Spectroscopic Instrument Shadow Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spectroscopic measuring instruments fail to accurately determine the positional relationship between the light source and the spectrometer during outdoor measurements of reflection spectra, leading to inconsistencies in data accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A spectroscopic measuring instrument that includes a spectrometer, a shadow projector with obstacles to cast shadows on an object surface, and an imaging device to record images, allowing for the identification of the positional relationship between the light source and the spectrometer through analysis of shadow geometries and spread assessment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If outdoor measurement of reflection spectra is performed without considering positional relationship between light source and spectrometer, then measurement can be conducted simply, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to spectral variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a shadow projector as an intermediary device that casts shadows of obstacles onto the measurement target. These shadows serve as visual markers that encode positional relationship information between the light source and spectrometer. By capturing images of these shadows and analyzing their geometric relationships, the system determines the relative positions and angles, thereby correcting spectral data for accurate comparison without complicating the measurement process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a visual copy of the spatial relationship through shadow projection. The shadows cast by obstacles onto the target surface replicate the geometric configuration of the light source-spectrometer-target system. This shadow copy can be captured by imaging devices and analyzed to reconstruct positional information, enabling accurate spectral comparison without requiring direct measurement of angles and distances
2Measurement precision
If information on positional relationship between light source and spectrometer is obtained through shadow analysis, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shadow projector serves multiple functions: it provides illumination for the measurement target, casts shadows that encode positional information, and creates visual markers for image analysis. By combining these functions in a single device, the patent avoids the need for separate sensors, encoders, or complex positioning systems that would otherwise be required to track light source and spectrometer positions
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the existing light source to create shadows that automatically encode the positional relationship information. The shadows self-generate the measurement data needed for correction without requiring additional active sensors or complex measurement mechanisms. The imaging device simply captures what is already present in the optical field
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 precise measurement of reflection spectra and identification of the positional relationship, reducing errors and improving data accuracy by analyzing shadow geometries and spread, thus stabilizing the measurement process.
Implementation Method 1
a shadow projector (9) including an object surface (90a) to receive light (L1) from the light source (12) and one or more obstacles (91, 92, 93) to allow light (L1) from the light source (12) to cast one or more shadows (91a, 92a, 931a, 932a, 933a) on the object surface (90a)
Implementation Method 2
an imaging device (3) configured to record an image of an imaging area including the object surface (90a) and output image information (D2) representing the image of the imaging area
Implementation Method 3
a spectrometer (2) configured to make measurement of a reflection spectrum of an object (11) relative to a light source (12)
Data Source
AI summary
The spectroscopic measuring instrument includes: a spectrometer to make measurement of a reflection spectrum of an object relative to a light source and output measurement information representing a result of the measurement; a shadow projector including obstacle(s) to allow light from the light source to cast shadow(s) on an object surface; an imaging device to output image information representing an image of an imaging area including the object surface; a storage interface removably connectable to a computer readable medium; and a processing device. The processing device is connected to the spectrometer, the imaging device and the storage interface, and performs a measurement process of storing the measurement information from the spectrometer and the image information from the imaging device in the computer readable medium connected to the storage interface.