Coloured Graphic Representation Illumination for Detector Verification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for providing graphic representations for detector analysis lack a simple and effective way to verify the correct functioning of detectors, as they do not allow for easy variation of visibility based on illumination, leading to potential malfunctions being undetected.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus and method utilizing a light source emitting definable colors or spectra to illuminate a colored graphic representation, with a control unit managing the illumination sequence, ensuring that specific parts of the representation are visible or not based on the light color or spectrum, allowing for flexible and cost-effective variations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single detector is used for analysis, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to verify detector functionality and detect malfunctions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of detectorsVSAvoiddetector functionality verification
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by varying the illumination color (wavelength) to change the visibility parameters of different graphic representation parts. By using a control unit that switches between different light colors (e.g., red, green, blue), the system can make different colored portions of the graphic representation visible or invisible to the detector, enabling functionality verification without adding more detectors

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements dynamics by making the illumination sequence controllable and switchable. The control unit dynamically changes the illumination state between different colors over time, allowing the same detector to observe different portions of the graphic representation at different times, thus verifying detector functionality through temporal variation rather than spatial multiplication

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Measurement precision

If multiple graphic representations are provided for detection, then detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidnumber of graphic representations
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple graphic representation elements into a single colored graphic representation that contains different portions with different colors. Instead of providing separate graphic representations for different detection conditions, the invention combines them into one unified structure where visibility is controlled by illumination color, reducing device complexity while maintaining detection accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies local quality by assigning different colors to different portions of the same graphic representation. Each colored portion has specific local properties (color characteristics) that determine its visibility under specific illumination conditions, allowing targeted detection of different regions without requiring multiple complete graphic representations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 approach enables a simple and effective variation of graphic representations for detection, allowing for reliable verification of detector functionality without requiring multiple detectors, and provides a wide range of graphic representation options by adjusting illumination, ensuring accurate detection and maintenance.

Implementation Method 1

at least one light source (4, 5) emitting two different light colours

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight emission: Light

Implementation Method 2

a coloured graphic representation or graphic representation sequence (1, 2), wherein the at least one light source (4, 5) illuminates the coloured graphic representation or graphic representation sequence, so that depending on the at least one light colour or light colour spectrum the coloured graphic representation or a part of the coloured graphic representation is visible by the detector (3)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentEP3161721B1Apparatus and method for providing a graphic representation or graphic representation sequence for detection by a detector
Publication Date: 2022.11.09 PEPPERL & FUCHS SE
  • EP3161721B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3161721B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2c
  • EP3161721B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

For providing an apparatus and method for providing a graphic representation (1, 2) or a graphic representation sequence for detection by a detector (3) which provide a simple and effective variation of a graphic representation (1, 2) or a graphic representation sequence for detection by the detector (3) an apparatus is claimed, comprising: at least one light source (4, 5) emitting at least one definable light colour or light colour spectrum, a coloured graphic representation (1, 2) or graphic representation sequence, wherein the at least one light source (4, 5) illuminates the coloured graphic representation (1, 2) or graphic representation sequence, so that depending on the at least one light colour or light colour spectrum the coloured graphic representation (1, 2) or a part of the coloured graphic representation (1, 2) is visible by the detector (3) with a predefinable intensity and/or colour or not, and a control unit (6) for defining and providing an illumination sequence of the at least one light source (4, 5) for providing a change of visibility of the graphic representation (1, 2) or of a part of the graphic representation (1, 2) by the detector (3). Further, a corresponding method is claimed.