Compact Optical System for Color Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional color measurement devices with refractive collimation lens systems are too tall to meet the requirements of compact integration with displays or computing devices while maintaining a large measurement area and controlled angular acceptance.
Innovation Solution
A color measurement device with a compact optical system that uses a first reflective surface inclined relative to the system axis and a second reflective surface to fold the optical path, allowing for a reduced mechanical height while maintaining a large measurement area and controlled angular acceptance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a refractive collimation lens system is used, then angular acceptance can be controlled, but the device height increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the refractive lens system with a reflective optical system using mirrors. Specifically, it uses a combination of a first mirror (45-degree angled) and a second mirror (hyperbolic or parabolic) to achieve the same angular acceptance control function that would traditionally require a collimation lens, thereby eliminating the need for a tall lens system and reducing device height.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent folds the optical path using reflective surfaces arranged in a compact configuration. By using a first reflective surface at 45 degrees and a second reflective surface, the optical path is bent into a folded geometry, allowing light to travel a longer effective distance within a shorter axial height, thus resolving the contradiction between angular control and compact dimensions.
2Measurement precision
If the measurement area is made large, then more pixels can be averaged, but the device becomes less compact
Solution Approach 1:
The folded optical path design allows the measurement area to be extended in the lateral direction while keeping the device height minimal. The reflective surfaces are arranged to fold the light path, enabling a large measurement area (at least 4mm diameter) to be captured without increasing the device's axial height beyond compact limits.
3Measurement precision
If the acceptance angle is reduced to meet standards, then measurement accuracy improves, but the optical system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex refractive optical elements with a simpler reflective system. The angular acceptance control is achieved through the geometric arrangement of reflective surfaces (45-degree mirror and hyperbolic/parabolic mirror) rather than requiring complex lens assemblies, thereby meeting the 2.5-degree acceptance angle requirement with a less complex optical system.
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 device achieves a significant reduction in height while ensuring a large measurement area and precise control over the angular range of incident light, making it suitable for integration with displays or computing devices.
Implementation Method 1
a first reflective surface configured to cause incident light rays that have entered the optical system along an incident direction parallel to the system axis to be reflected into once-reflected light rays
Implementation Method 2
a second reflective surface configured to cause said once-reflected light rays to be reflected into twice-reflected light rays
Data Source
AI summary
A color measurement device for determining color characteristics of a measurement area (300) is disclosed, comprising a light detector (200) and an optical system (100) for guiding light from the measurement area to the light detector. The optical system (100) defines a system axis (S) that passes through a detection area (210) of the light detector (200). The optical system comprises a first reflective surface (110) that causes incident light rays (Rin) that have entered the optical system parallel to the system axis (S) to be reflected into once-reflected light rays (R1) having a first direction of reflection towards the system axis (S). The optical system further comprises a second reflective surface (120) that causes the once-reflected light rays to be reflected into twice-reflected light rays (R2). The twice-reflected light rays are propagated to the light detector. Advantageously, the optical system comprises an optical body (101) made of a transparent material, wherein the reflective surfaces are formed by surface portions of the optical body, internal reflection taking place at these surface portions.