Optical Sensor for Transparent Media Using Pattern Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical sensors require multiple devices for measuring different properties of transparent media, are sensitive to manufacturing tolerances and misalignment, and have high production costs due to the need for precise geometric arrangements.
Innovation Solution
A method and sensor system that uses a camera and pattern to measure multiple properties of transparent media by analyzing effects on images of the pattern, allowing for cost-effective production and reduced sensitivity to manufacturing tolerances, using techniques such as pattern recognition and calibration methods to determine measurands like turbidity, refractive index, and absorption coefficients.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple conventional optical sensors are used to measure different properties of transparent media, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and production cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal optical sensor that can measure multiple properties of transparent media (turbidity, refractive index, absorption coefficients) using a single device. The sensor uses a camera to capture images of a pattern viewed through the medium, and different measurands are determined by analyzing various effects (scattering, refraction, absorption) on the same image data, eliminating the need for multiple specialized sensors
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple measurement functions into a single integrated sensor system. Instead of using separate sensors for turbidity, refractive index, and absorption measurements, the invention merges these functions by using one camera to capture comprehensive image data that can be processed to extract multiple measurands simultaneously
2Measurement precision
If precise geometric arrangement of sensor components is implemented, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a digital image (copy) of a pattern viewed through the medium as the measurement carrier, rather than relying on precise physical geometric arrangements. The measurement information is encoded in the pixel values of the captured image, which can be processed computationally to determine measurands, reducing sensitivity to mechanical tolerances
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical alignment requirements with computational image processing. Instead of requiring precise physical positioning of multiple sensor components, the invention uses a camera to capture an image and employs algorithms to analyze scattering, refraction, and absorption effects from the pattern distortion and intensity variations in the image
3Measurement precision
If stable and unchangeable geometric arrangement is maintained, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a digital reference image (copy) for comparison rather than requiring a physically stable and unchangeable geometric arrangement. By comparing the captured image against a reference image or using pattern recognition algorithms, the system can determine measurands without requiring mechanical stability of multiple components
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
Enables cost-effective, versatile measurement of multiple properties in transparent media with improved accuracy and reduced sensitivity to manufacturing tolerances and misalignment, using a single sensor system with a camera and pattern, allowing for efficient determination of properties like turbidity, refractive index, and absorption coefficients.
Implementation Method 1
Optical sensors generally comprise a transmission device, which transmits electromagnetic transmission radiation to the medium, and a measuring device, such as a measuring device equipped with a detector, which receives measurement radiation resulting from an interaction of the transmission radiation with the medium
Implementation Method 2
for measuring the turbidity and/or the concentration of the particles contained in the medium, for example, transmitted radiation can be transmitted into the medium and a measurement radiation, dependent on the respective measurand, of a measurement radiation scattered at predefined angles in the medium can be measured
Implementation Method 3
The refractive index of a medium can be determined, for example, by determining the angle at which a total reflection of transmitted radiation transmitted to the medium occurs at the transition to the medium. Alternatively, the refractive index is determined, for example, by transmitting transmitted radiation through the medium and determining an angle by means of a detector, such as a line scan camera, in order to deflect the transmitted radiation at the transition to the medium
Implementation Method 4
With absorption measurements, transmitted radiation generated by means of the transmission device is transmitted through the medium, for example, and the measurand such as a spectral absorption coefficient of the medium or a concentration of an analyte contained in the medium, is determined based on the spectral intensity or the intensity spectrum of the measuring radiation emerging from the medium
Data Source
AI summary
Described is a method for measuring one or at least two measurands of a transparent medium, in which method pictures of a pattern are taken by means of a camera through a volume of predetermined shape of the medium, and measured values of the measurand(s) are determined and made available on the basis of effects of the volume of the medium on the pictures of the pattern, said effects being characteristic of the measurand(s) and dependent on the value thereof. Furthermore, a sensor is described which is designed to carry out this method.