Integrated Spectrophotometer Gloss Correction via Reference Channel

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional gloss measurement devices face challenges in achieving precise and standardized results due to variations in light source intensity, thermal drift, and mechanical deviations, often requiring separate channels and manual calibration, which limits their ability to measure gloss and color concurrently.

Innovation Solution

An integrated spectrophotometer with a gloss meter that uses a reference channel to compensate for light intensity fluctuations, allowing for concurrent color and gloss measurement without disabling the spectrophotometer, utilizing a LED light source and optical channels to normalize light intensity variations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional gloss measurement devices are used, then gloss measurement is possible, but measurement precision deteriorates due to light source intensity variations and thermal drift

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegloss measurement precisionVSAvoidmeasurement consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the reference channel continuously monitors light source intensity variations and provides compensation signals to correct gloss measurement readings, eliminating the need for manual recalibration and maintaining measurement consistency over time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a reference channel as an intermediary that measures light source characteristics separately and uses this information to compensate for variations in the gloss measurement channel, effectively isolating the measurement from light source instability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If separate gloss meter and spectrophotometer channels are used, then comprehensive measurement is possible, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement capabilityVSAvoidchannel configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the gloss meter and spectrophotometer into a single integrated device that shares common components including light source, optical path, and detector, while maintaining separate measurement channels that can operate concurrently without requiring separate devices

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a multi-functional device where the same optical system performs both gloss measurement and colorimetric analysis, allowing a single instrument to provide comprehensive surface characterization capabilities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If manual calibration is performed, then measurement accuracy can be adjusted, but productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegloss measurement accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement throughput

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary automatic calibration using the reference channel to establish compensation factors before actual gloss measurements begin, eliminating the need for manual calibration during operation and enabling continuous high-throughput measurement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements self-service calibration where the instrument automatically uses its own reference channel to compensate for drift and variations without requiring external calibration standards or manual intervention, maintaining accuracy while maximizing productivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 solution enables accurate and standardized gloss and color measurements by compensating for light source variations, reducing mechanical complexity and cost, while allowing for simultaneous operation of color and gloss sensors, thereby improving measurement precision and consistency.

Implementation Method 1

Both of these devices are commonly combined to provide general color and gloss measuring functions. In both devices, light is reflected off the surface and is measured and recorded with optical sensors.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight intensity detection: Photoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

In both devices, light is reflected off the surface and is measured and recorded with optical sensors.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS8680993B2System and apparatus for gloss correction in color measurements

Publication Date: 2014.03.25 DATACOLOR AG EURO

AI summary

An apparatus and system for providing a solution that enables technicians or other technical professionals obtain both an accurate color value for a sample as well as an accurate gloss value while using a spectrophotometer and an integrated gloss meter device. The present invention allows for accurate color and gloss value analysis of samples using improved compensation values by using a reference sensor to correct the variations in intensity of a light source.