Optical Surface Color Measurement with Matched Illumination Angles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical systems for measuring the color of a surface require measurements from both the surface of interest and a reference surface, which can lead to significant delays and inaccuracies due to differing illumination and detection conditions, hindering fast and accurate industrial applications.
Innovation Solution
An optical apparatus with an illumination arrangement that illuminates both the surface of interest and a reference surface at equal incidence angles and distances, using a light detection arrangement to measure scattered light at equivalent observation angles, allowing for simultaneous and consistent measurements under controlled conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional optical systems measure both the surface of interest and reference surface separately under different illumination and detection conditions, then complete color measurement data can be obtained, but measurement time increases significantly and measurement accuracy decreases due to condition variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the measurement of the surface of interest and the reference surface into a single simultaneous measurement process. The illumination arrangement illuminates both surfaces at equal incidence angles, and the detection arrangement detects scattered light from both surfaces at equivalent observation angles simultaneously, eliminating sequential measurement delays and ensuring consistent measurement conditions for both surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates equipotential measurement conditions by positioning both the surface of interest and reference surface at equal distances from the illumination arrangement and detecting scattered light at equal observation angles. This ensures that both surfaces are measured under identical illumination and detection conditions, eliminating accuracy variations caused by condition differences.
2Productivity
If conventional optical systems use different illumination and detection conditions for measuring the surface of interest and reference surface, then measurements can be completed, but measurement reliability decreases due to condition discrepancies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the measurement processes into a single simultaneous operation where both surfaces are illuminated and detected under the same conditions. This approach maintains measurement reliability while improving productivity, as both surfaces are measured in one operation rather than sequentially under varying conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures homogeneous measurement conditions by configuring the illumination arrangement to illuminate both surfaces at equal incidence angles and the detection arrangement to detect scattered light at equal observation angles. This homogeneity guarantees consistent and reliable measurements across both surfaces simultaneously.
3Measurement precision
If conventional optical systems perform sequential measurements of the surface of interest and reference surface, then complete color data can be calculated, but the overall measurement process becomes too slow for industrial applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines sequential measurements into a single simultaneous measurement process. By illuminating both surfaces at equal incidence angles and detecting scattered light at equivalent observation angles simultaneously, the system achieves both high precision and industrial-speed productivity, eliminating the time-consuming sequential measurement process.
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 rapid, reliable, and accurate color measurement of surfaces by minimizing delays and discrepancies between measurements, suitable for industrial environments.
Implementation Method 1
measuring light scattered from a surface
Implementation Method 2
the light detection arrangement is configured to receive and measure light scattered by the first surface
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A
AI summary
An optical apparatus comprising an illumination arrangement (2) and a light detection arrangement (3), wherein: the illumination arrangement (2) is configured to illuminate at a first incidence angle (θ1) a first surface (S1) located at a first position (P1), and to illuminate at a second incidence angle (θ2) a second surface (S2) located at a second position (P2); a first distance (d1) between the first position (P1) and the illumination arrangement (2) is equal to a second distance (d2) between the second position (P2) and the illumination arrangement (2); the first incidence angle (θ1) is equal to the second incidence angle (θ2); the light detection arrangement (3) is configured to measure light scattered by the first surface (S1) at a first angle of observation (a1), and is also configured to measure light scattered by the second surface (S2) at a second angle of observation (a2). Also, a method.