Lighting Device with Segmented Light Trap for Complex Object Measurement

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing lighting device for measuring the color or gloss of objects with complex shapes faces challenges in maintaining measurement accuracy due to the generation of shadows/shades and residual specular reflection components.

Innovation Solution

The lighting device incorporates a casing with a hemispherical internal space and a plate member that includes an upper portion with non-overlapping thin plates, where the second surface of each plate absorbs light. By rearranging these thin plates, a curved plate with a double right-angled spherical triangular shape is formed, allowing for improved light diffusion and reduced shadow formation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a light trap with a double right-angled spherical triangular shape is used to absorb light, then specular reflection components are removed, but shadow/shade appears on the measurement object and measurement accuracy decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoidshadow/shade

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The light trap is divided into multiple plate members (first, second, and third plate members) with different configurations. The first and second plate members are arranged symmetrically to remove specular reflection, while the third plate member is positioned asymmetrically to avoid blocking diffused light paths, thereby preventing shadow formation on the measurement object.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the hemispherical internal space are assigned different functional qualities: symmetric plate members are placed in regions where specular reflection removal is needed, while asymmetric plate members are positioned in regions where light blocking would create shadows. This local differentiation optimizes both specular reflection removal and shadow prevention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Measurement precision

If the entire surface of a light trap facing the center is configured to absorb light, then specular reflection is removed, but all diffused light from that azimuth angle is blocked regardless of apex angle

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoiddiffused light

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The light-absorbing function is segmented across multiple plate members with different angular positions and orientations. Each plate member absorbs light from specific azimuth angles while allowing light from other angles to pass through, maintaining overall illumination while removing specular reflection components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The third plate member is positioned asymmetrically relative to the symmetric first and second plate members. This asymmetric arrangement creates non-uniform light absorption patterns that prevent complete blocking of diffused light paths, allowing illumination to be maintained while still removing specular reflection where needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

3Ease of operation

If a part of the bottom surface of the hemispherical internal space is blocked by a reflecting mirror, then light is redirected, but specular reflection components reach the observation unit in convex measurement objects

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight redirectionVSAvoidmeasurement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The problematic reflecting mirror that causes specular reflection to reach the observation unit is removed from the configuration. Instead, plate members with light-absorbing surfaces are used to selectively remove specular reflection components without redirecting them to the observation unit, thereby eliminating the harmful effect while maintaining light redirection benefits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 enhances measurement accuracy by minimizing shadow formation and effectively removing specular reflection components, thereby ensuring highly accurate measurements of objects with complex shapes.

Implementation Method 1

The inner surface of the casing defines a hemispherical internal space and is made of a material that diffusely reflects light

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDiffuse reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

The surface facing the center of each plate member is made of a material that absorbs light

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS20250109991A1Lighting device

Publication Date: 2025.04.03 PUBLIC UNIVERSITY CORPORATION OSAKA CITY UNIVERSITY

AI summary

A lighting device according to one aspect of the present invention includes a plurality of thin plates whose surfaces facing a center are configured to absorb light. By rearranging the at least one thin plate by moving the at least one thin plate at an angle smaller than 360 degrees about an axis, it is possible to form a curved plate having a double right-angled spherical triangular shape by all of the plurality of thin plates.