Spectral Characteristic Measuring Apparatus Calibration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Spectral characteristic measuring apparatuses using white LEDs face challenges in obtaining accurate measurement values due to the sharp spectral intensity distribution of illumination light, which influences the spectral sensitivities of light receiving elements, making it difficult to determine central wavelengths free from illumination light effects.

Innovation Solution

The apparatus includes an illuminating section, a spectral section for separating light by wavelengths, a light receiving section with multiple elements converting light into electrical signals, and a storing section that calculates and stores combined central wavelengths based on the spectral intensity distribution of the illumination light, allowing for accurate calibration and measurement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of moving object

If white LED is used as illuminating section, then energy efficiency and longevity are improved, but spectral intensity distribution becomes sharp making central wavelength determination difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveilluminator longevityVSAvoidcentral wavelength determination accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a spectral illuminator as an intermediary device to obtain spectral sensitivity data. This spectral illuminator emits monochromatic light at multiple wavelengths to independently characterize the spectral response of light receiving elements, separating the illumination function from the measurement function. This allows accurate determination of central wavelengths without being influenced by the sharp spectral distribution of white LEDs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the calibration process into multiple steps: first obtaining spectral sensitivity data using a spectral illuminator, then combining this data with white LED spectral intensity distribution data to calculate combined central wavelengths. This segmentation allows the system to leverage the advantages of both white LEDs (longevity) and spectral illuminators (accurate calibration).

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Device complexity

If spectral sensitivity is obtained without considering illumination light distribution, then calibration process is simplified, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to illumination light influence

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecalibration process complexityVSAvoidmeasurement value accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the spectral sensitivity data (obtained from spectral illuminator) with the spectral intensity distribution data (obtained from white LED) to calculate combined central wavelengths. This combining approach integrates both calibration references into a unified calibration process, achieving high measurement accuracy while maintaining practical simplicity through automated computation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback by using the obtained spectral sensitivity data and spectral intensity distribution data to calculate combined central wavelengths, which are then stored and used for subsequent measurements. This feedback loop ensures that the calibration information is continuously utilized to maintain measurement accuracy throughout the device operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 precise measurement of spectral characteristics by accounting for the illumination light's spectral intensity distribution, improving measurement accuracy even with white LEDs, and enhancing the S/N ratio through weighting calculations.

Implementation Method 1

a spectral section for separating light from the sample irradiated with the illumination light into light rays in accordance with wavelengths

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDispersion: Dispersion (of waves)

Implementation Method 2

a light receiving section including a plurality of light receiving elements for receiving the light rays separated by the spectral section in accordance with wavelengths, and converting the received light rays into electrical output signals

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoelectric effect: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS8144322B2Spectral characteristic measuring apparatus, method for calibrating spectral characteristic measuring apparatus, and spectral characteristic measuring system

Publication Date: 2012.03.27 KONICA MINOLTA SENSING INC

AI summary

A spectral characteristic measuring apparatus includes: an illuminating section for irradiating illumination light onto a sample; a spectral section for separating light from the sample irradiated with the illumination light into light rays in accordance with wavelengths; a light receiving section including a plurality of light receiving elements for receiving the light rays separated by the spectral section in accordance with wavelengths, and converting the received light rays into electrical output signals; and a storing section for storing a combined central wavelength of each of the light receiving elements calculated in advance based a spectral intensity distribution of the illumination light.