Multi-angle Colorimeter Symmetrical Optical Arrangement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-angle colorimeters face challenges in accurately measuring the color of curved surfaces like car bumpers due to attitude errors, requiring complex mechanical configurations and multiple pairs of optical systems, which increase device size and cost, and necessitate manual adjustments and lengthy measurement setups.
Innovation Solution
A multi-angle colorimeter with a symmetrical optical arrangement that uses a single photodetector unit and shared light sources to detect reflected lights from multiple angles, reducing the number of components and internal differences, thereby correcting attitude errors and simplifying the measurement process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple pairs of optical systems are arranged to correct attitude errors, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple optical measurements into a single photodetector unit that receives light from multiple angles simultaneously. The first and second light receiving windows are integrated into one photodetector unit, merging the functions of multiple optical systems into a single component, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The single photodetector unit serves multiple functions by receiving light from different angles through its first and second light receiving windows. This universal component performs what would traditionally require multiple separate optical systems, simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining the capability to correct attitude errors.
2Measurement precision
If multiple pairs of optical systems are used to correct attitude errors, then measurement precision is improved, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple optical receiving paths into a single photodetector unit with integrated first and second light receiving windows. This consolidation reduces the physical space required compared to having separate optical systems, thereby decreasing device size while maintaining the precision needed for attitude error correction.
3Measurement precision
If manual adjustment of colorimeter attitude is required, then measurement precision can be maintained, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The colorimeter performs self-correction of attitude errors through its symmetrical optical arrangement. The first and second light receiving windows are positioned symmetrically about the reference line, allowing the device to automatically compensate for attitude errors without requiring manual adjustment, thereby maintaining measurement precision while improving productivity.
4Device complexity
If a single photodetector unit is used to receive light from multiple angles, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses symmetrical arrangement of the first and second light receiving windows about the reference line. This symmetrical design allows the single photodetector unit to receive light from multiple angles in a balanced manner, enabling automatic correction of attitude errors and maintaining measurement precision despite the simplified single-unit configuration.
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 allows for accurate color measurement even when the reference line is tilted, reduces device size and cost, and eliminates the need for manual adjustments, enhancing measurement stability and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a photodetector unit that receives first and second lights respectively received through the first and second light receiving windows and converts the received lights into electric signals
Implementation Method 2
illumination sections that perform light irradiation toward a predetermined measurement point on a sample surface... light receiving windows... facing the measurement point... receives first and second lights respectively received through the first and second light receiving windows
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A multi-angle colorimeter (100) employs a multi-angle mode and a symmetrical arrangement mode in an optical arrangement. Light detection on both sides of the symmetrical arrangement is performed by a single photodetector unit (41). The photodetector unit (41) is used on both sides, and thus, the device becomes simpler, without any impact on individual difference in characteristics of multiple photodetector units. Conversely, elements for illumination can be used on both sides. Also in a case where multiple photodetector units are used, the size and cost of the device can be reduced with the use of a photodetector unit having a relatively low wavelength resolution as a photodetector unit to be used on one side. This enables to reduce an attitude error due to relative tilting of a measurement surface while reducing the size and cost of the device.