Remote Optical Measurement via Beam Steering and Condensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical measurement devices require close contact with measurement targets to emit and detect infrared light, limiting their application in scenarios like line inspection in factories, where remote measurement is necessary.
Innovation Solution
An optical measurement device comprising a light source, beam control unit, condensing unit, and detection unit, allowing for remote operation by controlling the irradiation direction of light and efficiently receiving faint returned light, with optional features like image recognition for beam correction and noise suppression.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If optical fibers are used to emit and detect infrared light, then measurement capability is achieved, but the device must come into close contact with the measurement target
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/optical fiber-based light transmission system with an electromagnetic wave-based system. Specifically, it uses millimeter waves (electromagnetic waves) to transmit measurement information without requiring physical contact or optical fibers, thereby eliminating the contact requirement while maintaining measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the wavelength parameter of the measurement signal from infrared light (micrometer scale) to millimeter waves (millimeter scale). This parameter change allows the measurement system to operate at a wavelength that can penetrate or reflect from targets without requiring close contact, thus resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and ease of operation
2Measurement precision
If the device body approaches the measurement target for measurement, then optical measurement can be performed, but remote measurement capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the mechanical approach of physically moving the device close to the target with an electromagnetic wave-based measurement system. The millimeter wave measurement system can operate effectively at a distance, eliminating the need for the device body to approach the measurement target while maintaining measurement accuracy
3Loss of information
If infrared light is used for measurement, then absorption spectrum information can be obtained, but the light must be transmitted through optical fibers requiring close contact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the wavelength parameter from infrared light to millimeter waves, which are electromagnetic waves with longer wavelengths. This parameter change allows the measurement system to obtain absorption spectrum information without requiring optical fiber transmission, as millimeter waves can be transmitted through air or other media without physical contact
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the optical fiber-based light transmission mechanism with direct electromagnetic wave transmission. By using millimeter waves that can propagate through air, the system eliminates the need for optical fibers and close contact while preserving the ability to obtain absorption spectrum information
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 remote optical measurement, improving detection sensitivity and expanding usage scenarios by allowing devices to operate without physical contact with measurement targets.
Implementation Method 1
a light source configured to generate irradiation light with a beam shape
Implementation Method 2
a condensing unit configured to condense returned light generated by irradiating a part of a measurement target with the irradiation light
Data Source
AI summary
An objective of the present invention is to provide an optical measurement device capable of performing remote optical measurement. An optical measurement device may include a light source that generates irradiation light with a beam shape, a beam control unit configured to control an irradiation direction of the irradiation light L1, a condensing unit configured to condense returned light generated by irradiating a part of a measurement target with the irradiation light, and a detection unit configured to detect information regarding the measurement target included in the returned light condensed by the condensing unit. The beam control unit can control the irradiation direction of the irradiation light for measurement to any direction, and thus the condensing unit can efficiently receive the faint returned light from the measurement target.