Optical Sensor Protection via Diffuse Transmission Geometry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional spectrophotometric inspection devices face challenges in accurately measuring objects with low transmittance, as high-intensity measurement light can damage optical sensors when no object is present, and adding components like optical shutters increases costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
An optical measurement device that uses an illumination system to irradiate a predetermined area with measurement light whose wavelength changes over time, combined with a light reception device featuring an optical sensor that detects diffuse transmission light deviated from the measurement light's optical axis, allowing for continuous operation without the need for synchronized object presence control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If high-intensity measurement light is used to improve S/N ratio for low transmittance objects, then measurement accuracy is improved, but optical sensor reliability deteriorates due to potential damage when no object is present
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and blocks the direct transmission path of measurement light from the light source to the optical sensor by positioning the optical sensor to receive only diffuse transmission light at an angle. This separates the measurement light path from the sensor reception path, allowing high-intensity measurement light to be used without directly exposing the sensor to potentially damaging light levels when no object is present.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces diffuse transmission light as an intermediary between the measurement light and the optical sensor. Instead of directly detecting measurement light, the sensor detects light that has been scattered and diffused by the object, which naturally attenuates the light intensity and protects the sensor while still providing measurement information.
2Reliability
If optical shutter or dimmer is added to protect optical sensor, then optical sensor reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the need for optical shutters or dimmers by extracting the protective function into the geometric configuration of the optical system. The optical sensor is positioned and oriented such that it naturally receives only diffuse transmission light, eliminating the requirement for additional protective components while maintaining sensor reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical system itself provides the protection function through its geometric design. The arrangement of the light source, object, and optical sensor creates a self-protecting system where the diffuse transmission geometry inherently limits the light intensity reaching the sensor, making external protective components unnecessary.
3Reliability
If optical shutter is added to control light in synchronization with object presence, then optical sensor protection is improved, but productivity decreases due to synchronization control requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous operation of the measurement system without interruption for shutter control. The optical sensor continuously receives diffuse transmission light from objects as they pass through the measurement area, eliminating the need to stop or synchronize light control with object presence, thereby maintaining high inspection speeds.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical geometry automatically provides sensor protection without requiring active control mechanisms. The system self-regulates light exposure through its geometric configuration, allowing continuous high-speed operation without synchronization control, thus maintaining productivity while protecting the sensor.
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 protects the optical sensor from high-intensity light when no object is present, enabling accurate measurement while maintaining continuous operation and eliminating the need for additional control mechanisms like shutters, thus improving measurement accuracy and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
a light reception device including an optical sensor structured to detect diffuse transmission light through an object located in the predetermined area. The light reception device is structured such that the optical sensor receives a component of the diffuse transmission light through the object which propagates in a direction deviated from an optical axis of the measurement light.
Data Source
AI summary
An illumination device irradiates a predetermined area with measurement light whose wavelength changes over time. A light reception device includes an optical sensor that detects diffuse transmission light of an object located in the predetermined area. The light reception device is structured such that the optical sensor receives a component of the diffuse transmission light through the object which propagates in a direction deviated from an optical axis of the measurement light.