Optical Distance Measurement Using Ultraviolet Diffuse Reflection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical measurement systems face instability and alignment challenges when measuring transparent or partially transparent objects, as they rely on direct reflection, which is not feasible in practical production environments, especially with curved or rounded objects, and similar issues arise with non-transparent reflective surfaces.
Innovation Solution
Employing an illuminating light beam in the violet or ultraviolet range, which causes diffused reflection on the measurement object's surface without affecting its visible optical properties, either by using a coating impermeable to violet/ultraviolet light or leveraging materials that are opaque in this range, allowing for stable measurements without precise alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If visible light is used for illumination, then the measurement can be performed on transparent objects, but the light is directly reflected causing measurement instability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the wavelength parameter of the illumination light from the visible range to the ultraviolet range (specifically 300-400 nm). This parameter change causes the light to be diffusely reflected by transparent and reflective objects instead of direct reflection, thereby improving measurement stability and reducing alignment requirements while maintaining the ability to measure these object types.
2Reliability
If the surface of the object is tilted from optimal position, then alignment is achieved, but the illumination beam is not reflected to the detector causing measurement failure
Solution Approach 1:
By changing the illumination wavelength to ultraviolet, the reflection characteristics of the object surface are fundamentally altered. Instead of specular (direct) reflection that requires precise alignment, the UV light produces diffuse reflection that scatters in multiple directions, ensuring that the detector can capture reflected light even when the object surface is tilted or misaligned.
3Reliability
If a coating is applied to increase diffuse reflection, then measurement reliability improves, but the optical properties in visible range may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent selects ultraviolet wavelengths (300-400 nm) that are absorbed by common coatings and materials, causing diffuse reflection in the UV range. This wavelength-specific approach allows the coating to provide diffuse reflection benefits for UV illumination while remaining transparent or having minimal impact on visible light transmission, thus maintaining the object's visible optical properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic or pulsed ultraviolet illumination to further enhance diffuse reflection effects while minimizing thermal and photochemical impacts on the object. The pulsed nature of the illumination allows the coating and object materials to return to their baseline state between pulses, preserving visible optical properties.
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 approach enables reliable and stable optical distance measurements on transparent, partially transparent, and non-transparent objects by converting direct reflection into diffuse reflection, expanding the system's applicability and improving measurement stability.
Implementation Method 1
the object being measured is designed such that the illumination beam is diffusely reflected at the surface of the object being measured without penetrating through the object being measured
Implementation Method 2
the object being measured is designed such that the illumination beam is diffusely reflected at the surface of the object being measured without penetrating through the object being measured
Data Source
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AI summary
A measurement system for determining a distance between a sensor device and a measurement object, wherein the sensor device comprises a light source for generating an illumination light beam and a detector for detecting a proportion of the illumination light beam reflected at a surface of the measurement object and wherein the measurement object is configured to be transparent at least for a wavelength range of visible light, is configured and developed with respect to a distance measurement which is as reliable as possible in a wide variety of measurement situations such that the illumination light beam has a wavelength in the violet or ultraviolet range and that the measurement object is configured such that the illumination light beam is diffusely reflected at the surface of the measurement object. Furthermore specified is a corresponding measurement system for measuring on measurement objects which are substantially opaque.