Optical measuring apparatus comprising an internal spectral reference

Abstract

An optical measurement device may include: a light source; emitting optics configured to guide a first portion of light generated by the light source to a measurement target; collecting optics configured to receive light from the measurement target; an optical guide configured to guide a second portion of light generated by the light source to a spectral reference; the spectral reference; a sensor; and a filter. A first portion of the filter may be disposed between a first portion of the sensor and the collecting optics. A second portion of the filter may be disposed between a second portion of the sensor and the spectral reference.

Description

[0001] Related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 892,268, filed August 27, 2019, entitled “OPTICAL MEASUREMENT DEVICE INCLUDING INTERNAL SPECTRAL REFERENCE,” and U.S. Non-Provisional Patent Application No. 16 / 947,849, filed August 20, 2020, entitled “OPTICAL MEASUREMENT DEVICE INCLUDING INTERNAL SPECTRAL REFERENCE,” the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

[0003] background

[0004] Optical measurement devices can be used to capture information. For example, an optical measurement device can capture information related to a set of electromagnetic frequencies. The optical measurement device may include a set of sensor elements (e.g., optical sensors, spectral sensors, and / or image sensors) to capture this information. For example, an array of sensor elements can be used to capture information related to multiple frequencies. The sensor element array may be associated with a filter. The filter may include one or more channels, each allowing a specific frequency to pass through to the sensor elements in the sensor element array.

[0005] Overview

[0006] In some embodiments, the optical measurement device includes: a light source; an emitting optics configured to guide a first portion of light generated by the light source to a measurement target; a collecting optics configured to receive light from the measurement target; an optical conduit configured to guide a second portion of light generated by the light source to a spectral reference; the spectral reference; a sensor; and a filter, wherein: a first portion of the filter is disposed between a first portion of the sensor and the collecting optics; and a second portion of the filter is disposed between a second portion of the sensor and the spectral reference.

[0007] In some embodiments, the optical device includes: a light source configured to generate light comprising a first portion of light and a second portion of light; a spectral reference configured to reflect the second portion of light; an optical sensor comprising a first optical sensor portion and a second optical sensor portion; and a filter comprising a first filter portion and a second filter portion, wherein: the first filter portion is configured to receive a first beam of light associated with the first portion of light reflected by a target being measured, and to filter and provide the first beam of light to the first optical sensor portion, and the second filter portion is configured to receive a second beam of light associated with the second portion of light reflected by the spectral reference, and to filter and provide the second beam of light to the second optical sensor portion.

[0008] In some embodiments, the user equipment includes an optical measurement package comprising: a light source; a spectral reference configured to reflect a certain percentage of the light generated by the light source to a portion of a filter; a sensor; and a filter, wherein the portion of the filter is disposed between a portion of the sensor and the spectral reference. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Figure 1 This is a side view of the example optical measurement device described herein.

[0011] Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating how one or more light beams are transmitted through the example optical measurement apparatus described herein.

[0012] Figures 3A-3B This is a diagram illustrating an example of an alternative component configuration for the spectral reference region of the example optical measurement apparatus described herein.

[0013] Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a user device that includes the example optical measurement device described herein.

[0014] Detailed description

[0015] The following detailed description of exemplary embodiments is with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals in different drawings may identify the same or similar elements. The following description uses a spectrometer as an example. However, the techniques, principles, processes, and methods described herein can be used with any sensor (including, but not limited to, other optical and spectral sensors).

[0016] Optical measurement equipment uses a light source, such as a light-emitting diode (LED), to illuminate a target (also known as a sample under test (SUT)) to measure it. Light from the light source can be reflected from the target and received by the optical measurement equipment's sensors (such as an image sensor), allowing the equipment to measure the target. While optical measurement equipment can be initially calibrated (e.g., after assembly) to obtain accurate measurements of these targets, it may subsequently become uncalibrated. For example, when operating at a temperature different from the reference temperature at which the optical measurement equipment was initially calibrated, the light source may experience a shift in its spectral power distribution. As another example, during the operational lifetime of the optical measurement equipment, the light source may experience a shift in its spectral power distribution from its initial distribution (e.g., the performance of the light source may degrade over time).

[0017] To address variations in the spectral power distribution of a light source and their related impact on the accuracy of measurement results, optical measurement equipment can be periodically recalibrated. For example, in a laboratory environment, optical measurement equipment can use a light source to illuminate an external spectral reference (such as a reflective standard), and can be recalibrated based on readings of the reflected light associated with the external spectral reference. However, as optical measurement equipment is increasingly incorporated into mobile form-factor devices, such as stand-alone mobile form-factor devices or as part of mobile devices (e.g., mobile user equipment, such as mobile phones), the availability of external spectral references may be lacking. Furthermore, taking optical measurement equipment to a laboratory environment for regular recalibration may be inconvenient or impractical, potentially leading to incorrect measurement determinations from poorly calibrated equipment. Moreover, even when possible, laboratory-based recalibration may not be performed frequently, potentially causing small spectral power distribution drifts between recalibration processes. While these drifts may be small, they can lead to incorrect determinations in optical measurement equipment that relies on high accuracy for the measurement results.

