Multi-Directional Light Irradiator for Surface Tilt Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining the tilt of a surface are inaccurate due to the susceptibility of reflected light intensity to the color of the surface, especially when light is applied from a single direction.
Innovation Solution
A measurement apparatus with a light irradiator and a processor that applies light from multiple directions to a specific portion of a subject, using multiple light sources positioned at different angles to receive and analyze light reflections, thereby reducing the influence of surface color on tilt determination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If light is applied to the specific portion from one direction, then the measurement process is simple, but the measurement precision is poor due to color susceptibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from single-direction illumination to multi-directional illumination by introducing a second light source positioned at a different angle. This dimensional change in illumination geometry allows the system to capture reflectance characteristics from multiple angles, enabling color compensation while maintaining operational simplicity through automated multi-angle measurement sequences.
2Measurement precision
If multiple light sources from different directions are used, then the measurement precision is improved by reducing color influence, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the illumination system into multiple independent light sources positioned at different angles, with each light source contributing specific illumination data. This segmentation allows the system to compensate for color effects by analyzing reflectance patterns from different illumination angles, while the processor automatically integrates these segmented measurements to determine tilt accuracy.
3Measurement precision
If multiple images from different directions are captured, then the color influence on measurement is reduced, but the processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous multi-angle illumination and image capture sequences, where the processor continuously acquires images from multiple light sources and automatically processes them to determine tilt. This continuous operation minimizes idle time between measurements, and the processor efficiently integrates data from all angles to provide rapid, accurate tilt determination without significant processing delays.
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 allows for more accurate determination of surface tilt by minimizing the impact of surface color on light intensity, enhancing measurement precision compared to single-direction illumination methods.
Implementation Method 1
Light is applied to the specific portion from one direction, and light reflected by the specific portion is received by a light receiver
Data Source
AI summary
A measurement apparatus includes a light irradiator, a light receiver, and a processor. The light irradiator is able to apply light from multiple directions to a specific portion of a subject to be measured. The light receiver receives light reflected by the specific portion. The processor is configured to: cause the light irradiator to apply light to the specific portion sequentially from the multiple directions; and acquire information concerning a tilt of a surface of the specific portion, based on information on light received by the light receiver when light is applied to the specific portion from a first direction and information on light received by the light receiver when light is applied to the specific portion from a second direction. The multiple directions include the first and second directions.