Refractometer Real-Time Light Observation Cost Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional V-block refractometers cannot observe the actual state of measurement light during measurement due to external light interference, requiring additional camera and display units, which increase costs and complicate observation.
Innovation Solution
A refractometer configuration that integrates a camera and display processing unit to show the detection intensity graph and captured image on a single display screen in real time, eliminating the need for separate display units and eyepiece units, allowing for cost-effective and clear observation of measurement light.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a camera is mounted to the eyepiece unit to capture measurement light and prevent external light incidence, then observation of measurement light state is enabled, but additional display unit is required which increases cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the camera unit and display unit into a single integrated component. The camera captures measurement light through the eyepiece unit, and the captured image is directly displayed on the display unit without requiring a separate display device. This integration eliminates the need for additional display units while maintaining the ability to observe measurement light state, thereby reducing cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The eyepiece unit is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as both an observation optical path for direct visual inspection and a light blocking structure when combined with the camera unit. The display unit similarly serves dual purposes by displaying both measurement light images and measurement results. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, lowering overall system cost.
2Ease of operation
If camera and display unit are separately mounted, then measurement light state can be observed, but detection result and captured image are displayed on different screens making smooth observation difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the camera unit and display unit into an integrated system where the camera is mounted to the eyepiece unit and the display unit directly displays the captured images. This ensures that both the measurement light state and detection results are presented on a single display screen, enabling smooth and convenient observation without requiring the user to switch between multiple screens.
3Reliability
If eyepiece unit is eliminated and camera is used, then external light interference is prevented, but separate display unit is required increasing cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the camera unit and display unit into a single integrated component. The camera captures measurement light through the eyepiece unit, and the captured image is directly displayed on the display unit without requiring a separate display device. This integration eliminates the need for additional display units while maintaining the ability to observe measurement light state, thereby reducing cost.
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 real-time observation of measurement light state, reduces costs by integrating displays, and prevents external light interference, ensuring accurate measurements.
Implementation Method 1
a detector that detects measurement light passing through the sample
Implementation Method 2
a camera that captures measurement light passing through the sample
Implementation Method 3
a sample is placed on a V-shaped groove formed on a V-block prism, and the sample is irradiated with measurement light through the V-block prism
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention aims to provide a refractometer that can satisfactorily observe an actual state of measurement light during a measurement with low cost. A graph 311 showing detection intensity of measurement light detected by a detector and a captured image 312 by a camera are displayed on one display screen 301 in real time. This configuration eliminates the need to separately provide a display unit for displaying the captured image 312 by the camera, thereby reducing cost. In addition, the actual state of measurement light can satisfactorily be observed during the measurement through the confirmation of the captured image 312 by the camera displayed on one display screen 301 along with the graph 311 in real time.