Pixel Array Spectroscope Using Wavelength Selection Filters

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Solution Overview

Problem

Miniaturization of spectrometers using diffraction gratings is hindered by the need for longer distances between the diffraction grating and light receiving elements to achieve high accuracy in separating incident light, which complicates the design and increases size.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a wavelength selection filter unit with multiple wavelength selection filters, each with distinct transmission characteristics, disposed on a light receiving element with a pixel region, allowing for precise separation and detection of incident light across different wavelengths and bands, thereby reducing the required optical path length.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a diffraction grating is used to split incident light, then light separation accuracy is improved, but the distance from the diffraction grating to the light receiving element must be lengthened, increasing device size

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight separation accuracyVSAvoidoptical path length

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The incident light spectrum is segmented into multiple wavelength bands using a wavelength selection filter unit with multiple filters, each having different transmission characteristics. This segmentation allows the light receiving element to detect different wavelength bands simultaneously at closely spaced positions, achieving high-accuracy spectral analysis without requiring a long optical path

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the traditional diffraction grating-based mechanical/optical separation system with a filter-based wavelength selection system. Instead of using a diffraction grating to spatially separate wavelengths over a long distance, the invention uses multiple wavelength selection filters with distinct transmission characteristics to selectively transmit different wavelength bands to corresponding pixel regions, enabling compact spectrometer design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If the distance from the diffraction grating to the light receiving element is increased, then light separation accuracy is improved, but device miniaturization becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight separation accuracyVSAvoidspectrometer size

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a one-dimensional spatial separation approach (using diffraction grating along a long optical path) to a two-dimensional detection approach. Multiple wavelength selection filters are arranged in a matrix pattern on the wavelength selection filter unit, corresponding to multiple pixel regions in the light receiving element. This allows simultaneous detection of multiple wavelength bands across different spatial dimensions, achieving high-accuracy spectral analysis in a compact form factor

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The wavelength selection filter unit with multiple filters is positioned closely adjacent to the light receiving element, with each filter corresponding to specific pixel regions. This nested arrangement allows the filtering and detection functions to be integrated in a compact configuration, eliminating the need for a long optical path between the wavelength separation element and the detector

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 enables miniaturization of the spectrometer while maintaining high accuracy in light separation and detection, allowing for more compact designs compared to traditional diffraction grating-based spectrometers.

Implementation Method 1

a wavelength selection filter unit configured to be disposed on the pixel region and configured to include a plurality of wavelength selection filters, wherein the plurality of wavelength selection filters has transmission wavelength characteristics which are different from each other, and split incident light for each wavelength and each wavelength band

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical filtering: Filter (optical)

Implementation Method 2

the light receiving element generates a light receiving signal by photoelectrically converting the incident light which is split by the plurality of the wavelength selection filters and is incident on the pixel region, for each pixel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoelectric conversion: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS10393581B2Spectroscope

Publication Date: 2019.08.27 JVC KENWOOD CORP

AI summary

A spectroscope includes a light receiving element and a wavelength selection filter unit. The light receiving element includes a pixel region where a plurality of pixels are disposed. The wavelength selection filter unit is disposed on the pixel region and includes a plurality of wavelength selection filters. The plurality of wavelength selection filters have transmission wavelength characteristics which are different from each other, and split incident light for each wavelength or each wavelength band. The light receiving element generates a light receiving signal by photoelectrically converting light which is split by the wavelength selection filter and is incident on the pixel region, for each pixel.