Radiation Scattering Device for Surface Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for determining surface properties, such as those of motor vehicle paintwork, are inadequate for objective assessment under varying light conditions, particularly failing to accurately evaluate surfaces under scattered and diffuse light.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus and method utilizing a radiation scattering device that is indirectly illuminated to simulate diffuse light conditions, separate from direct illumination, allowing for the characterization of surface properties through a combination of indirect and direct radiation analysis.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If direct illumination is used to analyze surface properties, then measurement precision is improved, but the ability to assess surface properties under scattered and diffuse light conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurface property determination accuracyVSAvoidassessment under varying light conditions

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The illumination system is segmented into separate direct illumination devices and indirect illumination devices. The indirect illumination devices illuminate a radiation scattering device which then scatters light onto the surface, separating the direct and indirect illumination paths to enable independent control and measurement of surface properties under different lighting conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A radiation scattering device is introduced as an intermediary element between the illumination device and the surface. This scattering device receives direct illumination and converts it into scattered illumination, allowing the system to simulate natural diffuse light conditions while maintaining controlled measurement geometry

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If indirect illumination through a radiation scattering device is used, then assessment under scattered light conditions is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimulation of diffuse light conditionsVSAvoidillumination system structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The radiation scattering device serves multiple functions: it acts as a light source for indirect illumination, a geometric element for controlling light distribution, and a simulator for natural diffuse lighting conditions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates an artificial copy of natural diffuse light conditions by using the radiation scattering device to generate scattered illumination patterns that replicate the optical characteristics of natural outdoor lighting, particularly cloudy sky conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Ease of operation

If the radiation scattering device is placed in the center plane of the apparatus, then ease of operation is improved, but mixing of direct and indirect illumination occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealignment simplicityVSAvoidseparation of illumination types

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The radiation scattering device is deliberately positioned asymmetrically relative to the direct illumination devices, specifically in the region not occupied by the direct illumination devices. This asymmetric placement ensures that the scattering device is not in the direct light path of the illumination devices, preventing mixing of direct and indirect illumination while maintaining operational simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

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 and objective assessment of surface properties under diverse light conditions, preventing mixing of direct and indirect illumination and providing a means to simulate natural light scenarios like cloudy skies, enhancing the precision and reliability of surface analysis.

Implementation Method 1

a radiation scattering device which is at least partially illuminated by the first illumination device and which transmits scattered radiation onto the surface to be analysed

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadiation scattering: Scattering

Implementation Method 2

the radiation scattering device is essentially completely surrounded by a radiation-absorbent region. This prevents the radiation scattering device from being inadvertently hit also by rays from the radiation device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadiation absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS7741629B2Apparatus for analysing surface properties with indirect illumination

Publication Date: 2010.06.22 BYK GARDNER

AI summary

An apparatus (1) for analysing surface properties, comprising a first radiation device (4) which emits radiation directly onto a surface (9) to be analyzed, a first illumination device (6, 7) for indirectly illuminating the surface (9) to be analyzed, a first radiation detector device (8) which receives at least part of the radiation thrown back from the surface (9) to be analyzed and outputs at least one signal which is characteristic of this part of the radiation. According to the invention, a radiation scattering device (10, 11) is provided which is at least partially illuminated by the first illumination device (6, 7) and which transmits scattered radiation onto the surface (9) to be analyzed.