[0018] Some embodiments described herein provide optical measurement apparatuses with internal spectral references. For example, an optical measurement apparatus may include an internal spectral reference for wavelength and / or illumination calibration. The spectral reference may be positioned within a portion of the light emission path of the light source of the optical measurement apparatus, such that when the optical measurement apparatus measures a target, it can capture and reflect a portion of the light emitted by the light source. Therefore, whenever the optical measurement apparatus obtains a measurement reading associated with the target, it can obtain a spectral reference reading, and thus the optical measurement apparatus can use the spectral reference reading to determine an accurate measurement result for the target.

[0019] In this way, the optical measuring device can be recalibrated for each measurement result determined by it, which improves the accuracy of the measurement results throughout its operational life. This eliminates the need for external spectral references and / or periodic recalibration of the optical measuring device in a laboratory environment. Furthermore, because a reference spectral reading is obtained using each measurement reading associated with the measurement target, accurate measurement results for the measurement target can be determined regardless of varying conditions associated with operating the optical measuring device (e.g., spectral power distribution drift of the light source, temperature variations of the optical measuring device, and / or similar factors).

[0020] Figure 1 This is a side view of an example optical measuring device 100. (See figure.) Figure 1 As shown, the example optical measurement device 100 includes a printed circuit board (PCB) 102, a light source 104, an emitting optics 106, a collecting optics 108, a cover component 110, a filter 112 (e.g., including a first filter portion 112-1 and a second filter portion 112-2), a sensor 114 (e.g., including a first sensor portion 114-1 and a second sensor portion 114-2), a spectral reference 116, a backing component 118, a blocking component 120, one or more barriers 122, and an optical guide tube 124. Figure 1 As shown, the example optical measurement device 100 may include three regions: an emission region (e.g., associated with light source 104 and / or emission optics 106), a collection region (e.g., associated with collection optics 108, first filter portion 112-1, and / or first sensor portion 114-1), and a spectral reference region (e.g., associated with second filter portion 112-2, second sensor portion 114-2, spectral reference 116, and / or optical guide 124). The example optical measurement device 100 may be configured to measure a target 126 (e.g., outside the example optical measurement device 100, such as...). Figure 1 Optical measurements were performed (as shown).

[0021] Light source 104 and sensor 114 may be attached and / or mounted to PCB 102. Light source 104 may include a device capable of generating light. For example, light source 104 may include a light-emitting diode (LED), such as a phosphor LED. Light source 104 may be configured to provide light within a specific range (e.g., associated with visible light, infrared light, etc.). For example, a phosphor LED may provide light in the range of 700 nanometers to 1100 nanometers, which can (e.g., via sensor 114) enable sensing based on light in the near-infrared (NIR) range.

[0022] In some implementations, the light source 104 may include a plurality of LEDs. In this case, a first LED among the plurality of LEDs may be associated with a spectral range different from that of a second LED among the plurality of LEDs. This allows for addressing a narrow spectral range using a plurality of LEDs, rather than addressing a wide spectral range using a single LED.

[0023] In some embodiments, light source 104 may include modulated LEDs. For example, light source 104 may include a single modulated LED or multiple modulated LEDs. When light source 104 includes one or more modulated LEDs, the example optical measurement device 100 or a device associated with the example optical measurement device 100 may modulate the power supply of light source 104. Using modulated LEDs allows the LEDs to be driven to higher power than continuous-wave LEDs. Furthermore, modulation can improve the signal-to-noise ratio characteristics of sensing performed using light from modulated LEDs.

[0024] Light generated by light source 104 can be emitted toward emitting optics 106 and optical guide 124. A first portion of the light can be received by emitting optics 106, and a second portion of the light can be received by optical guide 124. As described in further detail herein, the first portion of the light can be emitted from the emission region of the example optical measurement device 100, can be reflected and / or transflected by the measurement target 126, and can be received by the collection region of the example optical measurement device 100 (e.g., for optical measurement of the measurement target 126), while the second portion of the light can be transmitted from the emission region of the example optical measurement device 100 to the spectral reference region of the example optical measurement device 100 (e.g., for providing reference measurement results to improve the accuracy of the measurement results for the measurement target 126).

[0025] The emitting optics 106 may be located close to the light source 104 (e.g., attached and / or mounted to, near, etc.) to allow the emitting optics 106 to receive a first portion of the light emitted by the light source 104. The emitting optics 106 may include lenses, windows, optical diffusers, filters, aperture stops, reflective optics, diffractive optics, refractive optics, and / or the like. In some embodiments, the emitting optics 106 may be configured to receive a first portion of the light emitted by the light source 104 and direct it toward the measurement target 126.

