupling side surface (9) of the light transmitting layer (4), whereby the arrangement of the light source (8) with respect to the coupling side surface (9) is designed to couple light that is emitted from the light source (8) into the light transmitting layer (4) in such a manner that at least part of the light is then totally reflected within the light transmitting layer (4) along a light transmission direction that passes by the out-coupling surface region (11)where light can be coupled out of the light transmitting layer (4), for instance due to a wetted surface, to illuminate the sample surface region (12) .