Chromatic Confocal Sensor Visible Light Spot Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Chromatic confocal sensors face challenges in accurately radiating measurement light to transparent or glossy objects, making precise measurement difficult due to the invisibility of the irradiation spot.
Innovation Solution
A chromatic confocal sensor system incorporating a first light source for measurement light with multiple wavelengths, a second light source for visible light, an optical head for converging light and calculating positions, and a switching section to adjust and precisely align the irradiation spot using visible light for accurate positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If measurement light with multiple wavelengths is used for chromatic confocal measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but visibility of the irradiation spot deteriorates making it difficult to position on transparent or glossy objects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a visible light beam as an intermediary to mark the irradiation spot position on transparent or glossy objects. This visible light beam serves as a mediator between the measurement system and the object, allowing the operator to see where the measurement light is being applied without interfering with the measurement process itself
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes color/visibility changes by employing a visible light beam with a wavelength that is visible to the human eye (unlike the infrared or ultraviolet measurement light). This color difference allows the irradiation spot to be visually detected and positioned accurately on transparent or glossy surfaces
2Ease of operation
If a second light source for visible light is added to mark the irradiation spot, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the visible light beam generation function with the existing measurement light source system. Both the measurement light and visible light beam are emitted from the same optical head and are integrated into a single coordinated system, reducing the need for separate positioning equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The optical head is designed to serve multiple functions: it emits both the measurement light for chromatic confocal measurement and the visible light beam for positioning. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate positioning devices and reduces overall system complexity
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 easy and precise radiation of measurement light to the measurement point, improving measurement accuracy and visibility of the irradiation spot, even on transparent or glossy surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
The optical head causes incident light to be converged at a focal position corresponding to a wavelength of the incident light
Implementation Method 2
The optical head causes incident light to be converged at a focal position corresponding to a wavelength of the incident light
Implementation Method 3
The first light source emits measurement light including a plurality of light beams having different wavelengths
Implementation Method 4
The second light source emits a visible light beam having a predetermined wavelength
Implementation Method 5
outputs reflection light reflected by an object to be measured at the focal position
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a chromatic confocal sensor including: a first light source that emits measurement light including a plurality of light beams having different wavelengths; a second light source that emits a visible light beam having a predetermined wavelength; an optical head that causes incident light to be converged at a focal position corresponding to a wavelength of the incident light and outputs reflection light reflected by an object to be measured at the focal position; a position calculation section that calculates a position of the object to be measured on the basis of the reflection light output by the optical head; and a switching section that selectively switches between a first operation in which only the measurement light enters the optical head and a second operation in which at least the visible light beam enters the optical head.