IR Ink Print Quality Testing via Haze Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Infrared (IR) ink print defects on optical components, such as rough surfaces, spots, and transmittance failures, can degrade the optical and aesthetic performance of devices, and existing methods lack effective quality testing methods to identify and quantify these defects.
Innovation Solution
An assembly and method for testing IR ink print quality by measuring light scattering (haze) using a light source with a dark interior and an IR camera positioned to image only the dark interior, where IR light is deflected into the camera's field of view if defects are present, allowing for the detection of haze and other defects through scattered light.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If IR ink is applied to the camera window to hide the IR camera from view, then the opaque bezel has a uniform appearance, but defects in the IR ink can produce undesirable results that are difficult to detect
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary quality testing of IR ink prints by measuring haze values before the product reaches the customer. The testing device illuminates the IR ink print area and measures the haze value to determine if defects are present, allowing defects to be detected and addressed before final product delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces visual inspection or manual testing methods with an automated optical testing system. The device uses light sources, haze value sensors, and processing logic to automatically detect defects in IR ink prints, replacing mechanical or human-based inspection methods with an automated measurement system.
2Device complexity
If existing testing methods are used for IR ink print quality, then the testing process is simple, but the methods lack effectiveness to identify and quantify defects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent measures the haze value as a quantitative parameter to assess IR ink print quality. By changing from qualitative visual inspection to quantitative haze measurement, the system can accurately identify and quantify defects while maintaining a relatively simple testing apparatus.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces haze value measurement as an intermediary parameter to bridge the gap between simple testing and accurate defect detection. The haze value serves as a measurable indicator that correlates with print quality, allowing defects to be quantified without requiring complex inspection equipment.
3Productivity
If traditional quality testing methods are applied to IR ink prints, then the testing process is fast, but the methods cannot effectively identify haze and other defects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent measures haze value as a quantitative parameter that can be rapidly obtained through optical measurement. This approach maintains fast testing speed while enabling effective identification and quantification of defects that traditional methods cannot detect.
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
This approach effectively identifies and quantifies IR ink print defects by measuring haze, improving the optical and aesthetic performance of IR devices by providing a reliable quality testing method for IR ink print areas on optical components.
Implementation Method 1
An assembly and method for testing IR ink print quality by measuring light scattering (haze)
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly for testing an infrared (IR) ink print quality of an IR ink print area on an optical component includes a light source including an illuminated periphery and a dark interior, an IR camera having a field of view positioned to image the dark interior without imaging at least a portion of the illuminated periphery, and a component holder configured to hold the optical component between the IR camera and the light source such that IR light emitted from the portion of the illuminated periphery that illuminates the IR ink print area on the optical component is deflected into the field of view of the IR camera if the IR ink print area has defects but is not deflected into the field of view of the IR camera if the IR ink print area does not have defects.