Light Blocking Member for Image Capturing Device Specular Reflection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional color measurement apparatuses face issues with specular reflection, where light reflected from the image capture area impinges on the 2D image sensor, leading to defective images and inaccurate color measurements, and existing solutions using diffusing plates can cause bright reflection issues.
Innovation Solution
An image capturing device with a light blocking member positioned outside the image capture area to prevent light from traveling to the specular reflection position, thereby blocking specularly reflected light and reducing bright reflections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a diffusing plate is arranged at a position directly under the illumination light source to diffuse light, then light specularly reflected from the image capture area is prevented from impinging on the 2D image sensor, but bright reflection light reflected from ridgelines of the diffusing plate impinges on the 2D image sensor
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful function (bright reflection) is extracted and eliminated by replacing the diffusing plate with a light blocking member that selectively blocks only the harmful reflected light paths while preserving the useful illumination function
Solution Approach 2:
The solution converts the harmful specular reflection problem into a beneficial configuration by using the light blocking member to precisely control light paths, blocking harmful reflections while maintaining necessary illumination
2Reliability
If a diffusing plate is used to prevent specular reflection, then defective images are reduced, but the device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The complex diffusing plate structure is extracted and replaced with a simpler light blocking member that achieves the same functional goal with fewer components and less structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a diffusing plate to scatter light, the invention inverts the approach by using a light blocking member to selectively block harmful light paths, achieving the same protective function with a different optical strategy
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 configuration effectively prevents specularly reflected light from impacting the 2D image sensor, ensuring accurate color measurements by blocking light traveling from the illumination source to the specular reflection position and minimizing bright reflections, thus enhancing the reliability of color measurement values.
Implementation Method 1
blocks light traveling from the light source toward a specular reflection position, the specular reflection position being a position that is in the image capture area and where, if light travels from the light source, the light would be specularly reflected to the two-dimensional sensor
Data Source
AI summary
An image capturing device includes: a two-dimensional image sensor that captures an image of a predetermined image capture area including a subject; a light source that illuminates the image capture area; and a light blocking member that blocks light traveling from the light source toward a specular reflection position, the specular reflection position being a position that is in the image capture area and where, if light travels from the light source, the light would be specularly reflected to the two-dimensional sensor. The light blocking member is arranged outside the image capture area.