Wavelength Tunable Interference Filter Colorimetry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing colorimetry methods are inefficient when measuring the color of an object, as they require acquiring a large number of spectroscopic images over a wide region, leading to unnecessary data collection and inefficient operation, especially when the position of interest has not been predetermined.
Innovation Solution
A colorimetry method and apparatus that utilize a spectroscopic filter to select and combine light of specific wavelengths, allowing users to specify a position of interest on a combined image displayed in real-time, thereby acquiring spectroscopic images only in the area where colorimetry is performed, using a wavelength tunable Fabry-Perot etalon for efficient light selection and measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If spectroscopic images are acquired over the entire possible region at 10-nm intervals to calculate accurate spectrum, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to acquiring a large number of images inefficiently
Solution Approach 1:
The system first displays a combined image created from spectroscopic images at three representative wavelengths (R, G, B) to allow the user to specify the position of interest before acquiring detailed spectroscopic images for colorimetry. This preliminary display action enables targeted acquisition of only the necessary spectral data at the specified position, avoiding unnecessary acquisition across the entire region.
Solution Approach 2:
The wavelength range is segmented into three representative bands (R: 610-760nm, G: 500-560nm, B: 435-480nm) for preliminary combined image display. This segmentation allows the system to provide real-time visual feedback with minimal data acquisition, then focus detailed measurement only at the user-specified position.
2Ease of operation
If spectroscopic images are acquired in real time to allow user to search for colorimetry position, then ease of operation is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to acquiring spectroscopic images in unselected positions
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a combined image that copies the visual appearance of the object under colorimetry by combining spectroscopic images at three representative wavelengths. This combined image serves as a real-time visual copy that allows the user to specify the position of interest without requiring detailed spectroscopic data acquisition at all positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The combined image display using three wavelengths is performed as a preliminary action before detailed spectroscopic image acquisition. This allows the user to easily specify the position of interest based on real-time visual feedback, and then the system acquires detailed spectroscopic images only at that specified position.
3Productivity
If combined image from three wavelengths is displayed to allow real-time position specification, then productivity is improved by reducing unnecessary data acquisition, but measurement precision may deteriorate if full spectrum data is not collected
Solution Approach 1:
The combined image display using three wavelengths serves as a preliminary step to identify the position of interest, after which detailed spectroscopic images are acquired at that specific position. This two-stage approach maintains both efficiency and accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs partial action by acquiring detailed spectroscopic images at only the specified position rather than the entire region. The three-wavelength combined image provides sufficient information for position specification, and full spectral acquisition is performed only where needed.
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 accurate and efficient colorimetry by limiting spectroscopic image acquisition to the specified area, reducing unnecessary data collection and improving the signal-to-noise ratio of colorimetry results, while allowing for precise selection of the measurement area based on real-time imaging.
Implementation Method 1
a spectroscopic filter capable of separating and selecting light of a predetermined wavelength from light incident from an object under colorimetry and changing the wavelength of the light to be selected
Implementation Method 2
the spectroscopic filter is a wavelength tunable Fabry-Perot etalon
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging section that detects the amount of light separated by a wavelength tunable interference filter to acquire a spectroscopic image (imaging device and light amount acquisition section) detects the amount of light successively separated for three wavelengths to acquire spectroscopic images for producing a combined image. A display controller causes a display section to display a combined image based on the spectroscopic images for producing the combined image. A specified position detection section identifies based on user's operation a specified position where a colorimetry result is to be outputted. The imaging section detects the amount of light successively separated for a plurality of wavelengths by the wavelength tunable interference filter to acquire spectroscopic images for colorimetry corresponding to the plurality of wavelengths. A colorimetry section measures the color in the specified position by using the amount of light obtained from each of the spectroscopic images for colorimetry.