Whiteness Calibration Using UV Excluded and Excited Radiance Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods struggle to provide device-independent measurements of the total spectral radiance factor (TSRF) for samples with optical brightening agents, as measurements from different instruments vary due to differing light source spectral power distributions, making comparison challenging.

Innovation Solution

A system and method that measure UV excluded reflection spectral radiance factor and UV excited fluorescent spectral radiance factor separately, using a compensation value and standard illumination profile to calculate a device-independent TSRF value, allowing for calibration without moving parts or UV filter adjustments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If direct TSRF measurement is performed using different instruments, then measurement speed is maintained, but measurement precision deteriorates due to varying light source spectral power distributions

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveTSRF measurement consistencyVSAvoidmeasurement system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the TSRF measurement into two separate measurements: RSRF (reflection spectral radiance factor without UV) and FSRF (fluorescent spectral radiance factor with UV excitation). This segmentation allows each component to be measured and calibrated independently, eliminating the inconsistency caused by different light source spectral power distributions while maintaining measurement speed. The formula TSRF = RSRF + FSRF enables accurate reconstruction of total TSRF from these separate measurements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Measurement precision

If UV filter adjustments are made to align measurements, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases due to moving parts

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstrument alignment accuracyVSAvoidinstrument operation simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical UV filter adjustment system with a computational approach. Instead of physically moving UV filters to align measurements, the system performs separate RSRF and FSRF measurements and combines them mathematically using the formula TSRF = RSRF + FSRF. This substitution eliminates moving parts and mechanical alignment procedures while achieving the same goal of measurement consistency through software-based processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If separate RSRF and FSRF measurements are performed with compensation values, then measurement precision improves for device-independent TSRF, but productivity decreases due to additional measurement steps

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice-independent TSRF accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement throughput

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent maintains continuous useful action by performing RSRF and FSRF measurements in a seamless sequence without requiring instrument reconfiguration or sample repositioning. The measurement system continuously collects spectral data across different UV conditions, and the processing system continuously computes compensation values and combines results. This continuous operation minimizes idle time and maintains high throughput while achieving device-independent TSRF measurements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 standardized and comparable TSRF measurements across different instruments, improving the accuracy and consistency of whiteness assessments for OBA-enhanced materials.

Implementation Method 1

OBAs are fluorescent additives used to enhance the appearance of the color of fabric and paper. In particular, OBAs cause a 'whitening' effect that makes materials look less yellow by increasing the overall amount of blue light reflected.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluorescence: Fluorescence

Implementation Method 2

a second measurement of the sample under the at least one illuminant that includes a UV excited spectral radiance

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUV excitation: Photoluminescence

Data Source

PatentUS11287376B2System and method to standardize whiteness calibration and measurement

Publication Date: 2022.03.29 DATACOLOR

AI summary

By way of overview and introduction, various embodiments of the apparatus, systems and methods described herein are directed improved approaches to aligning and standardizing different total spectral radiance factor shapes measured with different instruments. Furthermore, in one or more configurations and approaches, the disclosure presented herein is directed to obtaining a whiteness calibration value for use in sample measurements without the need of UV filter adjustments.