Optical Multi-Channel Detector Unit for Precision Material Analysis
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current spectroscopic multi-channel measurement systems are structurally and technically complex, with non-linear camera responses and limited commercial availability, leading to a need for improved optical multi-channel measurements.
Innovation Solution
A compact and simplified optical multi-channel detector unit is developed, featuring a plurality of optical measurement channels and detectors with independent amplification and filtering mechanisms, utilizing optical fiber cables and rotating filter structures to analyze discrete optical bands, allowing for efficient measurement of properties like moisture content in various materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If imaging spectroscopy is used for multi-channel measurements, then measurement capability is provided, but device complexity increases and commercial availability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the spectrum into multiple discrete wavelength bands using separate optical filters for each measurement channel. Each channel independently measures a specific wavelength range, avoiding the need for complex imaging spectroscopy while achieving multi-channel measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement channels share common optical components including the radiation source, optical paths, and detector, allowing a single system to perform multiple measurements across different wavelength bands without requiring separate imaging spectroscopy units for each channel.
2Measurement precision
If cameras are used for imaging spectroscopy, then measurement is enabled, but non-linear response and high cost occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces expensive imaging spectroscopy cameras with simpler, more affordable detectors that measure intensity at discrete wavelength bands. Each channel uses standard optical filters and detectors that are commercially available and cost-effective, eliminating the need for specialized imaging spectroscopy cameras.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using cameras that capture spatial information across the spectrum, the system changes the measurement approach to detect intensity parameters at specific wavelength bands using filters. This parameter change from spatial-spectral imaging to filtered intensity measurement enables use of simpler, cheaper detectors.
3Device complexity
If common amplification and dynamic range are used for all channels, then system simplicity is maintained, but measurement precision decreases for channels with different signal levels
Solution Approach 1:
Each measurement channel has its own amplification and dynamic range settings optimized for the specific signal characteristics of that wavelength band. This local optimization allows each channel to achieve maximum measurement precision for its signal level while maintaining independent control over system parameters.
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
The solution enables cost-effective, environmentally tolerant, and high-precision optical multi-channel measurements, capable of detecting specific properties in materials such as paper, board, and biomaterials, with improved signal processing and reduced environmental noise.
Implementation Method 1
optical filtering and detection
Implementation Method 2
optical detectors which convert intensity of the optical radiation into electrical signals
Implementation Method 3
utilizing optical fiber cables
Data Source
AI summary
Optical multi-channel measurement unit for a process measurement includes first ends for receiving optical radiation from the optical radiation source, and second ends for outputting the optical radiation for illuminating the at least one object. Optical detectors receive optical radiation from at least one measurement channel via at least one optical filter and convert an intensity of the optical radiation to an electrical signal. A movement mechanism causes, for filtering the wavelengths of the optical radiation propagating between detectors and the optical measurement channels through the optical filters, at least one of the following: movement inside at least one optical filter and movement between the filters and the detectors.