Spectrophotometer Measurement Head with Opal Glass Reference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current color measurement devices, such as spectrophotometers, face challenges in integration size, weight, sensitivity to environmental conditions, contamination, mechanical vibrations, and the need for direct physical contact, which complicates inkjet printer characterization, linearization, and profiling, especially in high-quality applications where generic profiles are insufficient.
Innovation Solution
A compact, robust spectrophotometer design with a brightness reference arrangement and annular illumination, featuring a redirecting arrangement made of white flashed opal glass and densely packed light emitting diodes, allows for contact-free, distance-independent measurements, handling variations in environmental conditions and mechanical sensitivity, while maintaining precision and simplicity in manufacturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a compact spectrophotometer is integrated into the printer, then measurement functionality is achieved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to environmental sensitivity
Solution Approach 1:
A brightness reference arrangement is introduced as an intermediary element between the light source and measurement object. This reference arrangement compensates for environmental variations by providing a stable reference signal that can be compared against the measurement signal, thereby maintaining measurement precision despite the compact integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The brightness reference arrangement utilizes white flashed opal glass, a composite material that combines scattering and refractive properties to create a stable, isotropic reference surface. This material ensures consistent optical reference properties that are insensitive to environmental conditions, resolving the precision issue in the integrated design.
2Measurement precision
If direct physical contact measurement is used, then measurement precision is improved, but the measurement device becomes sensitive to mechanical vibrations and contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement system replaces direct mechanical contact with optical field interaction. The spectrophotometer measures reflected light from the measurement object without physical contact, substituting mechanical coupling with electromagnetic field coupling. This eliminates sensitivity to mechanical vibrations and contamination while maintaining measurement precision through optical detection.
3Volume of moving object
If a compact design is implemented, then integration size is reduced, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to component density
Solution Approach 1:
The spectrophotometer is divided into functionally independent modules: light source module, brightness reference arrangement, optical path, and detector module. Each module can be manufactured and calibrated separately with relaxed tolerances, then assembled into the compact integrated unit. This segmentation allows compact design without compromising manufacturing precision.
4Device complexity
If pre-adjusted parameters are used for ink limitation, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to environmental variations
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates real-time feedback through the brightness reference arrangement, which continuously monitors and compensates for environmental variations such as temperature and humidity effects on the optical components. This feedback mechanism allows the use of pre-adjusted parameters while maintaining high measurement precision by dynamically correcting for environmental drift.
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
The solution enables efficient, precise characterization of ink and paper without additional devices, ensuring high-quality color reproduction by providing spectral, colorimetric, and density data with improved robustness against environmental factors and mechanical stress, facilitating cost-effective mass production.
Implementation Method 1
The illumination arrangement (10) includes a plurality of light emitting diodes (11) as light sources
Implementation Method 2
a redirecting arrangement made of white flashed opal glass
Data Source
AI summary
A spectrophotometer for integration purposes includes a measurement head with an illumination arrangement (10) including at least one fight source (11) for the illumination of a measurement object located in a measurement plane (M) under an angle of incidence of at least 45°, with a pick-up arrangement for capturing the measurement light remitted by the measurement object under an angle of reflection of the essentially 0° relative to the perpendicular of the measurement plane, a spectrometer arrangement (30) with an entry slot (31) for the spectral splitting of the measurement fight received through the entry slot and captured and with a photoelectric receiver arrangement (32) exposed to the spectrally split measurement light for conversion of the individual spectral portions of the measurement light into corresponding electrical signals.