Integrated Visible and Infrared Light Source for Compact Spectrometers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Miniaturization of spectrometers for small devices like smartphones is hindered by the large size of lamp-type LEDs and the space requirements for multiple chip LEDs, which are needed to cover a wavelength range of 300 nm to 1050 nm.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device equipped with a camera and a heart rate sensor, utilizing a processor to emit and detect electromagnetic waves across visible and infrared ranges, allowing for spectral data collection without the need for a separate spectrometer, by controlling current levels to avoid detector saturation and merge visible and infrared spectral data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If lamp-type LED or multiple chip LEDs are used to cover wavelength range of 300 nm to 1050 nm, then spectral coverage is improved, but device size and mounting space increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a visible light emitter (first emitter) and an infrared emitter (second emitter) into a single integrated light source assembly. The visible light emitter covers wavelengths of 380-780 nm while the infrared emitter covers 780-1050 nm, merging their spectral ranges to achieve comprehensive coverage from 380-1050 nm without requiring separate lamp-type LEDs or multiple chip LEDs. This consolidation reduces the overall mounting space and device size while maintaining broad spectral adaptability.
2Power
If high current is applied to emitter for spectral data collection, then signal strength is improved, but detector saturation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different current levels to different emitters based on their specific characteristics and requirements. The processor applies a first current level to the visible light emitter and a second current level to the infrared emitter, optimizing the signal output for each wavelength range. Additionally, when spectral data collection is required, the processor applies a third current level (lower than the second) to prevent detector saturation while maintaining sufficient signal strength for accurate measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the current level applied to the emitters based on the operational mode. The processor switches between different current levels (first current level for normal operation, third current level for spectral data collection) depending on the detection requirements. This dynamic current control ensures optimal signal strength while preventing detector saturation, maintaining system reliability across different operating conditions.
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 implementation of spectrometer functions on small devices without additional mounting space, reducing manufacturing costs and providing efficient spectral data analysis.
Implementation Method 1
a first emitter configured to emit a first electromagnetic wave corresponding to a first wavelength range including visible light range
Implementation Method 2
a second emitter configured to emit a second electromagnetic wave corresponding to a second wavelength range including infra-red light range
Implementation Method 3
the at least one detector is configured to detect an electromagnetic wave
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is an electronic device. The electronic device includes a light emitter emitting visible light, an infrared emitter emitting at least infrared light, at least one detector detecting an electromagnetic wave, and at least one processor. The at least one processor is configured to obtain a user input to obtain spectral data of a target object, in response to obtaining the user input, to emit the visible light by using the light emitter and to emit the at least infrared light by using the infrared emitter, to obtain a first reflected signal of the visible light reflected by the target object and a second reflected signal of the at least infrared light reflected by the target object, using the at least one detector, and to generate the spectral data of the target object based on the first reflected signal and the second reflected signal.