Color Sensor Using Sequential LED Illumination for Fluorescent Material Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for measuring the color of materials, particularly fluorescent materials, are inefficient and unreliable due to the need for multiple illuminators and sensitive light flux measurements, which are not suitable for industrial applications with moving materials and vibration-rich environments, leading to costly equipment failures.
Innovation Solution
A device using light emitting diodes (LEDs) to direct ultraviolet and visible light onto a sample, with a measurement analyzer determining color based on measured light, capable of producing various illumination states to match or approximate a specified illuminator, even if not exactly, and incorporating a micro optic device for focusing and reflecting light, allowing for efficient and timely color measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple illuminators are used to measure fluorescent materials, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single illuminator is designed to perform multiple functions by sequentially emitting different wavelength bands (UV, blue, green, red) that would traditionally require separate illuminators. This multi-functional approach reduces device complexity while maintaining the capability to measure both fluorescent and non-fluorescent materials accurately under different illumination conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The illuminator operates in periodic cycles, sequentially switching between different wavelength bands (UV, blue, green, red) rather than requiring all illuminators to operate simultaneously. This time-division multiplexing approach allows accurate color measurement of fluorescent materials while simplifying the device structure to use a single illuminator source
2Reliability
If traditional light sources are used in vibration-rich environments, then measurement capability is maintained, but reliability decreases due to equipment failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs LEDs as illuminators, which are more resistant to vibration damage compared to traditional filament or gas discharge light sources. While LEDs have finite lifetimes, their solid-state construction makes them suitable for unstable industrial environments, reducing equipment failure and maintenance costs despite the harsh conditions
3Measurement precision
If sequential measurement methods are used for fluorescent materials, then measurement accuracy is improved, but measurement time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses rapid periodic switching between different wavelength bands (UV, blue, green, red) within a single illuminator cycle, allowing sequential measurement of fluorescent emission and reflection components. This time-division approach achieves accurate total radiance factor measurement while minimizing measurement time through efficient cyclic operation
Solution Approach 2:
The illuminator operates continuously in a cyclic manner, sequentially activating different wavelength bands without interruption. This continuous operation ensures that measurements are taken in real-time as materials move through the process, maintaining productivity while achieving accurate color determination through the periodic emission of excitation and reference wavelengths
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 rapid and reliable color determination of both fluorescent and non-fluorescent materials, maintaining sensor efficiency in unstable environments with reduced equipment failure and maintenance costs, suitable for industrial applications with moving materials.
Implementation Method 1
at least one light emitting diode for directing a beam of ultraviolet light onto the sample
Implementation Method 2
incorporating a micro optic device for focusing and reflecting light
Implementation Method 3
incorporating a micro optic device for focusing and reflecting light
Implementation Method 4
the total radiance factor may be determined by fluorescent emission as well as by reflection or transmission of incident light
Data Source
AI summary
Devices, systems, and methods for measuring the color of a sample are disclosed. The exemplary device may have one or more light emitting diodes for directing a beam of ultraviolet light onto the sample and may also have one or more light emitting diodes for directing a beam of visible light onto the sample. The exemplary device may have a component for controlling the timing and power of operation of each light emitting diode. The exemplary device may also have at least one light detector for receiving the beam of light reflected from or transmitted through the sample and measuring at least one wavelength band of the received light. The exemplary device may further have a measurement analyzer for determining the color of the sample based on the measured light. The color may be determined for a specified illuminator incorporating effects of fluorescence.