Spectral Sensor Calibration via Dual Optical Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spectral sensing devices face challenges in calibration, particularly due to detector instability and radiation source degradation, which require frequent calibration with reference standards and can be cumbersome and user-intensive.
Innovation Solution
A method for calibrating spectral sensing devices without the need for a calibration standard, utilizing a dual optical path system where one path is unaffected by the sample and the other path includes the sample, allowing for the determination of calibration information through detector signals obtained from these paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional calibration methods using reference standards are employed, then measurement accuracy can be maintained, but device complexity and user involvement increase
Solution Approach 1:
The spectral sensing device performs self-calibration by using its own detector signals from two different optical paths (with and without sample) to automatically determine calibration information. This eliminates the need for external reference standards and manual calibration operations, allowing the device to calibrate itself autonomously while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the calibration function from the traditional reference standard-based process and integrates it into the device's normal measurement operation. By using the detector's response to light from the same source through different optical paths, the calibration information is derived directly from the measurement process itself, removing the separate calibration step.
2Reliability
If frequent calibration is performed to compensate for detector instability and source degradation, then measurement reliability improves, but loss of time and productivity decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration process is made continuous by integrating it into the normal measurement operation. The device continuously determines calibration information using the same detector and light source during regular measurements, eliminating interruptions and ensuring that calibration is always current without requiring separate calibration sessions.
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs preliminary calibration actions by continuously monitoring the detector's response to light from the source through the reference optical path. This ongoing preparation ensures that calibration data is always available and up-to-date, eliminating the need for frequent interruptive recalibration sessions.
3Measurement precision
If manual calibration with reference standards is used, then calibration accuracy can be ensured, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device automatically performs calibration by comparing detector signals from two optical paths (one with sample, one without) and calculating calibration information without requiring user intervention. The system self-manages the entire calibration process, from data collection to computation, eliminating manual steps while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces an intermediary computational process that automatically processes the detector signals from both optical paths to derive calibration information. This intermediary algorithmic step replaces manual calibration operations, maintaining accuracy through systematic computation while eliminating user involvement.
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 easy, cost-effective, and user-friendly automated calibration of spectral sensing devices, reducing the need for frequent recalibrations and minimizing user involvement, while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
a detector element configured for generating a detector signal in response to an illumination of the detector element by incident light
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a method of calibrating a spectral sensing device. The spectral sensing device includes:a. at least one detector element;b. at least one wavelength-selective element;c. at least one light source:d. at least one sample interface;e. at least one first optical path; andf. at least one second optical path.The method includes:I. illuminating the detector element via the at least one first optical path;II. illuminating the detector element via the at least one second optical path with no sample applied to the sample interface;III. illuminating the detector element via the at least one second optical path with at least one calibration sample applied to the sample interface; andIV. determining at least one item of calibration information by using the first detector signal, the open port detector signal and the calibration detector signal.Further disclosed herein are a method of determining at least one calibrated optical property of at least one sample, a spectral sensing device and computer programs and computer-readable storage media for performing the methods.