Dual-Wavelength Optical Scanning Substance Detection Sensor

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing substance detection systems face challenges in accurately detecting a measuring target substance due to temporal differences between measuring light and reference light projections, leading to erroneous detection, especially when the status of the detection area changes between light irradiation phases.

Innovation Solution

A substance detection system employing a first and second light source that irradiate a detection area with reference and measuring light of different wavelengths using optical scanning, allowing for simultaneous detection based on reflection light from both sources to minimize temporal differences and improve accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If surface irradiation is performed sequentially with measuring light and reference light using a mechanical swing mechanism, then the detection area can be monitored for substance presence, but temporal differences occur between the two light projections causing erroneous detection

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesubstance detection accuracyVSAvoidtime difference between light projections

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the projection of measuring light and reference light into a single optical scanning operation. The light projection unit projects both types of light onto the detection area simultaneously or in rapid succession through the same optical path, eliminating the temporal gap caused by sequential mechanical operations. This merging of light projection operations resolves the contradiction by maintaining detection accuracy while minimizing time differences.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical swing mechanism with an optical scanning system that uses mirrors or beam steering to direct both measuring light and reference light onto the detection area. This substitution eliminates the slow mechanical movement and enables rapid switching between light types, reducing the time difference between projections while maintaining the ability to monitor the entire detection area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If mechanical swing mechanism is used to control laser beam output direction for surface irradiation, then monitoring of detection area is achieved, but time consumption increases for covering entire area

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection area coverageVSAvoidirradiation speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the slow mechanical swing mechanism with an optical scanning system that uses rapidly movable mirrors or beam steering elements to direct light across the detection area. This substitution maintains the ease of covering the entire detection area while dramatically increasing the scanning speed, thus resolving the contradiction between operational ease and productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs periodic scanning patterns where the optical system rapidly sweeps back and forth across the detection area in a systematic manner. This periodic action ensures complete coverage of the detection area while maintaining high speed operation, resolving the contradiction by achieving both thorough monitoring and fast operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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 system effectively reduces temporal differences between light projections, enhancing the accuracy of substance detection and reducing erroneous readings by utilizing the reflection light from both wavelengths, thus improving the reliability of detecting substances in the detection area.

Implementation Method 1

a first light source to irradiate a detection area including a plurality of target areas with reference light having a first wavelength through surface irradiation using optical scanning

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

a second light source to irradiate the detection area with first measuring light having a second wavelength different from the first wavelength through the surface irradiation using the optical scanning

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 3

The substance detector detects a specific substance in the detection area based on reflection light of the reference light from the first light source and reflection light of the first measuring light from the second light source

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption Spectroscopy: Absorption Spectroscopy

Data Source

PatentUS10094769B2Substance detection sensor, substance detecting method, and substance detection system having dual light source with optical scanning

Publication Date: 2018.10.09 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD

AI summary

A substance detection sensor includes a first light source, a second light source, and a substance detector. The first light source irradiates a detection area including a plurality of target areas with reference light having a first wavelength through surface irradiation using optical scanning. The second light source irradiates the detection area with first measuring light having a second wavelength different from the first wavelength through the surface irradiation using the optical scanning. The substance detector detects a specific substance in the detection area based on reflection light of the reference light from the first light source and reflection light of the first measuring light from the second light source.