[0026] The first portion of light can be transmitted from the emitting optics 106 to the measurement target 126 via the cover member 110. The cover member 110 may include a lens, window, optical diffuser, filter, aperture stop, reflective optics, diffractive optics, refractive optics, and / or the like. In some embodiments, the cover member 110 may be configured to receive the first portion of light and guide it to the measurement target 126.

[0027] A first portion of the light (e.g., after being emitted from light source 104 and transmitted via emitting optics 106 and / or cover member 110) can be transmitted (e.g., through air) to the measuring target 126 and can be reflected and / or transmitted by the measuring target 126. The cover member 110 can be configured to receive the reflected and / or transmitted first portion of the light (hereinafter referred to as "measuring light") and direct the measuring light to the collecting optics 108.

[0028] In some embodiments, the collecting optics 108 may include lenses, windows, optical diffusers, filters, aperture stops, reflective optics, diffractive optics, refractive optics, and / or the like. The collecting optics 108 may be configured to receive (e.g., from cover member 110) measurement light and direct the measurement light to filter 112. For example, the collecting optics 108 may be configured to receive measurement light and direct the measurement light to a first filter portion 112-1.

[0029] Filter 112 may include spectral filters, multispectral filters, optical interference filters, bandpass filters, blocking filters, long-pass filters, short-pass filters, dichroic filters, linear variable filters (LVF), circular variable filters (CVF), Fabry-Perot filters (e.g., Fabry-Perot cavity filters), Bayer filters, plasmonic filters, photonic crystal filters, nanostructure and / or metamaterial filters, absorptive filters (e.g., including organic dyes, polymers, glass, and / or the like), and / or the like. Filter 112 allows light of one or more wavelengths to pass through for sensing by sensor 114. In some embodiments, filter 112 may include multiple different filters configured to transmit corresponding spectral ranges to sensor 114.

[0030] like Figure 1As shown, filter 112 may include a first filter portion 112-1 and a second filter portion 112-2. The first filter portion 112-1, associated with the collection region of the example optical measurement device 100, may be configured to receive measurement light transmitted by the emitting optics 106 and may transmit measurement light of one or more wavelengths to the sensor 114. For example, the first filter portion 112-1 may be configured to receive measurement light and may transmit measurement light of one or more wavelengths to the first sensor portion 114-1. The second filter portion 112-2, associated with the spectral reference region of the example optical measurement device 100, is described in further detail herein (e.g., in relation to a second portion of light).

[0031] Sensor 114 includes a device capable of measuring light directed to sensor 114 (e.g., via a first filter portion 112-1 and / or a second filter portion 112-2), such as an optical sensor, a spectral sensor, an image sensor, and / or the like. Sensor 114 may utilize one or more sensor technologies, such as complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) technology, charge-coupled device (CCD) technology, and / or the like. In some embodiments, sensor 114 may include a plurality of sensor elements (e.g., an array of sensor elements—also referred to herein as a sensor array), each sensor element being configured to acquire information. For example, a sensor element may provide an indication of the intensity of light incident on the sensor element (e.g., active / inactive or a finer-grained indication of intensity).

[0032] like Figure 1 As shown, sensor 114 may include a first sensor portion 114-1 and a second sensor portion 114-2. The first sensor portion 114-1, associated with the collection area of ​​the example optical measurement device 100, may be configured to receive and measure measurement light filtered by the first filter portion 112-1. The second sensor portion 114-2, associated with the spectral reference area of ​​the example optical measurement device 100, is described in further detail herein (e.g., in relation to the second portion of light).

[0033] As described above, the second portion of light generated by the light source 104 can be received by the optical guide 124. The optical guide 124 can be located close to the light source 104 (e.g., attached to and / or mounted to the light source 104, close to the light source 104 to allow the optical guide 124 to receive the second portion of light generated by the light source 104, and / or similarly). The optical guide 124 may include a light guide, a light pipe, and / or any other type of optical structure to transmit light. In some embodiments, the optical guide 124 may be configured to receive the second portion of light emitted by the light source 104 and transmit it to the spectral reference 116.

[0034] Spectral reference 116 may include a reflector that reflects a specific percentage (e.g., 99%, 80%, 50%, 20%, 10%, and / or the like) of light incident on it. In some embodiments, spectral reference 116 may include a reflectance standard conforming to a standard (such as the Spectral Reflection Standard (SRS)). Additionally or alternatively, spectral reference 116 may be partially transmissive and / or partially absorptive, such that spectral reference 116 reflects only a specific percentage of light incident on it that is not transmitted and / or absorbed by it. In this way, spectral reference 116 may be configured to (e.g., at a specific percentage) reflect a second portion of light toward filter 112 (e.g., second filter portion 112-2).

