Optical Foreign Substance Detection via Light Scattering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional foreign substance detection devices struggle to accurately detect the size, shape, area, color, and type of foreign substances, especially those smaller than the pixel limit of the image sensor, and require long detection times and complex operations.
Innovation Solution
An optical foreign substance detection device using light scattering and image analysis, which includes an optical housing with a light irradiation unit and an optical unit, captures images of foreign substances using light scattering, and a user device analyzes these images to determine the size, shape, area, and color of the foreign substances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If light scattering measurement is used to detect foreign substances, then the detection speed is fast and processing is quick, but it is not possible to know the type, actual size, shape, area, and color of the foreign substances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines light scattering measurement and optical microscope imaging into a single integrated system. The light scattering unit provides rapid detection and sizing information, while the optical microscope unit captures detailed images for visual confirmation and characterization. This merging allows simultaneous acquisition of both speed and precision data without requiring separate detection processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection system is segmented into two functional units: a light scattering unit for rapid quantitative measurement and an optical microscope unit for qualitative visual analysis. Each unit handles specific aspects of foreign substance detection, allowing parallel processing that maintains both high speed and high precision simultaneously.
2Measurement precision
If optical microscope device is used to detect foreign substances, then the actual size, shape, area, color can be determined, but it is difficult to detect foreign substances smaller than the pixel limit and detection time is long
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs partial imaging by the optical microscope - not capturing the entire sample area at high magnification, but only specific regions of interest identified by the light scattering unit. This selective imaging approach reduces detection time while maintaining the ability to accurately characterize foreign substances that are visually confirmed.
3Device complexity
If direct light is used for imaging, then the setup is simple, but it is not easy to detect small-sized foreign substances and detection time is long when multiple foreign substances are present
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the illumination parameter from direct light to scattered light for the optical microscope unit. By using light that has been scattered by a diffuser, the imaging capability for small foreign substances is enhanced while maintaining practical device complexity. The scattered light provides better contrast and detection sensitivity for minute particles.
4Measurement precision
If the entire area is identified with low-magnification image first, then high-magnification optical module is moved to detect foreign substances, then detection accuracy is improved, but the operation is complicated and equipment is large
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using low-magnification imaging first to locate foreign substances and then switching to high-magnification imaging, the patent inverts the approach by using light scattering measurement first to identify and size foreign substances, then using optical microscope imaging only for visual confirmation. This eliminates the need for complex multi-magnification optical modules and simplifies the operational sequence.
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
The device enables rapid detection and analysis of foreign substances, including those smaller than the pixel limit, with high reliability, and can be used portably without a stage, facilitating contamination control in clean rooms.
Implementation Method 1
a light irradiation unit which has a plurality of light sources arranged to irradiate light toward a target object below, and irradiates light with a predetermined light amount so that light scattering can be generated by a foreign substance
Implementation Method 2
an optical unit which captures the target object so as to detect the foreign substance included in the target object by using light scattering of the foreign substance by the light irradiated from the light source and creates an image
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an optical foreign substance detection device using light scattering and image analysis to detect and analyze a foreign substance included in a target object, and the optical foreign substance detection device includes an optical housing; a light irradiation unit connected to and installed in a lower portion of the optical housing, and has a plurality of light sources arranged to irradiate light toward the target object below that the light sources irradiate light so that light scattering is generated by a foreign substance; an optical unit built into an upper portion of the optical housing, and captures the target object so the foreign substance included in the target object is detected by using light scattering of the foreign substance by the light irradiated from the light source and creates an image; and a user device that receives, stores, reproduces, and analyzes the image created from the optical unit.