Spectrometry system with visible aiming beam

Abstract

A handheld spectrometer can be configured with a visible aiming beam to allow the user to determine the measured region of the object. When the visible aiming beam comprises the spectrometer measurement beam, the spectrometer measurement beam comprises sufficient energy for the user to see the measurement beam illuminating the object. When the visible aiming beam comprises a separate beam, the visible aiming beam comprises sufficient energy for the user to see a portion of the aiming beam reflected from the object. The visible aiming beam and measurement beam can be arranged to at least partially overlap on the sample, such that the user has an indication of the area of the sample being measured.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE[0001]The present application is a continuation of International Patent Application No. PCT / IL2016 / 050130, filed Feb. 4, 2016, entitled “SPECTROMETRY SYSTEM WITH VISIBLE AIMING BEAM” (attorney docket no. 45151-706.601), which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62 / 112,553, filed on Feb. 5, 2015, entitled “Spectrometry System with Visible Aiming Beam” (attorney docket no. 45151-706.101), U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62 / 154,585, filed on Apr. 29, 2015, entitled “Spectrometry System with Visible Aiming Beam” (attorney docket no. 45151-706.102), U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62 / 161,728, filed on May 14, 2015, entitled “Spectrometry System with Visible Aiming Beam” (attorney docket no. 45151-706.103), U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62 / 190,524, filed on Jul. 9, 2015, entitled “Spectrometry System with Visible Aiming Beam” (attorney docket no. 45151-706.104), U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62 / 258,341, filed on Nov. 20, 2...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present patent provides improved spectrometer methods and apparatus. The spectrometer can be a handheld spectrometer with wavelength multiplexing in which a plurality of wavelengths are used to illuminate an object and measure the one or more spectra associated with the object. The handheld spectrometer can have a visible aiming beam to help the user aim the spectrometer and provide improved measurement accuracy with decreased artifacts. The spectral data can be used to determine attributes of the object using a database of spectral information. The accuracy and reliability of the measurements can be improved by reducing the system's sensitivity to the spatial distribution of light on the diffuser. The filter assembly can integrate the functions of a visible light filter, diffuser, and optical filter to improve accuracy and reduce cost. The spectrometer module can include a support array to increase the spectral range of the spectrometer. The filter array can include an opaque material to prevent cross-talk of light between filters.

Problems solved by technology

However, these instruments have typically been too large and too costly for the consumer market.

Although prior spectrometers with decreased size have been proposed, the prior spectrometers having decreased size and optical path length can have less than ideal resolution, sensitivity and less accuracy than would be ideal.

Also, the cost of prior spectrometers can be greater than would be ideal.

The prior spectrometers can be somewhat bulky, difficult to transport and the optics can require more alignment than would be ideal in at least some instances.

Further, data integration of prior spectrometers with measured objects can be less than ideal in at least some instances.

For example, although prior spectrometers can provide a spectrum of a measured object, the spectrum may be of little significance to at least some users.

Prior spectrometer methods and apparatus may have less than ideal aiming characteristics.

Also, in some situations it can be difficult for a user to know what area of an object is being measured.

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