Electronically Readable Colorimetric Sensor for Non-Line-of-Sight
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional colorimetric sensors face challenges in being read in non-line-of-sight situations and are sensitive to light conditions that can distort perceived colors.
Innovation Solution
A passive colorimetric based sensor system that includes a radio frequency identification device, a controller, a light emitter, a light detector, and a colorimetric sensor with a changeable color patch, allowing for non-line-of-sight communication and resistance to light condition distortions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional colorimetric sensors are used for direct observation, then the device complexity is low and manufacturing cost is low, but the sensor cannot be read in non-line-of-sight situations and is sensitive to light condition distortions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary electronic sensor system comprising a light emitter, light detector, and processor that mediates between the colorimetric sensor and the user. The light emitter illuminates the colorimetric sensor, the light detector captures the reflected light, and the processor analyzes the color information, enabling non-line-of-sight reading while compensating for light condition distortions through electronic processing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the direct mechanical/optical observation method with an electronic sensing and processing system. Instead of requiring direct visual contact with the colorimetric sensor, the system uses electronic components (light emitter, photodetector, processor) to detect and analyze color changes, substituting the mechanical line-of-sight requirement with an electronic detection mechanism
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional colorimetric sensors are used, then the manufacturing cost is low, but the sensor requires direct line-of-sight observation which limits application in many situations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal reading system that can be applied to various colorimetric sensors in different situations. The electronic sensor system with light emitter, detector, and processor provides a multi-functional platform that works with different types of colorimetric sensors regardless of their specific application, enabling versatility across medical, industrial, and research contexts
3Measurement precision
If conventional colorimetric sensors are used, then the device is simple and inexpensive, but lighting conditions distort the perceived color and affect measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the processor receives color information from the light detector, analyzes it, and uses this information to compensate for lighting condition distortions. The system continuously monitors the colorimetric sensor under varying light conditions and adjusts the measurement through electronic processing, providing feedback-based correction for accurate color measurement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameters from direct human visual perception to electronic light detection and digital processing. By converting the color measurement into electrical signals that can be processed and analyzed digitally, the system eliminates the subjectivity and light-sensitivity of human vision, achieving precise color measurement through parameter transformation
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 accurate, non-line-of-sight measurement and communication of environmental conditions, such as temperature and chemical presence, without being affected by lighting conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a light emitter, operatively connected to the controller, to emit light; a light detector, operatively connected to the controller, to receive light reflected from the changeable color patch
Implementation Method 2
a radio frequency identification device, allowing for non-line-of-sight communication and resistance to light condition distortions
Implementation Method 3
a colorimetric sensor with a changeable color patch... to measure a condition of an object of interest; the colorimetric sensor causing the changeable color patch to change color based upon a measured condition
Data Source
AI summary
A colorimetric based sensor system includes a low power communication system to harvest energy from an interrogator and to broadcast information to the interrogator; a controller operatively connected to the low power communication system; a light emitter, operatively connected to the controller, to emit light; a light detector, operatively connected to the controller, to convert receive light into electrical signals; and a colorimetric based sensor, having a changeable color patch and in optical communication with the light detector and the light emitter, to measure a condition of an object of interest.