Multivariate Optical Element for Spectral Encoding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems face challenges in accurately measuring light intensity data due to interfering factors, leading to inaccurate estimates of material properties, and are impractical due to the high cost and sensitivity of charge couple devices used in conventional spectroscopy systems.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of multivariate optical computing systems that utilize multivariate optical elements and principal component analysis to process light data in real-time, allowing for high-speed monitoring and analysis of sample properties by illuminating samples with spectral-specific light and using detectors to capture reflected light, while compensating for system temperature variations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional spectroscopy systems use charge couple devices to measure light intensity, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional charge couple devices with a multivariate optical element that performs optical processing directly. Instead of using electronic detection and digital processing, the system uses an optical element with spatially varying transmission characteristics to encode spectral information, eliminating the need for complex electronic detection systems while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The multivariate optical element acts as an intermediary between the light source and the detector. It modulates the light signal by transmitting different wavelengths with different intensities based on the sample properties, converting spectral information into intensity variations that can be detected by simpler photodetectors.
2Measurement precision
If multiple linear regression is used to analyze light intensity data, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The multivariate optical element is pre-designed with specific transmission characteristics that encode the spectral information needed for analysis. By incorporating the regression weights directly into the optical element's transmission matrix, the system performs the complex data processing in advance during the optical modulation stage, eliminating the need for time-consuming post-measurement calculations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces computational regression analysis with optical modulation. Instead of measuring light intensity and then performing complex mathematical regression to derive sample properties, the optical element directly modulates the light to encode spectral information, allowing simple intensity detection to yield the same results without time-consuming computation.
3Measurement precision
If bandpass filters are used to separate wavelength bands, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple bandpass filters into a single multivariate optical element. Instead of using separate filters for each wavelength band, the optical element integrates all necessary wavelength-selective functions into one component with spatially varying transmission characteristics, significantly reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The multivariate optical element performs multiple functions simultaneously: it separates different wavelength bands, modulates the light signal, and encodes spectral information all in one component. This multi-functional approach replaces the need for multiple separate bandpass filters and associated detection systems.
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 enables accurate, high-speed, and cost-effective real-time monitoring of sample properties, simplifying instrumentation and data analysis, and improving measurement precision by directly processing light as it is reflected from the sample, reducing the need for expensive and sensitive detectors.
Implementation Method 1
reflected light carrying information about the sample
Data Source
AI summary
The present subject matter relates to an apparatus and related method of high-speed analysis of product samples during production of the product. Light is directed to a portion of a product under analysis and reflected from or transmitted through the product toward optical detectors. Signals from the optical detectors are compared to determine characteristics of the product under analysis. Temperature within the monitoring system may be monitored in order to provide compensation for the signals produced by the optical detectors. The products under analysis may be stationary, moved by an inspection point by conveyor or other means, or may be contained within a container, the container including a window portion through which the product illuminating light may pass.