Photometric Analyzer Display Integrating Spectrum and Sample Image

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fluorescence spectrophotometers face challenges in acquiring both accurate spectra and images of samples with uneven excitation light distribution, leading to uneven fluorescence images and difficulty in identifying regional properties of samples.

Innovation Solution

The use of an integrating sphere to scatter and average excitation light, reducing unevenness, combined with a camera module to capture sample images alongside spectral data, allowing for simultaneous display of spectra and images on the same screen.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If direct excitation light irradiation is used to acquire sample images, then image acquisition is simple, but excitation light distribution becomes uneven causing uneven fluorescence images

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage acquisition simplicityVSAvoidfluorescence image uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a diffuser plate as an intermediary component between the light source and the sample. This diffuser plate scatters the excitation light to create uniform light distribution across the sample area, eliminating the unevenness caused by direct irradiation while maintaining the simplicity of the imaging system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from direct one-dimensional light path irradiation to two-dimensional diffuse light distribution by introducing the diffuser plate. This dimensional change in light propagation ensures uniform excitation across the entire sample area without complicating the overall system structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Measurement precision

If spectral imaging is used to acquire fluorescence information, then comprehensive sample analysis is achieved, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefluorescence analysis comprehensivenessVSAvoidsystem structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a camera module that can capture images across multiple wavelength ranges (visible light, near-infrared, and ultraviolet) without requiring separate imaging systems for each range. This multi-functional approach enables comprehensive fluorescence spectral analysis while maintaining relatively simple system structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the excitation light source, diffuser plate, and multi-wavelength camera module into an integrated imaging system. By merging these components and their functions, the system achieves comprehensive spectral imaging capability without the complexity of multiple separate systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Loss of information

If multiple separate displays are used for spectra and images, then data is organized separately, but user convenience decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata organization clarityVSAvoiduser convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the spectral data and image data into a single integrated display interface. The display unit simultaneously shows the fluorescence intensity spectrum and the corresponding sample image, allowing users to correlate spectral features with their spatial locations without switching between separate displays

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent adds a spatial dimension to the spectral display by overlaying or juxtaposing the image with the spectrum. This dimensional integration allows users to visually correlate spectral characteristics with their corresponding spatial regions in the sample, enhancing both data organization and user convenience

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 the acquisition of both high-quality spectra and images with reduced unevenness, improving measurement accuracy and convenience by integrating spectral and image data in a single display.

Implementation Method 1

The use of an integrating sphere to scatter and average excitation light, reducing unevenness

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight scattering: Scattering

Implementation Method 2

a fluorescence detection device configured to detect fluorescence of a sample by using, as a light source, an LED that emits single-wavelength excitation light

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluorescence: Fluorescence

Data Source

PatentEP3431966B1Display device for photometric analyzer
Publication Date: 2021.06.30 HITACHI HIGH TECH SCIENCE CORP
  • EP3431966B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3431966B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3431966B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

To acquire both excellent spectrum and sample image reflecting actual conditions of a sample, and to increase convenience of measurement, provided is a display device for a photometric analyzer, which is configured to irradiate a sample with light to analyze the sample, the display device being configured to display a measurement result of the photometric analyzer, and including: a controller; and a display, which is configured to display an image based on measurement data processed by the controller. The measurement data at least contains a spectrum indicating an intensity of emitted light, which is emitted by the sample irradiated with the light, and a sample image of the sample, which is taken by an imaging device. The display is configured to display the spectrum and the sample image in an arrangement in the same screen.