Dual-optical-path spectrophotometer single sensor design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dual-optical-path spectrophotometers require two spectral sensors to measure the intensity of the light source and the object, leading to high costs and instability due to light source energy fluctuations.
Innovation Solution
A dual-optical-path spectrophotometer design that uses a single spectral sensor with a semi-reflecting and semi-transmitting device and adjustable lenses to measure the object and light source signals sequentially, allowing for calculation of a final sampled signal that reduces the influence of light source fluctuations and system cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two spectral sensors are used to measure the light source and object separately, then the measurement repeatability is improved by eliminating light source fluctuation influence, but the device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical path is divided into two separate paths: one for measuring the light source intensity and another for measuring the object reflected light. This segmentation allows a single spectral sensor to sequentially measure both signals by switching between different optical paths, eliminating the need for two simultaneous sensors while maintaining the ability to compensate for light source fluctuations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs periodic switching between measuring the light source signal and the object signal using shutters. By alternately opening and closing the shutters, the single spectral sensor sequentially captures both types of signals, enabling the calculation of a final sampled signal that compensates for light source intensity changes over time.
2Quantity of substance
If a single spectral sensor is used to measure both light source and object, then the device cost is reduced, but the measurement repeatability deteriorates due to light source energy fluctuations
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the measured light source signal as feedback to compensate for intensity fluctuations in subsequent object measurements. By calculating the ratio or difference between the light source signal and object signal, the system eliminates the influence of light source energy changes, maintaining measurement repeatability despite using a single sensor.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary measurement of the light source intensity before measuring the object. This preliminary action allows the system to establish a reference signal that accounts for the current light source state, enabling subsequent object measurements to be corrected for light source variations.
3Device complexity
If the sensor measurement area is fixed, then the device structure is simplified, but the adaptability to different measurement requirements is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces adjustable lenses that can change their focal length or position dynamically. This allows the measurement area to be adjusted according to different testing requirements while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure. The lenses are positioned in the optical path to modify the beam characteristics without adding complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms.
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
This design achieves improved measurement repeatability and reduced costs by using a single spectral sensor to measure both the object and light source signals, minimizing the impact of light source energy fluctuations on measurement stability.
Implementation Method 1
a second shutter, a semi-reflecting and semi-transmitting device and lenses are arranged between the detection hole and the sensor, wherein a second shutter, a semi-reflecting and semi-transmitting device and lenses are arranged between the detection hole and the sensor, reflected light at the measuring port enters the sensor through a penetrating face of the semi-reflecting and semi-transmitting device
Implementation Method 2
reflected light at the measuring port enters the sensor through a penetrating face of the semi-reflecting and semi-transmitting device
Implementation Method 3
the light emitted by the light source irradiates to the surface of the measured object from the measuring aperture after continuous diffuse reflection in the integrating sphere
Implementation Method 4
the spectral sensor performs spectral processing on the optical signal collected and converts it into a different spectrum of optical intensity signal, the optical intensity signal is converted into an electrical signal through the photosensor in the spectral sensor
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are a dual-optical-path spectrophotometer and a color measurement method thereof. The spectrophotometer includes an integrating sphere, a light source, and a sensor. A second shutter, a semi-reflecting and semi-transmitting device and lenses are arranged between the detection hole and the sensor, and a light guide device and a first shutter are arranged between a light guide hole formed in the integrating sphere and the semi-reflecting and semi-transmitting device. The color measurement method includes the following steps. A first shutter is closed, a second shutter is opened, light, reflected by the measuring opening, enters a sensor and the sensor measures a spectral reflected signal of the object surface. The first shutter is opened, the second shutter is closed, reflected light enters the sensor, and the sensor measures a spectral reflected signal of a light source. A final sampled signal is calculated.