Compact Color Measurement Device Using Sequential Spectral Admittance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional color management systems using diffraction gratings require multiple sensors to process simultaneous spectral components, leading to increased cost, bulk, and complexity, as well as a trade-off between resolution and signal-to-noise ratio.
Innovation Solution
A compact color measurement device utilizing a diffraction grating that selectively admits spectral components in sequence to a single sensor, allowing for sequential measurement and processing of light components, reducing the need for multiple sensors and enhancing system efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are used to simultaneously measure spectral components, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The spectral measurement range is segmented into multiple wavelength channels, and a single sensor sequentially measures each channel by admitting different spectral components at different times. This divides the simultaneous multi-sensor approach into temporal segments, reducing sensor count while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The diffraction grating periodically admits different spectral components to the sensor in sequence. By using periodic action to cycle through wavelength channels, the system achieves simultaneous spectral measurement capability with a single sensor, reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If more channels are added for higher resolution, then measurement precision is improved, but the signal-to-noise ratio deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary spectral decomposition using the diffraction grating to separate wavelengths before they reach the sensor. This preliminary action allows the sensor to receive concentrated light at each wavelength channel sequentially, maintaining signal strength while achieving high resolution through the grating's spectral separation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor continuously measures spectral components as the diffraction grating sequentially admits different wavelengths. By maintaining continuous measurement across multiple wavelength channels without interrupting the measurement process, the system accumulates sufficient signal data for high-resolution spectral analysis while maintaining favorable signal-to-noise ratios.
3Measurement precision
If traditional diffraction gratings are used for spectral decomposition, then measurement precision is improved, but device bulk and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from spatial dispersion of spectral components (using traditional diffraction gratings that spread wavelengths across space) to temporal sequencing (admitting wavelengths one after another to a single sensor). This dimensional change from spatial to temporal domain allows compact device design while maintaining spectral resolution.
Solution Approach 2:
The diffraction grating serves multiple functions: it decomposes the input light spectrum, selects specific wavelength components for sequential measurement, and enables high-resolution spectral analysis. By making the grating multi-functional, the system achieves precise spectral measurement without requiring separate components for each function, reducing overall device bulk.
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
The solution enables cost-effective and compact color measurement with improved signal-to-noise ratio and flexibility in resolution, allowing for accurate spectral representation of colors without the bulk and expense of multiple sensors.
Implementation Method 1
Diffraction gratings may be used to split an input beam of light into its spectral components
Implementation Method 2
The sensor measures the energy or power level of each of the admitted components
Data Source
AI summary
Color measurement using compact devices is described herein. A color measurement device can include a diffraction grating that receives light reflected from a surface whose color is being measured. The diffraction grating is responsive to a control signal to split selected components from the reflected light and to admit the components in sequence to a sensor. The components can correspond to a selected wavelength or frequency of the reflected light. The sensor measures the energy or power level of each of the admitted components. The device can support determining a spectral representation of the color of the surface by generating output signals representing the various energy or power levels of each component of the light reflected from the surface.