Compact Spectrometer Using Micro Lens Collimation for Bio-Signal Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spectrometers are not compact enough for integration into portable devices, limiting their application in noninvasive bio-signal measurement and analysis.
Innovation Solution
A compact spectrometer design incorporating a light blocking layer with an aperture, a micro lens to collimate light, a filter array, and a photodetector array, along with a light source array, to enable efficient light separation and bio-signal detection in a small form factor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If conventional spectrometer designs are used, then spectral analysis capability is achieved, but device size becomes too large for portable integration
Solution Approach 1:
The spectrometer is segmented into distinct functional layers: light blocking layer with aperture, micro lens layer for collimation, filter array layer for wavelength separation, and photodetector array layer for detection. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining compact overall dimensions suitable for portable devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from conventional linear optical paths to a planar layered architecture where light propagation occurs primarily in the vertical dimension (z-axis) through stacked functional layers. This dimensional reorganization enables compact footprint while preserving spectral analysis functionality, making the device suitable for portable integration.
2Adaptability or versatility
If compact spectrometer design is implemented, then portability is improved, but light collection efficiency may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The micro lens is positioned in direct contact with the light blocking layer at the aperture location, creating a localized high-quality optical path. This ensures that light entering through the aperture is immediately collimated with maximum efficiency, compensating for the compact overall device dimensions and maintaining adequate light collection capability for portable operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The micro lens acts as an intermediary element between the aperture and the filter array, collimating light in the intermediate space. This intermediary function optimizes light propagation through the compact structure, ensuring efficient light collection and wavelength separation within the reduced device volume.
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
Enables the development of portable bio-signal measuring apparatuses that can estimate bio-information and depth information from objects, such as blood and skin components, within a compact and embedded format, suitable for integration into various electronic devices.
Implementation Method 1
a micro lens provided in contact with the light blocking layer, the micro lens being configured to collimate light having passed through the aperture
Implementation Method 2
a filter array configured to filter the collimated light
Implementation Method 3
a photodetector array configured to detect the filtered light
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a compact spectrometer including a light blocking layer having an aperture, a micro lens provided in contact with the light blocking layer, the micro lens being configured to collimate light having passed through the aperture, a filter array configured to filter the collimated light, and a photodetector array configured to detect the filtered light.