Photometric Apparatus Light Attenuation Multiple Reflection Error

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Solution Overview

Problem

Photometric apparatuses face increased measurement errors due to multiple reflections when inserting or removing light attenuation members in the light path, affecting dynamic range measurement accuracy.

Innovation Solution

A photometric apparatus with a light attenuation member positioned in front of the splitting optical system, using a thin film filter with spectral flatness to minimize multiple reflections and maintain accurate spectral sensitivity, thereby controlling light intensity within the dynamic range of light receiving sensors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a light attenuation member is inserted into the light path to control the amount of received light, then the dynamic range of the photometric apparatus is widened, but multiple reflection occurs on the light attenuation member and other constituent members causing measurement error to increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedynamic rangeVSAvoidmeasurement error

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

A beam splitter is introduced as an intermediary component between the light attenuation member and the colorimetric optical system. The beam splitter directs reflected light from the light attenuation member toward a separate detection path, preventing this reflected light from re-entering the colorimetric optical system and causing measurement errors. This allows the light attenuation member to be effectively used for dynamic range control without compromising measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Illumination intensity

If a light attenuation member is inserted into the light path to measure high luminance, then the saturation of light receiving sensors is prevented, but multiple reflection changes the received light spectral sensitivity causing measurement accuracy to deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveluminance measurement rangeVSAvoidspectral sensitivity accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The beam splitter acts as a mediator that intercepts reflected light from the light attenuation member before it can re-enter the colorimetric optical system. By directing this reflected light to a separate path, the beam splitter preserves the spectral sensitivity accuracy of the light receiving sensors while allowing them to measure high luminance levels without saturation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a light attenuation member is inserted into the light path to expand measurement capability, then the photometric apparatus can handle varying brightness levels, but the insertion and removal position causes multiple reflection affecting measurement reliability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebrightness measurement capabilityVSAvoidmeasurement reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The beam splitter provides a reliable solution by consistently directing reflected light from the light attenuation member away from the measurement path. This intermediary component ensures that measurement reliability is maintained regardless of the insertion or removal position of the light attenuation member, allowing the apparatus to reliably handle varying brightness levels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

The solution effectively suppresses measurement errors and expands the dynamic range of the photometric apparatus, ensuring accurate luminance and chromaticity measurements across varying light conditions.

Implementation Method 1

a colorimetric optical system having a wavelength-selective filter on which the light that is to be measured and has been split by the splitting optical system is incident

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical filtering: Filter (optical)

Implementation Method 2

a light receiving sensor that receives the light that is to be measured and has been transmitted through the wavelength-selective filter

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoelectric conversion: Photoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 3

a light attenuation member that is insertable in and removable from a light path of the light to be measured

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight attenuation: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS20250020513A1Photometric apparatus and photometric method

Publication Date: 2025.01.16 KONICA MINOLTA INC

AI summary

A photometric apparatus includes: a splitting optical system that splits light to be measured from an object to be measured into a plurality of light rays; a colorimetric optical system having a wavelength-selective filter on which the light that is to be measured and has been split by the splitting optical system is incident, and a light receiving sensor that receives the light that is to be measured and has been transmitted through the wavelength-selective filter; and a light attenuation member that is insertable in and removable from a light path of the light to be measured, in which the light attenuation member is disposed in front of the splitting optical system.