[0035] In some embodiments, the backing member 118 may be close to the spectral reference 116 (e.g., attached to and / or mounted to the spectral reference 116, disposed on the spectral reference 116, etc.). In some embodiments, the backing member 118 may be configured to absorb part or all of the second portion of light that is not reflected and / or transmitted by the spectral reference 116 and / or not directed by the filter 112. Additionally or alternatively, the backing member 118 may be configured to reflect part or all of the second portion of light that is not transmitted by the spectral reference 116 and / or absorbed by the spectral reference 116 and / or not directed by the filter 112. In this way, the backing member 118 can prevent part or all of the second portion of light (e.g., via the cover member 110) from being transmitted to the measurement target 126 and interfering with the measurement of the measurement target 126 by the example optical measurement apparatus 100.

[0036] In some embodiments, the optical guide 124 may be further configured to transmit a second portion of reflected light (hereinafter referred to as "reference light") to the second filter portion 112-2. Alternatively, the reference light may be transmitted to the second filter portion 112-2 via air, another optical guide, and / or the like.

[0037] The second filter section 112-2 can be configured to receive reference light and transmit reference light of one or more wavelengths to the sensor 114. For example, the second filter section 112-2 can be configured to receive reference light and transmit reference light of one or more wavelengths to the second sensor section 114-2. The second sensor section 114-2 can be configured to receive and measure the reference light filtered by the second filter section 112-2.

[0038] In some implementations, such as Figure 1As shown, the first filter portion 112-1 and the second filter portion 112-2 can be separated by a blocking member 120. The blocking member 120 can absorb and / or reflect light and can be configured to prevent and / or reduce the possibility of interference between light received by the collection area of ​​the example optical measurement device 100 and light received by the spectral reference area of ​​the example optical measurement device 100. For example, the blocking member 120 can be configured to prevent reference light from being transmitted to the first sensor portion 114-1 via the second filter portion 112-2 and / or the second sensor portion 114-2. As another example, the blocking member 120 can be configured to prevent measurement light from being transmitted to the second sensor portion 114-2 via the first filter portion 112-1 and / or the first sensor portion 114-1.

[0039] In some embodiments, one or more barriers 122 may be disposed between regions of the example optical measurement device 100. The barriers 122 may absorb and / or reflect light and may be configured to prevent and / or reduce the likelihood of light associated with one region of the example optical measurement device 100 transmitting to another region of the example optical measurement device 100. For example, as... Figure 1 As shown, the optical guide 124 can be disposed on the barrier 122, which can be configured to prevent reference light associated with the spectral reference region from transmitting from the spectral reference region to the emission region. As another example, the barrier 122 can be disposed on the blocking member 120 and can be configured to prevent measurement light from transmitting from the collection region to the spectral reference region and / or can be configured to prevent reference light from transmitting from the spectral reference region to the collection region. In this way, one or more barriers 122 can prevent and / or reduce the possibility of interaction, interference, and / or the like between light associated with one region and light associated with another region.

[0040] In some embodiments, the cover component 110 may be attached to and / or mounted to at least one of one or more barriers 122, which may be attached to and / or mounted to the PCB 102. In this way, the cover component 110, at least one barrier 122, and the PCB 102 may encapsulate one or more other components, such as a light source 104, a filter 112, a sensor 114, a spectral reference 116, and / or the like (e.g., as discussed herein) to form a package (e.g., an optical measurement package). Thus, at least some components of the example optical measurement device 100 may be environmentally sealed within the package of the optical measurement device to enable measurements to be performed without interference from other light, without degradation based on the environment (e.g., the presence of dust, chemical changes in the reference standard, and / or the like).

[0041] In some embodiments, the emitting optics 106, the collecting optics 108, and / or the cover component 110 may comprise a single monolithic optical structure. The optical structure may include one or more distinct portions (e.g., a collecting portion, a spectral reference portion, an emitting portion, and / or the like), each configured to facilitate the emission, collection, reflection, and / or the like of light (e.g., as described herein). Such an optical structure can simplify the assembly of the example optical measurement device 100 and / or ensure the integrity of the optical measurement package.

[0042] As indicated above, Figure 1 Provided as an example. Other examples may be provided with reference to [the example]. Figure 1 The examples described are different.

[0043] Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating how one or more light beams are transmitted through an example optical measuring device 100. (See diagram for example.) Figure 2 As shown, the first light beam 202 can be associated with a first portion of light (e.g., as described above) and can be emitted from the light source 104, and transmitted to the measurement target 126 through the emitting optics 106 and the cover member 110. The first light beam 202 can be reflected and / or transmitted through the measurement target 126, and can be transmitted through the cover member 110 and the collecting optics 108 to the first filter section 112-1 (e.g., as part of the measurement light). The first light beam 202 can be filtered by the first filter section 112-1, and one or more wavelengths of the first light beam 202 can be transmitted to the first sensor section 114-1. The first sensor section 114-1 can measure one or more wavelengths of the first light beam 202.

[0044] like Figure 2 As further shown, the second beam 204 can be associated with a second portion of light (e.g., as described above) and can be emitted from the light source 104 and transmitted through the optical guide tube 124 to the spectral reference 116. The second beam 204 can be reflected by the spectral reference 116 and transmitted through the optical guide tube 124 to the second filter portion 112-2 (e.g., as part of the reference light). The second beam 204 can be filtered by the second filter portion 112-2, and one or more wavelengths of the second beam 204 can be transmitted to the second sensor portion 114-2. The second sensor portion 114-2 can measure one or more wavelengths of the second beam 204.

