Spectral Confocal Measurement Device Optical Path Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing spectral confocal measurement devices suffer from reduced measurement accuracy due to the low purity of the spectrum received by the light-incident hole, as the reflected light returns along the reverse direction of the incident light path.

Innovation Solution

The spectral confocal measurement device is optimized by configuring a specific optical path where the incident measurement beam is emitted along a first predetermined path and reflected along a second predetermined path that is different from the opposite direction of the first predetermined path, thereby filtering out undesired beams and improving the purity of the spectrum.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the reflected light returns along the reverse direction of the incident light path, then the device structure is simplified, but the purity of the spectrum received by the light-incident hole decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice structureVSAvoidpurity of the spectrum
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The optical path is segmented into distinct incident and reflected light paths. The incident light travels along a first predetermined path from the light source through the light-incident hole to the measurement object, while the reflected light returns along a second predetermined path that is different from the reverse direction of the first path. This segmentation prevents stray light and unwanted reflections from contaminating the spectrum received by the light-incident hole, thereby maintaining high spectral purity while keeping the device structure relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A beam splitter is introduced as an intermediary component to separate the incident and reflected light paths. The beam splitter directs the incident light toward the measurement object and directs the reflected light to the spectrometer along a different path. This intermediary component enables the use of different predetermined paths for incident and reflected light, improving spectral purity without requiring complete structural redesign.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If a specific optical path is configured to improve spectrum purity, then measurement accuracy is enhanced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoidoptical path configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The optical system is divided into distinct functional segments with dedicated paths: the incident light path from the light source through the light-incident hole to the measurement object, and the reflected light path from the measurement object through the beam splitter to the spectrometer. This segmentation allows each path to be optimized independently for its specific function, enhancing measurement accuracy while managing overall device complexity through modular design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The beam splitter serves multiple functions: it directs incident light toward the measurement object, separates reflected light from the optical path, and guides the reflected light to the spectrometer. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, thereby improving measurement accuracy through proper optical path separation while minimizing the increase in device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

This configuration enhances the measurement accuracy by improving the purity of the spectrum, reducing interference from other reflected wavelengths, and simplifying the device structure to lower production costs.

Implementation Method 1

uses a dispersive objective lens group to focus and disperse the light from the light source, and form a continuous monochromatic light focus on the optical axis with different distances to the dispersive objective lens group, thereby establishing a linear relationship between wavelength and axial distance

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDispersion: Dispersion (of waves)

Implementation Method 2

a diffraction grating, configured to disperse the measurement beam

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDiffraction: Diffraction

Data Source

PatentEP4006483B1Spectral confocal measurement device and measurement method
Publication Date: 2025.05.21 ALEADER VISION TECH
  • EP4006483B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4006483B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4006483B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A spectral confocal measurement device includes a light source portion, configured to emit a broad-spectrum light beam with a certain wavelength range in a first predetermined path; an optical sampling portion, configured to converge the broad-spectrum light beam emitted from the light source portion on different measurement surfaces of an object to be measured, and output a reflected light in a second predetermined path that is different from a reverse direction of the first predetermined path; and a measurement portion, configured to receive and process the reflected light from the optical sampling portion to obtain a measurement result. The device can improve measurement accuracy and reduce production costs. In addition, a spectral confocal measurement method is also provided.