Liquid Level Detection Using Vertical Optical Receivers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for determining the liquid level, such as imaging devices and temperature sensors, face limitations when the liquid temperature equals the air temperature, leading to inaccurate liquid level detection.

Innovation Solution

An information processing apparatus using light emitters and receivers arranged vertically to determine the liquid level state based on light reception signals, with adjustable light reception directions and temperature detection for accurate liquid level determination and control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If temperature sensors are used to determine liquid level based on temperature difference, then liquid level detection is enabled, but detection accuracy deteriorates when liquid temperature equals air temperature

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveliquid level detection accuracyVSAvoiddetection reliability under temperature equilibrium

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the thermal field-based detection method (temperature sensors) with an optical field-based detection method (light emitters and receivers). This substitution eliminates the fundamental limitation of temperature-based detection where liquid temperature equals air temperature, as optical detection is not affected by thermal equilibrium conditions. The light reception signal intensity varies based on liquid level blocking light paths, providing reliable detection regardless of temperature conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Loss of information

If imaging devices are used to grasp liquid level state, then comprehensive liquid level information is obtained, but processing performance requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveliquid level state information completenessVSAvoidimage processing capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts only the essential information needed for liquid level detection (light reception signal intensity at different vertical positions) from the complete image data. Instead of processing comprehensive image information, the system selectively measures light intensity at specific points along the vertical axis, obtaining sufficient liquid level state information while dramatically reducing processing requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses light emitters and receivers to create optical copies of the liquid level state rather than using physical imaging. The light reception signals serve as simplified representations (copies) of the liquid level position, containing the necessary information without requiring complex image processing. This approach obtains comprehensive liquid level information through direct optical measurement rather than image analysis.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Measurement precision

If light receivers are arranged vertically to detect liquid level, then detection capability is provided, but determination accuracy deteriorates without light reception direction adjustment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveliquid level determination accuracyVSAvoidlight reception direction adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dynamic adjustment capability to the light receivers, allowing their reception directions to be changed based on detection needs. This dynamic adaptability enables the system to optimize light reception angles for different liquid levels and container configurations, significantly improving determination accuracy. The light receivers can adjust their orientation to maintain optimal detection conditions as the liquid level changes or as different measurement scenarios arise.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 precise liquid level determination and control, including inclination detection, allowing for effective gripping and pouring operations without liquid spillage.

Implementation Method 1

a liquid level state determiner that determines, by using a light reception signal corresponding to light reception intensity of emitted light from a light emitter generated for each of a plurality of light receivers arranged in a vertical direction to face the light emitter, a liquid level state of a liquid provided between the light emitter and the light receivers

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight transmission and absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS20230408320A1Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and program

Publication Date: 2023.12.21 SONY GROUP CORP

AI summary

A light receiver 212u provided on the upper side and a light receiver 212d provided on the lower side with respect to the optical axis of a light emitter 211 generate light reception signals corresponding to the light reception intensity of emitted light from the light emitter 211. A liquid level state determiner 30 determines a liquid level state on the basis of a signal level difference between the light reception signal generated by the light receiver 212u and the light reception signal generated by the light receiver 212d. It is not required to perform processing of captured image data, and even in a case where a liquid temperature is substantially equal to the outside air temperature, the state of a liquid level can be easily grasped.