[0045] In this way, the example optical measurement device 100 is able to simultaneously acquire optical readings associated with the measurement target 126 and optical readings associated with the spectral reference 116. The control device associated with the example optical measurement device 100 ( Figure 2(Not shown) Optical readings associated with the spectral reference 116 can be used to analyze optical readings associated with the measurement target 126 to determine accurate optical measurement results for the measurement target 126. Additionally or alternatively, the control device can recalibrate the example optical measurement device 100 based on optical readings associated with the spectral reference 116 to allow the example optical measurement device 100 to accurately determine one or more additional optical measurement results for the measurement target 126 based on one or more additional optical readings associated with the measurement target 126 obtained by the example optical measurement device 100.

[0046] As indicated above, Figure 2 This is provided as one or more examples only. Other examples may be provided in conjunction with... Figure 2 The examples described are different.

[0047] Figures 3A-3B This is a diagram of an example 300 showing an alternative component configuration for the spectral reference region of an example optical measurement device 100. (See diagram for example.) Figure 3A As shown, the spectral reference region may exclude the optical guide tube 124. (As...) Figure 3A As further shown, the spectral reference 116 may include a plurality of spectral reference portions 302, wherein each spectral reference portion 302 is associated with a specific reflectance. For example, a first spectral reference portion 302 may be associated with 99% reflectance, a second spectral reference portion 302 may be associated with 80% reflectance, a third spectral reference portion 302 may be associated with 60% reflectance, and so on.

[0048] like Figure 3A As further shown, a first beam 304 (e.g., associated with a second portion of light) can be emitted from the light source 104 and transmitted through air to a spectral reference 116. The first beam 304 can be reflected by a specific spectral reference portion 302 of the spectral reference 116 (e.g., with a reflectivity associated with that specific spectral reference portion 302) and can be transmitted through air to a second filter portion 112-2. The first beam 304 can be filtered by the second filter portion 112-2. Therefore, one or more wavelengths of the filtered first beam 304 can be transmitted to a second sensor portion 114-2, which can measure one or more wavelengths of the filtered first beam 304.

[0049] like Figure 3AAs further shown, a second beam 306 (e.g., associated with a second portion of light) can be emitted from the light source 104 and transmitted through air to the spectral reference 116. The second beam 306 can be reflected by different spectral reference portions 302 of the spectral reference 116 (e.g., with reflectivity associated with those different spectral reference portions 302) and can be transmitted through air to the second filter portion 112-2. The second beam 306 can be filtered by the second filter portion 112-2. Therefore, one or more wavelengths of the filtered second beam 306 can be transmitted to the second sensor portion 114-2, which can measure one or more wavelengths of the filtered second beam 306.

[0050] Additional land, or alternative land, such as Figure 3B As shown, the spectral reference region may exclude the optical guide tube 124. (As...) Figure 3B As further shown, the second filter portion 112-2 may include a plurality of reflective regions 308, each of which is associated with a specific reflectivity. For example, a first reflective region 308 may be associated with 99% reflectivity, a second reflective region 308 may be associated with 80% reflectivity, a third reflective region 308 may be associated with 60% reflectivity, and so on. Each reflective region 308 may be implemented by depositing a reflective coating (e.g., a neutral density coating) associated with a specific reflectivity on the second filter portion 112-2.

[0051] like Figure 3B As further shown, a third beam 310 (e.g., associated with the second portion of the light) can be emitted from the light source 104 and transmitted through air to the spectral reference 116. The third beam 310 can be reflected by the spectral reference 116 (e.g., with a high reflectivity such as greater than or equal to 99%) and can be transmitted through air to a specific reflection region 308 of the second filter portion 112-2. A portion of the third beam 310 can be reflected by the specific reflection region 308, and the remaining portion can be filtered by the second filter portion 112-2. Therefore, one or more wavelengths of the filtered third beam 310 can be transmitted to the second sensor portion 114-2, which can measure one or more wavelengths of the filtered third beam 310.

[0052] like Figure 3BAs further shown, a fourth beam 312 (e.g., associated with the second portion of the light) can be emitted from the light source 104 and transmitted through air to the spectral reference 116. The fourth beam 312 can be reflected by the spectral reference 116 (e.g., with a high reflectivity such as greater than or equal to 99%) and can be transmitted through air to different reflection regions 308 of the second filter portion 112-2. A portion of the fourth beam 312 can be reflected by the different reflection regions 308, and the remaining portion can be filtered by the second filter portion 112-2. Therefore, one or more wavelengths of the filtered fourth beam 312 can be transmitted to the second sensor portion 114-2, which can measure one or more wavelengths of the filtered fourth beam 312.

