Optical-Ultrasonic Measuring System for Transparent Target Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems struggle to accurately distinguish between cases where a measurement target has high optical transmittance and when a measurement target is not present in the measurement region, particularly in image forming systems.

Innovation Solution

A measuring system comprising a first light emitter, a first light receiver, a measuring unit for electrical resistance and ultrasonic wave transmittance, and a processor to determine the presence or high optical transmittance of a measurement target based on received light and measurement results.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If light transmission detection is used to measure transparent or translucent media, then measurement capability is extended to high optical transmittance materials, but it becomes impossible to distinguish between high transmittance materials and absent targets

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement capability for high optical transmittance materialsVSAvoiddistinction between high transmittance and absent target

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces ultrasonic waves as an intermediary measurement mechanism. While light transmission detects optical properties, ultrasonic waves detect physical presence through acoustic impedance differences. This intermediary measurement method resolves the ambiguity between high transmittance materials and absent targets by providing a complementary detection dimension that is independent of optical properties.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The measuring system integrates multiple detection functions into a single system: optical transmittance measurement for material characterization and ultrasonic detection for presence verification. This multi-functional approach allows the system to handle both transparent materials and absence detection using the same hardware platform, improving versatility while maintaining precision through functional differentiation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If multiple measurement methods are combined to distinguish high transmittance from absent target, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedistinction between high transmittance and absent targetVSAvoidsystem structure with multiple sensors

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges optical detection and ultrasonic detection systems into an integrated measuring apparatus. By combining these measurement methods in a single device with coordinated control, the system achieves precise distinction between high transmittance and absent targets while managing complexity through unified system architecture rather than separate independent systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses the measurement target itself as the medium for both optical and ultrasonic measurement. The target's inherent optical and acoustic properties are exploited directly without requiring additional markers, coatings, or auxiliary structures, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Device complexity

If conventional light detection alone is used, then device complexity is kept low, but measurement precision fails for high optical transmittance materials

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimple light detection systemVSAvoidmeasurement accuracy for high transmittance materials

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces purely optical detection with a hybrid system that incorporates ultrasonic detection. This substitution introduces a mechanical wave-based measurement dimension that complements optical detection, enabling precise measurement of high transmittance materials that are invisible to optical methods alone, while maintaining relative system simplicity through modular integration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Accurately distinguishes between high optical transmittance and absence of a measurement target, reducing burden on the target and improving image quality by optimizing image forming operations.

Implementation Method 1

a first light emitter that emits light toward a measurement target; a first light receiver that receives light transmitted through the measurement target

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight transmission: Light

Implementation Method 2

a measuring unit that measures at least one of an electrical resistance and a transmittance of ultrasonic waves of the measurement target

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUltrasonic wave transmission: Ultrasound

Data Source

PatentUS20250304389A1Measuring system and image forming system

Publication Date: 2025.10.02 FUJIFILM BUSINESS INNOVATION CORP

AI summary

A measuring system includes a first light emitter that emits light toward a measurement target; a first light receiver that receives light transmitted through the measurement target; a measuring unit that measures at least one of an electrical resistance and a transmittance of ultrasonic waves of the measurement target; and a processor configured to determine, based on a size of the light received by the first light receiver and a result of measurement by the measuring unit, whether or not the measurement target is an object with a high optical transmittance or whether or not the measurement target is present in a measurement region.