Automated Spectral Calibration via Simultaneous Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional spectroscopic imaging systems face inefficiencies due to system-specific noise, background light interference, and complex optical configurations, which limit accuracy and make calibration impractical for in vivo biological samples.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for simultaneous calibration and spectral imaging that involves illuminating a sample and a calibrant with photons, forming and comparing spectra to determine a wavelength-shift, and applying this shift to the sample spectrum for calibration, allowing for automated spectral calibration of spectroscopic devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sequential calibration steps are implemented prior to imaging, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity is worsened due to time-consuming procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the calibration measurement and sample imaging into a single simultaneous operation by capturing both calibrant and sample spectra through the same optical path and detector at the same time, eliminating the need for separate sequential calibration steps while maintaining spectral accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous useful action by performing calibration and imaging concurrently without interruption, where the calibration process does not pause or precede the imaging but occurs simultaneously, maximizing productivity while ensuring measurement precision
2Measurement precision
If complex optical devices with multiple elements are used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it captures both calibrant and sample spectra through the same optical path, detector, and processing pipeline, reducing the need for separate dedicated calibration optics and simplifying the overall device complexity while maintaining spectral resolution
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the existing imaging optical path and detector to perform calibration automatically, rather than requiring separate calibration-specific optical components. The same optics and detector that image the sample also capture the calibrant spectrum, making the system self-calibrating and reducing overall device complexity
3Measurement precision
If sequential calibration and imaging are performed, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the calibration measurement and sample imaging into a single simultaneous operation by capturing both calibrant and sample spectra through the same optical path and detector at the same time, eliminating the need for separate sequential calibration steps while maintaining spectral accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary calibration action simultaneously with the imaging process rather than before it. The calibrant spectrum is captured and processed in conjunction with the sample spectrum, eliminating dedicated calibration time while ensuring calibration accuracy is applied to the imaging data
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
Enables accurate and efficient spectral imaging by eliminating the need for sequential calibration steps, improving the accuracy and practicality of spectroscopic analysis, especially for in vivo biological samples.
Implementation Method 1
a spectrograph for forming a sample spectrum from the first plurality of photons and a calibrant spectrum from the second plurality of photons
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for automated spectral calibration of a spectroscopy device. In one embodiment, the disclosure relates to a method for simultaneous calibration and spectral imaging of a sample by: simultaneously illuminating the sample and a calibrant with a plurality of illuminating photons; receiving, at the spectrometer, a first plurality of photons collected from the sample and a second plurality of photons collected from the calibrant; forming a calibrant spectrum from the first plurality of collected photons and a sample spectrum from the second plurality of collected photons; comparing the calibrant spectrum with a reference spectrum of the calibrant to determine a wavelength-shift in the calibrant spectrum; applying the wavelength-shift to the sample spectrum to obtain a calibrated sample spectrum; and forming a spatially accurate wavelength resolved image of the sample from the first plurality of collected photons.