[0053] In this way, Figure 3A or Figure 3B In any of the configurations shown, the example optical measurement device 100 is capable of simultaneously acquiring multiple optical readings associated with the spectral reference 116 and different amounts of reflectance. Therefore, this increases the likelihood that the control device associated with the example optical measurement device 100 can determine accurate optical measurement results for the measurement target 126 based on the optical readings associated with the spectral reference 116.

[0054] As indicated above, Figures 3A-3B This is provided as one or more examples only. Other examples may be provided in conjunction with... Figures 3A-3B The examples described are different.

[0055] Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating an example 400 of a user device 402 that may include the example optical measurement device 100. The user device 402 may include, for example, communication and / or computing devices, such as mobile phones (e.g., smartphones, cordless phones, and / or the like), laptop computers, tablet computers, handheld computers, desktop computers, gaming devices, wearable communication devices (e.g., smartwatches, smart glasses, and / or the like), spectrometers, or similar types of devices. By reducing the size of the example optical measurement device 100, compared to optical measurement devices associated with a monolithic collection component, the example optical measurement device 100 can be implemented in a smaller user device 402, or can have a smaller footprint within the user device 402.

[0056] As indicated above, Figure 4 Provided as an example. Other examples may be provided with reference to [the example]. Figure 4 The examples described are different.

[0057] The foregoing disclosure provides illustrations and descriptions, but is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the precise forms disclosed. Modifications and variations can be made based on the foregoing disclosure, or modifications and variations can be obtained from the practice of the embodiments.

[0058] Even though specific combinations of features are recited in the claims and / or disclosed in the specification, these combinations are not intended to limit the disclosure of various embodiments. In fact, many of these features can be combined in ways not specifically listed in the claims and / or not disclosed in the specification. Although each appended dependent claim may be directly subordinated to only one claim, the disclosure of various embodiments includes each dependent claim in combination with each other claim in the group of claims.

[0059] No element, action, or instruction used herein should be construed as essential or necessary unless explicitly stated otherwise. Furthermore, as used herein, the articles “a” and “an” are intended to include one or more items and may be used interchangeably with “one or more.” Furthermore, as used herein, the article “the” is intended to include one or more items associated with the article “the” and may be used interchangeably with “the one or more.” Furthermore, as used herein, the term “group” is intended to include one or more items (e.g., related items, unrelated items, a combination of related and unrelated items, etc.) and may be used interchangeably with “one or more.” Where only one item is intended to be described, the phrase “only one” or similar language is used. Furthermore, as used herein, the terms “has,” “have,” “having,” etc., are intended to be open-ended terms. Furthermore, the phrase “based on” is intended to mean “at least partially based on” unless explicitly stated otherwise. Furthermore, as used herein, the term “or” is intended to be inclusive when used in series and may be used interchangeably with “and / or” unless otherwise expressly stated (e.g., in combination with “any” or “only one of them”).

[0060] Various aspects of this disclosure may be implemented in one or more of the following embodiments:

[0061] Item 1). An optical measuring device, comprising:

[0062] light source;

[0063] A transmitting optics device configured to guide a first portion of light generated by the light source toward a measurement target;

[0064] A collecting optics device configured to receive light from the measurement target;

[0065] An optical guide, configured to guide a second portion of light generated by the light source to a spectral reference;

[0066] The spectral reference;

[0067] Sensors; and

[0068] Filter, wherein:

[0069] The first part of the filter is disposed between the first part of the sensor and the collecting optics; and

[0070] The second part of the filter is disposed between the second part of the sensor and the spectral reference.

[0071] Item 2). The optical measuring apparatus according to Item 1), wherein the emitting optics and the collecting optics each comprise at least one of the following:

[0072] lens;

[0073] window;

[0074] Optical diffuser;

[0075] Filters;

[0076] Aperture stop;

[0077] Reflective optical elements;

[0078] Diffractive optical elements; or

[0079] Refractive optical elements.

[0080] Item 3). The optical measuring device according to Item 1), wherein the optical guide tube comprises at least one of the following:

[0081] Fluorescent tube; or

[0082] Optical guide.

[0083] Item 4). The optical measuring apparatus according to Item 1), wherein the spectral reference is configured for at least one of the following:

[0084] A first percentage of the second portion of the light incident on the spectral reference is reflected to the second portion of the filter;

[0085] A second percentage of the second portion of light incident on the spectral reference is transmitted through the spectral reference; or

[0086] The third percentage of the second portion of light incident on the spectral reference is absorbed.

[0087] Item 5). The optical measuring apparatus according to item 4), wherein the optical measuring apparatus further includes a backing component configured for at least one of the following:

[0088] Absorbing the portion or all of the second portion of light that was not reflected or transmitted by the spectral reference; or

[0089] The portion or all of the light reflected from the second portion that was not transmitted or absorbed by the spectral reference.

[0090] Item 6). The optical measuring apparatus according to Item 1), wherein the spectral reference includes a plurality of spectral reference portions,

[0091] Each of the plurality of spectral reference portions is configured to reflect a specific percentage of the second portion of light incident on that spectral reference portion to the second portion of the filter.

