Optical Measurement System Assembly Error Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing optical measurement systems face challenges in detecting assembly errors and stray light issues without inserting a test sample carrier, which is necessary for immediate use in a dark space environment.

Innovation Solution

A measurement system comprising a first element (holder) with a test sample carrier, a second element (casing), an imaging section, and an analysis section that captures and analyzes verification images to detect assembly errors and stray light without inserting the test sample carrier.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a test sample carrier is inserted to check assembly errors, then assembly errors can be detected, but the test sample carrier cannot be used immediately and measurement time is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly error detectionVSAvoidmeasurement time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs assembly error detection before inserting the test sample carrier by capturing an image of the measurement region without the carrier. This preliminary action allows verification of correct assembly and detection of stray light issues before the actual measurement process begins, eliminating the need to set aside already-opened test strips for testing purposes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of manufacture

If the measurement device is assembled by users themselves, then ease of manufacture and deployment is improved, but assembly errors may occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser assemblyVSAvoidassembly correctness
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the imaging section captures images of the measurement region, and the analysis section automatically analyzes these images to detect assembly errors. This feedback loop provides immediate verification to users about the correctness of their assembly, allowing them to correct mistakes before actual measurements are performed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If extraneous stray light is present in the measurement area, then measurement accuracy deteriorates, but detecting stray light requires additional testing steps

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoiddetection steps
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the imaging section serve multiple functions: it captures images for assembly verification and simultaneously detects the presence of extraneous stray light in the measurement region. By integrating these detection capabilities into the existing imaging system rather than adding separate testing devices, the patent maintains measurement precision while avoiding increased device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 the detection of assembly errors and stray light issues before inserting the test sample carrier, ensuring accurate measurements and preventing errors in the optical measurement process.

Implementation Method 1

an imaging section capturing a verification area containing a measurement region in which the measurement target in the test sample applied to the test sample carrier is to be positioned

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight: Light

Data Source

PatentEP4549917A1Measurement system
Publication Date: 2025.05.07 ARKRAY INC
  • EP4549917A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4549917A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4549917A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A measurement system (10) including a first element in which a test sample carrier (60) applied with a test sample suspected to contain a measurement target is to be held, a second element to which the first element is assembled, an imaging section (51) capturing a verification area (90) containing a measurement region (91) in which the measurement target in the test sample applied to the test sample carrier (60) is to be positioned in the first element and acquiring a verification image, and an analysis section (250) analyzing the verification image and detecting an assembly error of the first element.