Liquid Surface Detection Using Reflected Light
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional liquid surface detecting apparatuses face challenges in accurately detecting the level of a liquid surface, especially when there is a clear or transparent layer on top, due to insufficient light reflection entering the camera, leading to potential overexposure and inaccurate measurements.
Innovation Solution
A liquid surface detecting apparatus and method that positions the image capturing device to directly receive light reflected from the liquid surface, ensuring intense light enters the camera, which captures images with high luminance, allowing for reliable detection of the liquid surface level even with clear or transparent layers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the image capturing device is positioned to avoid direct reflected light entry, then overexposure is prevented, but light amount becomes insufficient for accurate detection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the positional parameters of the image capturing device and light emitter relative to the container, specifically positioning them at angles where reflected light from the liquid surface directly enters the camera sensor, optimizing light capture while preventing overexposure through controlled angular positioning
2Illumination intensity
If the image capturing device is positioned to receive direct reflected light, then light amount is sufficient, but overexposure occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by positioning the light emitter and image capturing device at specific localized angular positions relative to the container, creating an optimized optical path where light is captured effectively without causing overexposure, tailored to the specific geometry of the container and liquid surface
3Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional positioning is used, then overexposure is prevented, but clear or transparent layers cannot be detected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the detection parameters by positioning the optical components to capture reflected light at angles that maximize contrast and visibility of the liquid surface, enabling detection of clear or transparent layers that would be invisible with conventional positioning
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 enables accurate and reliable detection of liquid surface levels by ensuring intense light reflection is captured, improving the accuracy of liquid surface detection and preventing overexposure issues, especially with liquids like blood or those with clear layers.
Implementation Method 1
the light, emitted by the light emitter and reflected by the liquid surface of the liquid, directly enters the image capturing device
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid surface detecting apparatus including: a retaining section that retains liquid as sample or reagent; a light emitter that emits light toward the liquid retained in the retaining section; an image capturing device that captures an image of the liquid retained in the retaining section; and a detecting device that detects a level of a liquid surface of the liquid retained in the retaining section based on the image of the liquid captured by the image capturing device, wherein the image capturing device is provided at a position such that the light, emitted by the light emitter and reflected by the liquid surface of the liquid, directly enters the image capturing device.