Optical Measuring Device Separate Light Sources Spectrometer Camera
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing measuring devices for optical and spectroscopic examination of samples face inefficiencies due to the need for broadband light sources, which compromise illumination quality for both spectrometers and cameras, and require short shutter speeds for fast-moving samples, leading to suboptimal measurement accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A compact measuring device with separate light sources for the spectrometer and camera, using dark field illumination to prevent direct reflection and glare, allowing for optimal adaptation of light sources to their respective wavelengths and enabling pulsed operation for high-speed imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a broadband light source is used to illuminate both the spectrometer and camera, then both devices can operate simultaneously, but the illumination quality deteriorates for both devices due to poor efficiency at specific wavelengths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the illumination system into two separate light sources: one dedicated to the spectrometer and another dedicated to the camera. This segmentation allows each light source to be optimized for its specific detector, eliminating the compromise required by a single broadband source. The first light source emits light at wavelengths suitable for the spectrometer, while the second light source emits light at wavelengths suitable for the camera, thereby resolving the contradiction between versatility and illumination quality.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If the light source works continuously to illuminate fast-moving samples, then the sample is always illuminated, but the camera requires very short shutter speeds leading to potential motion blur and reduced measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements pulsed illumination where the light source operates in periodic bursts synchronized with the camera's shutter speed. This allows the camera to capture images during the illumination pulses without requiring continuously short shutter speeds, thereby eliminating motion blur while maintaining measurement accuracy. The periodic action resolves the contradiction by providing sufficient illumination duration during each pulse while allowing longer effective exposure times.
3Device complexity
If direct reflection from the sample and window pane enters the spectrometer and camera, then the measurement process is simplified, but measurement errors occur due to glare and direct reflection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the harmful direct reflection component from the optical path by positioning the light sources and detectors at angles where direct reflection does not enter the spectrometer or camera. Only indirectly reflected light (scattered light from the sample) is directed into the detectors, thereby removing the source of measurement errors while maintaining a relatively simple optical configuration. This resolves the contradiction between device simplicity and measurement accuracy.
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 configuration enhances measurement accuracy by preventing measurement errors from direct reflection and glare, allowing for precise determination of sample parameters, including particle size, color, and composition, while enabling sharp imaging of moving samples without blurring.
Implementation Method 1
Light indirectly reflected from the sample is deflected in a spectrometer by a dispersive element, for example a grating or a prism, in different directions that depend on the wavelength
Implementation Method 2
Light reflected by the sample is deflected in a spectrometer
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a measuring device (10) for the optical and spectroscopic examination of a sample (34), comprising a housing (12), a first light source (20), a window (16), an optical spectrometer (22) with a dispersive element (42) and a number of detector elements (44) capable of detecting light from the first light source (20) that is indirectly reflected from the sample and re-enters the housing (12) through the window (16), an electronic camera (26) whose aperture (38) is directed through the window (16) onto the sample (34), and an electronic evaluation device (28) connected to an image sensor (54) of the camera (26) and the detector elements (44). It is proposed that a second light source (24) be associated with the camera (26).