Integrating Sphere Spectrometer for Whole Blood Hemoglobin Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spectroscopic systems face challenges in accurately measuring hemoglobin parameters in whole blood due to strong optical scattering, which leads to light loss and nonlinear absorbance, making it difficult to collect sufficient light and expand the upper absorbance measurement range, and requiring new algorithms to overcome scattering effects.
Innovation Solution
The system uses a prism-based spectrometer with optical diffusers to equalize the spatial light distribution for whole blood samples, increasing the upper absorbance limit, and employs a processor to transform electrical signals into hemoglobin parameter values using a computational mapping function, such as Kernel-Based Orthogonal Projection to Latent Structures (KOPLS), to improve measurement accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional spectroscopic systems are used to measure whole blood, then the measurement process is simple, but strong optical scattering causes light loss and nonlinear absorbance, making accurate measurement difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an integrating sphere as an intermediary component that captures scattered light and redirects it to the detector. This mediator converts the harmful scattering effect into useful signal by collecting photons that would otherwise be lost, thereby improving measurement accuracy without requiring changes to the blood sample or measurement protocol
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the measurement approach by changing from direct transmission measurement to integration of scattered light over all angles. The integrating sphere modifies the optical path parameters, allowing collection of light in the 2π solid angle and converting nonlinear absorbance measurements into accurate quantitative data through proper calibration
2Measurement precision
If conventional spectroscopic systems measure whole blood, then the setup is straightforward, but the upper absorbance measurement range is limited due to light loss from scattering
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful light scattering and loss into a beneficial measurement capability. By using the integrating sphere to collect scattered light, the system transforms energy that would be lost into useful signal, enabling measurement of high absorbance samples (up to 3.0 AU or higher) that would be impossible with conventional direct transmission systems
Solution Approach 2:
The integrating sphere acts as an intermediary that recovers and redirects scattered light energy to the detector, preventing energy loss and expanding the measurable absorbance range. This mediator enables the system to handle samples with high hemoglobin concentrations or path lengths that would otherwise exceed the linear detection range
3Measurement precision
If conventional spectroscopic methods are used, then the system is simple, but new algorithms are required to overcome scattering effects, increasing system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex computational algorithms with a physical solution - the integrating sphere. Instead of using sophisticated software to mathematically correct for scattering effects, the physical device optically integrates the scattered light, providing accurate measurements through hardware rather than software complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The integrating sphere system is self-correcting for scattering effects. The spherical geometry and diffuse reflective coating automatically perform the integration function, making the system inherently robust to variations in sample properties without requiring external calibration or complex processing algorithms
4Productivity
If conventional spectroscopic systems are used, then the spectral acquisition time is longer, but the system can accurately measure hemoglobin parameters in whole blood
Solution Approach 1:
The integrating sphere enables continuous collection of scattered light photons over the entire measurement period, maximizing the useful signal. By collecting light from all angles simultaneously rather than requiring sequential measurements, the system achieves both speed and accuracy, reducing acquisition time while maintaining measurement precision
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 approach allows for accurate measurement of hemoglobin parameters in whole blood by reducing measurement errors caused by light scattering, expanding the upper absorbance range, and enhancing the precision of fetal hemoglobin parameter determination within shorter spectral acquisition times.
Implementation Method 1
a light dispersing element receives the light transmitted through the input light slit, separates the light into a plurality of light beams having different wavelengths
Implementation Method 2
a light-emitting diode capable of emitting light in a visible light range
Implementation Method 3
a photodetector capable of receiving the plurality of light beams and converting the plurality of light beams into an electrical signal
Implementation Method 4
an achromatic lens transmits the light from the light-emitting diode to the light dispersing element and transmits dispersed light from the light dispersing element to the photodetector
Data Source
AI summary
An optical spectrometer for use in a COOx analyzer includes a spectrometer housing having an optical fiber housing end, a light-receiving input slit positioned adjacent the optical fiber housing end, a light dispersing element mounted to but spaced from the optical fiber housing end and positioned within an optical path along which light travels from the light-receiving input slit. The light dispersing element receives the light transmitted through the input slit and separates the light into a plurality of light beams, a light-array detector capable of receiving the plurality of light beams and converting the plurality of light beams into the electrical signal, an achromatic lens positioned in the optical path to direct the light from the input slit to the light dispersing element and to direct the plurality of light beams reflected from the light dispersing element onto the light-array detector, and a thermal-compensating means for the spectrometer housing.