Compact Spectrographic Device for Banknote Luminescence Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for authenticating documents of value, such as banknotes, are often bulky and require complex optics, making them inefficient for quick and space-saving authenticity testing using luminescence features.
Innovation Solution
A compact device with a spectrographic system that uses a single collimating and focusing optics to decompose optical radiation from documents into spectrally separated components, detected by a spatially resolving detection device, allowing for efficient spectral analysis with minimal equipment and space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional spectrographic devices with separate collimating and focusing optics are used, then spectral resolution can be achieved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the collimating and focusing functions into a single optical element, eliminating the need for separate collimating optics and focusing optics. This merging reduces the number of optical components, simplifies the overall system design, and decreases space requirements while maintaining the ability to achieve good spectral resolution through the integrated element's dual functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The single optical element performs multiple functions simultaneously - it acts as both a collimating element (parallelizing light rays from the source) and a focusing element (converging dispersed spectral components onto the detector). This multi-functionality reduces device complexity while preserving spectral analysis capabilities
2Measurement precision
If multiple separate optical components are used for spectral decomposition, then spectral analysis accuracy is maintained, but device size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging collimating and focusing optics into one element, the patent reduces the physical footprint of the optical system. The integrated design eliminates the spatial separation required between multiple components, thereby reducing the overall device area while maintaining spectral decomposition accuracy through the element's optimized optical path
3Measurement precision
If complex optical systems with multiple components are used, then spectral resolution is improved, but manufacturing cost and system simplicity decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of collimating and focusing functions into a single optical element simplifies manufacturing and assembly processes. Fewer components mean fewer alignment requirements, reduced assembly steps, and lower manufacturing costs while the integrated element is designed to maintain the spectral resolution performance of traditional multi-component systems
4Reliability
If traditional spectrographic devices are used, then luminescence detection capability is achieved, but device compactness is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves compact device design by merging optical functions into integrated elements. The single optical element that performs both collimating and focusing reduces the volume required for the optical system, enabling a compact handheld or portable device configuration while maintaining full luminescence detection and spectral analysis capability
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
The device achieves good spectral resolution with a simple, cost-effective design, enabling rapid and accurate authenticity testing of documents by detecting luminescence features with high sensitivity and compactness.
Implementation Method 1
a spatially dispersing optical device for at least partial decomposition of optical radiation coming from the detection area into spectrally separated spectral components that propagate in different directions according to the wavelength
Implementation Method 2
collimating and focusing optics for collimating the optical radiation directed from the detection area onto the dispersing device
Implementation Method 3
for focusing at least some of the spectral components formed by means of the dispersing device onto the detection device
Implementation Method 4
features for which luminescent substances are used, which emit luminescent radiation with a characteristic spectrum when irradiated with optical radiation of a predetermined wavelength
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus for optically examining security documents (BN) has a detection region (14), in which a security document (BN) is located during the examination, and a spectrographic device (16). The latter has a spatially dispersing optical device (29) for at least partially breaking down optical radiation coming from the detection region (14) into spectrally separate spectral components which propagate in different directions in accordance with the wavelength, a detection device (30) which is spatially resolving in at least one spatial direction and is intended to detect the spectral components, and collimation and focussing optics (28) for collimating the optical radiation which is directed onto the dispersing device (29) from the detection region (14) and for focussing at least some of the spectral components formed using the dispersing optical device (29) onto the detection device (30).