Color Sensor Optical Element Uniform Light Distribution
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Color sensing devices often produce inaccurate color measurement readings due to variations in light intensity caused by the non-uniform positioning of the sample, which results from the use of non-spatially uniform or converging/diverging light beams.
Innovation Solution
A color sensing device that employs a spatially uniform light beam, achieved through an optical element with a tapered inlet surface, which adjusts the power distribution to maintain constant light intensity across the sample plane, even with slight positional inaccuracies, using a non-converging or non-diverging output light beam.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a conventional light source projects a light beam directly to the sample, then the device structure is simple, but the light intensity varies depending on sample position causing inaccurate color readings
Solution Approach 1:
An optical element with a specific light distribution pattern is introduced as an intermediary between the light source and the sample. This optical element modifies the light beam to create a substantially uniform light intensity distribution across the sample plane, thereby improving measurement accuracy without requiring complex positioning mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the spatial distribution parameter of the light beam by using an optical element with a tailored light distribution pattern. This transforms the conventional concentrated light beam into a uniform distribution pattern, making the measurement insensitive to sample position variations.
2Ease of operation
If the sample position is not accurately controlled, then the ease of operation is improved, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to light intensity variations
Solution Approach 1:
The optical element creates an equipotential light distribution field where the light intensity is substantially uniform across the entire sample plane. This ensures that samples at different positions within the measurement area receive equivalent light illumination, eliminating position-dependent measurement errors and improving ease of operation.
3Measurement precision
If a converging or diverging light beam is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the light intensity is non-uniform across the sample plane causing measurement errors
Solution Approach 1:
The optical element is designed with specific local optical properties that vary across its surface to achieve a uniform light distribution pattern. Different regions of the optical element have tailored characteristics that collectively produce the desired uniform illumination across the sample plane.
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 solution allows for accurate color measurements regardless of the sample's position within a defined range, reducing sensitivity to height variations and ensuring consistent light intensity across the sample plane.
Implementation Method 1
spatially scrambled as it propagates to an object plane, i.e., an exit plane, of the optical element
Implementation Method 2
Tapered inlet surface 16a on the front end of optical element 16 may adjust the power distribution to create the spatially uniform beam 18
Data Source
AI summary
A color sensing apparatus includes an optical system that produces a spatially uniform light beam independent of the use of a diffusion chamber, and a color sensor that senses reflected light of a reflection of the spatially uniform light beam, wherein the optical system includes a light integrator with a tapered inlet surface and a lens secured to an exit plane thereof.