Spectral Device Beam Shutter Control for Stable Optical Sensing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spectral devices using a single optical sensor suffer from reduced signal intensity and increased background noise due to repeated splitting of light beams, leading to inaccurate measurements and the need for additional sensors, which complicates calibration and increases background noise over time.
Innovation Solution
A spectral device with a beam shutter system that selectively outputs and blocks reference and signal lights using a single sensor, utilizing a rotary optical switch or beam shutter to maintain light intensity and prevent background noise, eliminating the need for a light splitter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a light splitter is used to separate reference light and signal light in a spectral device with a single sensor, then the device structure remains simple, but the signal intensity is reduced to one-quarter of the initial light and background noise increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the measurement process into distinct temporal phases using beam shutters. The reference light and signal light are measured at different time intervals rather than simultaneously, allowing each measurement to use the full sensor capacity without signal division. This temporal segmentation resolves the contradiction by maintaining simple device structure while preserving full signal intensity for each measurement type.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic control through beam shutters that can selectively block or transmit light paths. This dynamic switching allows the system to alternately direct reference light and signal light to the sensor, transforming a static single-sensor limitation into a dynamic measurement system. The dynamic operation maintains structural simplicity while ensuring full signal intensity reaches the sensor during each measurement phase.
2Measurement precision
If two sensors are used to completely separate beam paths and maintain original signal size, then signal intensity is maintained, but the system size increases and calibration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by alternating between reference light measurement and signal light measurement in time-division multiplexing cycles. The beam shutters periodically switch between blocking the reference light path and the signal light path, allowing sequential measurement by a single sensor. This periodic operation maintains full signal intensity for both measurement types while avoiding the need for multiple sensors, thereby preventing increases in system size and calibration complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The single sensor serves both reference light measurement and signal light measurement functions through time-division multiplexing controlled by beam shutters. Rather than requiring separate dedicated sensors for each function, the sensor 'services' both measurement types sequentially. This self-service approach maintains full signal intensity while avoiding the complexity of multiple sensors and their associated calibration requirements.
3Productivity
If a single sensor is continuously exposed to light source for measurement, then measurement can be performed, but background noise level changes over time and measurement reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by implementing a dark adaptation period where beam shutters block all light to the sensor before each measurement cycle. This preliminary dark period allows the sensor to reset its baseline and stabilize its noise characteristics before measuring reference light or signal light. By performing this preliminary reset action, the system maintains measurement reliability over time while preserving continuous measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains continuity of useful action through rapid alternating measurement cycles between reference light and signal light using beam shutters. Rather than interrupting measurements for sensor reset, the system continuously performs measurements in alternating phases with brief dark adaptation periods. This continuous operation maintains productivity while the periodic dark periods ensure measurement reliability by preventing noise drift.
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
Enhances measurement accuracy by maintaining light intensity and reducing background noise, allowing for precise and stable bio-material analysis without the need for multiple sensors or additional optical paths.
Implementation Method 1
at least one beam shutter configured to perform control for selectively outputting at least one of the reference light and the signal light and for blocking the two signals together
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein a spectral device with enhanced stability of optical sensor and an operating method of the device. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a spectral device including: a light splitter configured to split an incident light into a reference light and a signal light; at least one beam shutter configured to perform control for selectively outputting at least one of the reference light and the signal light and for blocking the two signals together; and a controller configured to provide an absorption property of a bio-material by comparatively quantizing an intensity of the reference light and an intensity of the signal light, which are received into a sensor through the beam shutter.