Spectrometer with Dynamic Optical Path for Contactless Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spectrometer devices face challenges in mobile spectroscopy, particularly in determining spectroscopic information for contactless measurements, especially with translucent or partially opaque samples where distance measurement is unclear, and in consumer applications that are time-consuming and unreliable due to the variety of samples and analytes.
Innovation Solution
A spectrometer device configured with a wavelength selective element, a pixelated imaging detector, and an evaluation device that determines spectral or spectroscopic information by evaluating intensities of constituent wavelength signals, distance information, and material information, allowing for contactless spectroscopy with variable distances and improved reliability in consumer applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a fixed and closed light pathway is used in spectrometers, then measurement precision is improved, but adaptability deteriorates due to inability to accommodate mobile spectroscopy requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic light pathway system where the optical path can be adjusted and reconfigured based on measurement requirements. The spectrometer allows variable light pathways that can adapt to different sample positions and measurement conditions, enabling both precise measurements and mobile application versatility through dynamic optical routing.
Solution Approach 2:
The light pathway is divided into multiple independent segments or channels that can be individually controlled and configured. This segmentation allows different parts of the optical path to be optimized for specific functions while maintaining overall system flexibility for mobile spectroscopy applications.
2Ease of operation
If reflective spectroscopy mode is used for opaque samples, then ease of operation is improved by allowing contactless measurement, but measurement precision deteriorates due to unknown distance and translucency parameters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary transmissive measurement mode that bridges the gap between contactless operation and accurate spectroscopic analysis. By allowing light to pass through the sample in a controlled manner, the system obtains precise absorption data without requiring direct contact, thus maintaining ease of operation while improving measurement precision through accurate distance and translucency parameter determination.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts measurement parameters such as light path length, illumination intensity, and detection settings based on the determined distance and sample translucency. These parameter changes enable the spectrometer to optimize measurements for different sample types and distances, maintaining precision across varying operational conditions.
3Measurement precision
If transmissive spectroscopy with cuvette is used, then measurement precision is improved by controlling light path, but device complexity increases and ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the light pathway control function from the sample holder (cuvette) and integrates it into the spectrometer system itself. By building the controlled light path directly into the instrument, the system maintains measurement precision without requiring external cuvettes or complex sample preparation, thus simplifying operation and reducing device complexity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If mobile spectrometer with variable light pathway is used, then adaptability is improved for different measurement scenarios, but measurement precision deteriorates due to pathway alteration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic light pathway system where the optical path can be adjusted and reconfigured based on measurement requirements. The spectrometer allows variable light pathways that can adapt to different sample positions and measurement conditions, enabling both precise measurements and mobile application versatility through dynamic optical routing.
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
The solution enables reliable determination of spectroscopic information in mobile spectroscopy applications, including contactless measurements, and improves the efficiency and reliability of consumer applications by accurately handling various samples and analytes.
Implementation Method 1
a wavelength selective element configured for separating incident light into a spectrum of constituent wavelength signals
Implementation Method 2
a pixelated imaging detector configured for determining intensities of the constituent wavelength signals
Implementation Method 3
to determine the attenuation according to the Beer-Lambert law
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein is a spectrometer device. The spectrometer device is configured for determining at least one spectral or spectroscopic information of at least one object. The spectrometer device is configured for determining intensities of constituent wavelength signals of at least one light beam propagating from the object to the spectrometer device. The spectrometer device includes at least one distance detector configured for determining at least one distance information about a distance between at least one object and the spectrometer device, at least one pixelated imaging detector configured for determining at least one image of the object, and at least one evaluation device configured for determining at least one material information of the object by evaluating of at least one image of the object determined by the pixelated imaging detector. The evaluation device is configured for performing at least one spectroscopic analysis of the determined intensities of constituent wavelength signals.