[0092] Item 7). The optical measuring apparatus according to Item 1), wherein the second portion of the filter includes a plurality of reflective regions.

[0093] Each of the plurality of reflective regions is configured to reflect a specific percentage of the second portion of light incident on that reflective region away from the second portion of the filter.

[0094] Item 8). The optical measuring apparatus according to Item 7), wherein the reflective regions of the plurality of reflective regions of the second portion of the filter include a neutral density coating associated with a specific amount of reflectivity.

[0095] Item 9). An optical device, comprising:

[0096] A light source configured to generate light, the light comprising a first portion of light and a second portion of light;

[0097] A spectral reference element configured to reflect the second portion of light;

[0098] An optical sensor, comprising a first optical sensor portion and a second optical sensor portion; and

[0099] A filter, comprising a first filter portion and a second filter portion, wherein:

[0100] The first filter portion is configured to receive a first beam of light associated with the first portion of light reflected by the target being measured, and to filter the first beam of light and provide it to the first optical sensor portion.

[0101] The second filter portion is configured to receive a second beam of light associated with the second portion of light that has been reflected by the spectral reference, and to filter the second beam of light and provide it to the second optical sensor portion.

[0102] Item 10). The optical device according to Item 9), wherein the light source comprises a phosphor light-emitting diode.

[0103] Item 11). The optical device according to Item 9), wherein the light source comprises a plurality of light-emitting diodes.

[0104] Item 12). The optical device according to Item 9), wherein the filter comprises at least one of the following:

[0105] Spectral filters;

[0106] Multispectral filters;

[0107] Optical interference filter;

[0108] Bandpass filter;

[0109] Block the filter;

[0110] Long-pass filter;

[0111] Short-pass filter;

[0112] Dichroic filter;

[0113] Linear variable filter;

[0114] Circular variable filter;

[0115] Fabry-Perot filters;

[0116] Bayer filters;

[0117] Plasma filters;

[0118] Photonic crystal filters;

[0119] Nanostructured or metamaterial filters; or

[0120] Absorbent filters.

[0121] Item 13). The optical device according to Item 9), wherein the optical device is sealed within a package such that the light source, the spectral reference, the optical sensor and the filter are inside the package.

[0122] Item 14). The optical device according to Item 9), wherein:

[0123] The first optical sensor portion and the first filter portion are associated with a first region of the optical device;

[0124] The second optical sensor portion and the second filter portion are associated with the second region of the optical device; and

[0125] The light source is associated with a third region of the optical device.

[0126] The optical device described therein includes one or more barriers to reduce the likelihood of light associated with one area being transmitted to another area.

[0127] Item 15). A user equipment, comprising:

[0128] Optical measurement package, the optical measurement package comprising:

[0129] light source;

[0130] A spectral reference element configured to reflect a certain percentage of the light generated by the light source onto a portion of the filter;

[0131] Sensors; and

[0132] Filters

[0133] The portion of the filter is disposed between a portion of the sensor and the spectral reference.

[0134] Item 16). The user equipment according to Item 15), wherein the light source, the spectral reference, the sensor and the filter are encapsulated within the optical measurement package.

[0135] Item 17). The user equipment according to Item 15), wherein the light source is configured to emit light in the wavelength range of 700 nanometers to 1100 nanometers.

[0136] Item 18). The user equipment according to Item 15), wherein the sensor includes at least one of the following:

[0137] Optical sensors;

[0138] Spectral sensor; or

[0139] Image sensor.

[0140] Item 19). The user equipment according to Item 15), wherein the spectral reference includes a plurality of spectral reference portions,

[0141] A particular spectral reference portion of the plurality of spectral reference portions is configured to reflect the percentage of the portion of light to the portion of the filter.

[0142] Item 20). The user equipment according to Item 15), wherein the portion of the filter includes a plurality of reflective regions,

[0143] Each of the plurality of reflective regions is configured to transmit a specific percentage of the portion of light incident on that reflective region to a corresponding region in the portion of the filter.

Claims

1. An optical measuring device, comprising: light source; A transmitting optics device configured to guide a first portion of light generated by the light source toward a measurement target; A collecting optics device configured to receive light from the measurement target; An optical guide, configured to guide a second portion of light generated by the light source to a spectral reference; The spectral reference; The sensor includes a first sensor portion and a second sensor portion; A filter, the filter comprising a first filter portion and a second filter portion; and A blocking component that separates the first filter portion and the second filter portion, wherein: The first filter portion is disposed between the first sensor portion and the collecting optics to receive a first beam of light associated with the first portion of the light. The second filter portion is disposed between the second sensor portion of the sensor and the spectral reference element to receive a second beam of light associated with the second portion of the light, and The blocking component is configured to reduce the likelihood of the first light beam being transmitted to the second sensor portion, and to reduce the likelihood of the second light beam being transmitted to the first sensor portion.

