Compact Spectrometer System Using 2D Detector Array
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spectrometers are too large, costly, and bulky for portable applications, offering less than ideal resolution, sensitivity, and accuracy, and are not well-suited for integration with consumer devices, lacking the ability to provide relevant attributes of measured objects beyond spectral data.
Innovation Solution
A compact spectrometer system that includes a spectrometer and a processing device in communication with a remote server, allowing for spectral measurements without an internet connection, integrated with consumer appliances like smartphones, and capable of determining attributes such as fat content or ripeness of substances through spectral data analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If prior spectrometers are designed for high resolution, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional linear optical paths to a two-dimensional detector array configuration. By using a compact grating that disperses light onto a 2D sensor array, the system achieves high spectral resolution without requiring long optical paths, thus resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes key optical parameters by using high-dispersion gratings with optimized groove densities and compact focal lengths. These parameter changes enable high resolution in a shortened optical path, directly addressing the contradiction between spectral resolution and optical path length
2Volume of moving object
If prior spectrometers are miniaturized, then device size is reduced, but measurement precision and sensitivity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite optical designs combining micro-optics elements with conventional optics. This composite approach enables compact form factor while maintaining high resolution by integrating multiple functional elements in a small volume, resolving the contradiction between miniaturization and measurement precision
3Ease of operation
If prior spectrometers are designed for portability, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision and alignment requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the optical system into modular segments with standardized interfaces. This segmentation allows for pre-alignment of optical components in separate modules, reducing the overall alignment complexity when assembling the portable spectrometer, thus resolving the contradiction between portability and manufacturing precision
4Device complexity
If prior spectrometers provide only spectral data, then device complexity is reduced, but loss of information increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces spectral libraries and reference databases as intermediary components that bridge raw spectral data and meaningful object attributes. These intermediaries enable the system to extract additional information about sample composition and properties without significantly increasing device complexity, resolving the contradiction between data richness and system simplicity
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 system provides accurate and sensitive spectral measurements, enabling the determination of attributes like fat content and ripeness, and is suitable for various applications, including food analysis, while being compact, cost-effective, and easily integrable with consumer devices.
Implementation Method 1
Spectrometers detect radiation from a sample and process the resulting signal to obtain and present information about the sample that includes spectral, physical and chemical information about the sample. These instruments generally include some type of spectrally selective element to separate wavelengths of radiation received from the sample
Data Source
AI summary
A spectrometer system may be used to determine one or more spectra of an object, and the one or more spectra may be associated with one or more attributes of the object that are relevant to the user. While the spectrometer system can take many forms, in many instances the system comprises a spectrometer and a processing device in communication with the spectrometer and with a remote server, wherein the spectrometer is physically integrated with an apparatus. The apparatus may have a function different than that of the spectrometer, such as a consumer appliance or device.