Spectrophotometer Detector Recognition via Optical Path Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Spectrophotometers face errors in measurement due to the lack of recognition of external accessories and optical path switching mirrors, leading to incorrect operation and increased manufacturing costs with existing IC tag recognition mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a software-based solution that automatically recognizes the status of detectors and optical path switching mirrors using a light-receiving detector recognition unit and measurement data thresholds, eliminating the need for additional hardware and reducing errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If IC tag recognition mechanisms are installed to recognize accessories, then accessory recognition accuracy is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical IC tag recognition system with an optical recognition system. The optical path switching mirror recognizes whether an accessory is mounted by detecting changes in the optical path using the existing light beam and detector, eliminating the need for separate IC tags and reading mechanisms. This substitution maintains recognition accuracy while reducing device complexity and manufacturing cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own measurement light beam and detector to perform dual functions: both optical measurement and accessory recognition. The optical path switching mirror leverages the existing optical components to detect accessory presence, allowing the system to recognize accessories using its own resources without requiring additional dedicated recognition hardware.
2Adaptability or versatility
If optical path switching mirror is added to enable external detector measurements, then measurement versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical path switching mirror is designed to perform multiple functions within a single component. It not only switches the optical path between the built-in detector and external detector for different measurement methods, but also serves as the recognition mechanism for detecting accessory presence. This multi-functionality enables measurement versatility while avoiding the addition of separate control mechanisms that would increase device complexity.
3Device complexity
If accessory recognition is not implemented, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement reliability decreases due to incorrect operations
Solution Approach 1:
The optical path switching mirror acts as an intermediary element that enables the system to recognize accessory presence without adding complex recognition hardware. By positioning the mirror in the optical path and detecting its presence or absence through the existing light beam, the system achieves reliable accessory detection while maintaining overall system simplicity and avoiding incorrect operations.
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 accurate recognition of the detector capable of receiving the measuring light beam, preventing misoperations and reducing manufacturing costs by using software to manage detector selection and settings without additional hardware.
Implementation Method 1
a light-receiving detector recognition unit for recognizing whether either the built-in detector or the external detector can receive the measuring light beam based on the result of a comparison of threshold value T to measurement data
Data Source
AI summary
A spectrophotometer 10 includes built-in detector 24 and external detector 32. When a mountable/removable optical path switcher 23a is installed in a specimen chamber 23, measurement based on detection signals from built-in detector 24 is replaced by measurement based on detection signals from external detector 32. The spectrophotometer further includes a measurement data threshold-value storage unit 51 that stores threshold value T for measurement data from built-in detector 24 or external detector 32, and a light-receiving detector recognition unit 52 that recognizes which detector is able to receive the measuring light beam based on the results of a comparison between threshold value T and measurement data from built-in detector 24 or external detector 32 while the measuring light beam is being introduced into specimen chamber 23.