2. The optical measuring device according to claim 1, wherein, The emitting optics and the collecting optics each include at least one of the following: lens; window; Optical diffuser; Filters; Aperture stop; Reflective optical elements; Diffractive optical elements; or Refractive optical elements.

3. The optical measuring device according to claim 1, wherein, The optical guide includes at least one of the following: Fluorescent tube; or Optical guide.

4. The optical measuring device according to claim 1, wherein, The spectral reference is configured for at least one of the following: A first percentage of the second portion of light incident on the spectral reference is reflected to the second filter portion; A second percentage of the second portion of light incident on the spectral reference is transmitted through the spectral reference. or The third percentage of the second portion of light incident on the spectral reference is absorbed.

5. The optical measuring device according to claim 4, wherein, The optical measuring device further includes a backing component, the backing component being configured for at least one of the following: Absorbing the portion or all of the second portion of light that was not reflected or transmitted by the spectral reference; or The portion or all of the light reflected from the second portion that was not transmitted or absorbed by the spectral reference.

6. The optical measuring device according to claim 1, wherein, The spectral reference component includes multiple spectral reference sections. Each of the plurality of spectral reference portions is configured to reflect a specific percentage of the second portion of light incident on that spectral reference portion to the second filter portion.

7. The optical measuring device according to claim 1, wherein, The second filter portion includes multiple reflective areas. Each of the plurality of reflective regions is configured to reflect a specific percentage of the second portion of light incident on that reflective region away from the second filter portion.

8. The optical measuring device according to claim 7, wherein, The reflective regions of the multiple reflective regions of the second filter portion include a neutral density coating associated with a specific amount of reflectivity.

9. An optical device, comprising: A light source configured to generate light, the light comprising a first portion of light and a second portion of light; A spectral reference element configured to reflect the second portion of light; An optical sensor, comprising a first optical sensor portion and a second optical sensor portion; and A filter, the filter comprising a first filter portion and a second filter portion; and A blocking component that separates the first filter portion and the second filter portion, wherein: The first filter portion is configured to receive a first beam of light associated with the first portion of light reflected by the target being measured, and to filter the first beam of light and provide it to the first optical sensor portion. The second filter portion is configured to receive a second beam of light associated with the second portion of light reflected by the spectral reference, and to filter the second beam and provide it to the second optical sensor portion. The blocking component is configured to reduce the likelihood of the first light beam being transmitted to the second optical sensor portion, and to reduce the likelihood of the second light beam being transmitted to the first optical sensor portion.

10. The optical device according to claim 9, wherein, The light source includes a phosphor light-emitting diode.

11. The optical device according to claim 9, wherein, The light source includes multiple light-emitting diodes.

12. The optical device according to claim 9, wherein, The filter includes at least one of the following: Spectral filters; Multispectral filters; Optical interference filter; Bandpass filter; Block the filter; Long-pass filter; Short-pass filter; Dichroic filter; Linear variable filter; Circular variable filter; Fabry-Perot filters; Bayer filters; Plasma filters; Photonic crystal filters; Nanostructured or metamaterial filters; or Absorbent filters.

13. The optical device according to claim 9, wherein, The optical device is sealed within a package, such that the light source, the spectral reference, the optical sensor, the filter, and the blocking component are inside the package.

14. The optical device according to claim 9, wherein: The first optical sensor portion and the first filter portion are associated with a first region of the optical device; The second optical sensor portion and the second filter portion are associated with the second region of the optical device; and The light source is associated with a third region of the optical device. The optical device described therein includes one or more barriers to reduce the likelihood of light associated with one area being transmitted to another area.

15. A user equipment, comprising: Optical measurement package, the optical measurement package comprising: light source; A spectral reference element configured to reflect a certain percentage of a first portion of light generated by the light source; The sensor includes a first sensor portion and a second sensor portion; A filter, the filter comprising a first filter portion and a second filter portion; and A blocking component that separates the first filter portion and the second filter portion, wherein: The second filter portion is disposed between the second sensor portion and the spectral reference to receive a first beam of light associated with the first portion of light, and The blocking component is configured to reduce the likelihood of the first beam of light being transmitted to the first sensor portion.

16. The user equipment according to claim 15, wherein, The light source, the spectral reference, the sensor, the filter, and the blocking component are encapsulated within the optical measurement package.

17. The user equipment according to claim 15, wherein, The light source is configured to emit light in the wavelength range of 700 nanometers to 1100 nanometers.

18. The user equipment according to claim 15, wherein, The sensor includes at least one of the following: Optical sensors; Spectral sensor; or Image sensor.

19. The user equipment according to claim 15, wherein, The spectral reference component includes multiple spectral reference sections. A particular spectral reference portion of the plurality of spectral reference portions is configured to reflect the percentage of the first portion of light to the second filter portion.

20. The user equipment according to claim 15, wherein, The second filter portion includes multiple reflective areas. Each of the plurality of reflective regions is configured to transmit a specific percentage of the first portion of light incident on that reflective region to a corresponding region in the second filter portion.

Images