X-ray Fluorescence Analyzer Pointer Irradiation for Glare-Free Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
In X-ray fluorescence analyzers, the use of laser beams or spotlights for positioning samples can lead to glare in images, making it difficult to observe the sample surface and complicating fine positioning operations.
Innovation Solution
An X-ray fluorescence analyzer with a pointer irradiation unit that emits visible light outside the field-of-view area, allowing for easy coarse positioning without interference in the image, and a method involving coarse positioning using visible light as a mark, followed by fine positioning based on displayed images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a laser beam or spotlight is used to mark the setting position for coarse positioning, then the ease of operation for positioning is improved, but the image quality deteriorates due to glare making fine positioning difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning process is divided into two distinct stages: coarse positioning using a laser beam or spotlight outside the field-of-view area, and fine positioning using the imaging device within the field-of-view area. This segmentation allows each stage to use the most appropriate method without interference between them.
Solution Approach 2:
The pointer irradiation unit positions the laser beam or spotlight in an area outside the field-of-view area captured by the imaging device. By utilizing a different spatial dimension (outside vs. inside the field-of-view), the system provides positioning guidance without the light appearing in the captured image, thus avoiding glare.
2Ease of operation
If the pointer irradiation unit irradiates within the field-of-view area, then the positioning guidance is more visible, but the image quality deteriorates due to light interference
Solution Approach 1:
The pointer irradiation unit extracts the positioning guidance function from the field-of-view area and relocates it to an area outside the field-of-view. This separation ensures that the positioning light does not interfere with the image capture while still providing visible guidance for positioning operations.
3Reliability
If the sample is positioned using only image display without external light marks, then the image quality is maintained, but the ease of operation for positioning is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary coarse positioning using the laser beam or spotlight outside the field-of-view area before the fine positioning stage. This preliminary action brings the sample close to the correct position, making the subsequent fine positioning based on image display more efficient and easier to perform.
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
Facilitates stress-free and precise fine positioning by eliminating visible light interference in the image, enabling high-quality image capture and analysis without degrading image quality.
Implementation Method 1
a spectrum is acquired from energy by irradiating a sample with X-rays emitted from an X-ray source and detecting fluorescent X-rays which are characteristic X-rays emitted from the sample
Implementation Method 2
an imaging unit configured to capture an image of a predetermined field-of-view area on the sample stage
Implementation Method 3
a pointer irradiation unit configured to irradiate the sample stage with a visible light at an irradiation position within an area that is outside the field-of-view area
Data Source
AI summary
An X-ray fluorescence analyzer is provided with: a sample stage on which a sample subjected to an analysis is mounted; an X-ray source configured to irradiate the sample with primary X-rays; a detector configured to detect fluorescent X-rays emitted from the sample irradiated with the primary X-rays; an imaging unit configured to capture an image of a predetermined field-of-view area on the sample stage; a display unit configured to display the field-of-view area of the image captured by the imaging unit; and a pointer irradiation unit configured to irradiate the sample stage with a visible light at an irradiation position within an area that is outside the field-of-view area and near the field-of-view area.