Spectral Sensing Device With Integrated Self-Calibration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spectral sensing devices face drifting effects due to alterations in radiation sources and detectors, requiring frequent manual calibration with predefined targets, which is cumbersome for users lacking technical expertise.
Innovation Solution
A spectral sensing device with integrated self-calibration capabilities, utilizing a radiation emitting element, photosensitive detector, and optical element to perform automatic calibration without external targets, using detector signals to correct for drifting effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual calibration with predefined targets is performed, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to requiring user intervention and external targets
Solution Approach 1:
The spectral sensing device performs automatic self-calibration using its own radiation source and detector. The control unit executes calibration routines by directing radiation from the source through optical elements to the detector, capturing calibration spectra, and computing correction factors without requiring external calibration targets or user intervention. This self-service mechanism maintains measurement accuracy while eliminating the need for manual calibration operations.
2Reliability
If frequent calibration is performed to correct drifting effects, then measurement reliability is improved, but loss of time and productivity deteriorate due to repeated calibration interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit is configured to perform calibration measurements at predetermined time intervals automatically. The system schedules calibration routines periodically without user intervention, capturing calibration spectra and updating correction factors at regular intervals. This periodic automatic calibration maintains measurement reliability while minimizing time loss by eliminating manual setup and execution of calibration procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The spectral sensing device maintains continuous operational capability by performing calibration measurements during predetermined time intervals without requiring external targets or manual intervention. The automatic calibration process ensures the device remains in a calibrated state throughout operation, maintaining continuous useful action for spectral analysis while minimizing interruptions to the measurement workflow.
3Measurement precision
If external calibration targets are used, then calibration accuracy is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation worsen due to requiring additional components and user setup
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the calibration function from external dependencies by utilizing the device's own radiation source and detector for calibration measurements. Instead of requiring external calibration targets, the system uses its inherent components to generate and detect calibration spectra. This extraction eliminates the need for additional external components while maintaining calibration accuracy through the device's built-in optical path and detection capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The radiation source and detector serve dual functions: they perform both measurement operations and calibration operations. The same optical elements, source, and detector used for spectral analysis of samples are also used for generating and detecting calibration spectra. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate calibration-specific components, reducing device complexity while maintaining calibration accuracy through the universal application of the optical detection system.
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 reliable and cost-effective automatic calibration, maintaining measurement accuracy without the need for user intervention or external calibration targets.
Implementation Method 1
at least one radiation emitting element, wherein the at least one radiation emitting element is designated for emitting the optical radiation
Implementation Method 2
at least one photosensitive detector, wherein the at least one photosensitive detector has at least one photosensitive region designated for receiving optical radiation, wherein at least one detector signal as generated by the at least one photosensitive detector is dependent on an illumination of the at least one photosensitive region
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein is a spectral sensing device that includesat least one photosensitive detector, where the at least one photosensitive detector has at least one photosensitive region designated for receiving optical radiation, where at least one detector signal as generated by the at least one photosensitive detector is dependent on an illumination of the at least one photosensitive region;at least one radiation emitting element;at least one optical element; andat least one evaluation unit, where the at least one evaluation unit is configured to perform a calibration of the spectral sensing device by using at least one first detector signal as generated by the at least one photosensitive detector upon the illumination of the at least one photosensitive region by a first portion of the optical radiation. Also described herein is a method for measuring optical radiation with a spectral sensing device.