Optical Probe Current Adjustment via Stored Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical measuring apparatuses face delays in production and work due to the time-consuming process of replacing light sources, such as semiconductor lasers, which requires external assistance for adjusting drive currents.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a probe portion and a main body portion connected via a connecting cable, with a reference voltage generator, a storing device for current adjustment information, and a controlling device that automatically adjusts the drive current for the light source based on stored data, allowing for easy and quick replacement of the probe portion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual replacement and adjustment of light source is used, then reliability of measurement is maintained, but time consumption increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by storing drive current adjustment information in advance in a non-volatile memory device within the probe portion. This stored information is automatically retrieved and applied when the probe portion is replaced, eliminating the need for manual adjustment during replacement and enabling rapid switching while maintaining measurement reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the probe portion to automatically adjust its own drive current using stored adjustment information. The controlling device automatically retrieves and applies the stored parameters without requiring external manual intervention, allowing the system to self-calibrate during replacement and maintain reliable operation.
2Measurement precision
If manual adjustment of drive current is required, then measurement precision is maintained, but ease of operation deteriorates due to need for external assistance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the probe portion to self-adjust its drive current by automatically retrieving stored adjustment information from non-volatile memory. This eliminates the need for external manual adjustment while maintaining precise measurement, significantly improving ease of operation during replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by having the controlling device automatically retrieve and apply stored drive current adjustment information based on the replaced probe portion's characteristics. This closed-loop approach ensures precise measurement by automatically adapting to the specific probe portion being installed.
3Adaptability or versatility
If detailed current adjustment information is stored, then adaptability to different light sources is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential adaptability function by storing only the critical drive current adjustment information in a compact non-volatile memory device within the probe portion. This extracted information is automatically applied during replacement, achieving high adaptability to different light sources without requiring complex external adjustment systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-storing adaptability information in non-volatile memory before the probe portion is installed. This advance preparation enables the system to automatically adapt to different light sources without requiring complex real-time adjustment mechanisms, balancing versatility with device complexity.
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 enables rapid replacement of the light source without the need for external assistance, reducing delays and costs by automating the drive current adjustment, thus facilitating quicker maintenance and operation.
Implementation Method 1
a light source configured to emit light, due to the drive current
Implementation Method 2
a light receiving device configured to receive scattered light from an object of light emitted from the light source and to output a light receiving signal
Data Source
AI summary
A measuring apparatus (100, 200, 300, 400) is an optical measuring apparatus provided with a probe portion (20, 20a, 20b, 20c) and a main body portion (10, 10b, 10c), which are electrically connected to each other. The probe portion has: a light source (21, 26); a reference voltage generating device (24) configured to apply predetermined reference voltage to the main body portion; and a storing device (25) configured to store therein in advance current adjustment information, which is information for adjusting a drive current to be supplied to the light source. The main body portion has: a drive current supplying device (12, 12a, 12b) configured to supply the drive current to the light source, due to the applied reference voltage; and a controlling device (11) configured to control the drive current supplying device on the basis of the stored current adjustment information.