Pivotable Mirror Arrangement for Diffuse and Specular Light Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing measurement arrangements struggle to accurately measure both diffusely and specularly reflected light, especially in cases where the intensity of diffusely reflected light is low, such as with architectural or display glass, often requiring separate optical receivers and resulting in a large dynamic range that complicates precise measurement.
Innovation Solution
A compact measurement arrangement that includes a measurement light source with a uniform spatial illuminance distribution, a first mirror for directing measurement light, a second mirror for receiving diffusely reflected light, and a third mirror that is pivotable to attenuate specularly reflected light, allowing for the measurement of both types of reflections without the need for a reference sample and reducing the dynamic range by minimizing specular reflection intensity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single optical receiver is used to measure both diffusely and specularly reflected light, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to the large dynamic range between the two light intensities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a pivotable third mirror that can dynamically change its orientation to selectively direct different types of reflected light to the optical receiver. By rotating the mirror, the system adapts its light path configuration to handle the large dynamic range between diffuse and specular reflection, enabling a single receiver to accurately measure both types of light without being overwhelmed by intensity differences
Solution Approach 2:
The third mirror serves as an intermediary element between the sample and the optical receiver. It mediates the light paths by selectively directing diffusely reflected light or specularly reflected light to the receiver based on its orientation, thereby enabling the single receiver to handle both light types with appropriate intensity levels
2Measurement precision
If separate measurement arrangements are used for diffuse and specular reflection, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functionality of separate diffuse and specular reflection measurement arrangements into a single integrated system. By combining multiple mirrors (first, second, and third mirrors) and a single optical receiver, the system achieves the measurement capabilities of separate arrangements while reducing overall device complexity and eliminating the need for multiple receivers
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement arrangement is designed with multi-functionality, where the same optical receiver and mirror system can measure both diffusely reflected light and specularly reflected light. The pivotable third mirror enables the system to switch between different measurement modes, making the device universal for both types of reflection measurements
3Illumination intensity
If the intensity of specularly reflected light is high, then the dynamic range increases, but measurement precision of diffusely reflected light deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The pivotable third mirror provides dynamic control over light path selection. When measuring diffusely reflected light, the mirror can be oriented to direct only diffuse light to the receiver, excluding the intense specular component. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to handle cases where specular reflection intensity is high without compromising the precision of diffuse reflection measurements
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 accurate measurement of both diffusely and specularly reflected light with a smaller dynamic range, allowing for precise inline measurements in production processes without the need for multiple optical receivers, thus improving measurement accuracy and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a measurement light source (20) for generating measurement light (16, 26, 36), in particular for generating a measurement light having a uniform spatial illuminance distribution
Implementation Method 2
a first mirror (21) for directing the measurement light (16, 26, 36) from the measurement light source (20)
Implementation Method 3
a second mirror (22) for directing diffusely reflected light to the optical receiver (23)
Implementation Method 4
a third mirror (24), which is pivotable, for attenuating specularly reflected light
Data Source
AI summary
A measurement arrangement for measuring diffusely reflected light and specularly includes a measurement light source for generating measurement light, an optical receiver for receiving measurement light, and a first mirror for reflecting the measurement light emerging from the measurement light source. The measurement arrangement additionally comprises a second mirror for reflecting diffusely reflected measurement light to the optical receiver. A settable third mirror is also provided, which in a first position is aligned for directing the measurement light that was directed onto a sample by the first mirror and specularly reflected by the sample to the optical receiver. The third mirror in a second position releases a beam path between the second mirror and the optical receiver, so that the measurement light directed onto the sample by the first mirror and diffusely reflected by the sample to the second mirror is directed to the optical receiver by the second mirror.