Multi-Wavelength Spectrometer Gain Control for Accurate Bio-Signal Sensing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current spectrometers face challenges in accurately measuring bio-information, such as blood glucose, due to limitations in adjusting amplification gains for varying photoreaction properties of objects, leading to potential saturation and reduced measurement accuracy.

Innovation Solution

A spectrometer system that includes a light source emitting multiple wavelengths, a detector, and a controller that sets optimal amplification gains for each wavelength based on photoreaction properties, using a combination of Trans-Impedance Amplifiers and Variable Gain Amplifiers to prevent saturation and enhance signal processing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a fixed amplification gain is used for all wavelengths, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to saturation and quantization noise

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveamplifier configurationVSAvoidbio-information measurement accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The amplification process is segmented into multiple stages: a first amplifier with high gain for weak signals and a second amplifier with low gain for strong signals. The controller selectively activates appropriate amplifiers based on the detected signal strength at different wavelengths, preventing saturation while maintaining measurement precision for both weak and strong signals.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The amplification gain is made dynamic rather than fixed. The controller adjusts the amplification gain based on the detected signal strength and photoreaction properties at each wavelength, switching between different amplifiers to optimize the gain setting for each measurement condition, thereby preventing saturation and reducing quantization noise.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Measurement precision

If the amplification gain is increased to detect weak optical signals, then the measurement precision for weak signals is improved, but the amplifier output saturates for strong signals

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveweak signal detection capabilityVSAvoidamplifier output saturation
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The amplification function is segmented into multiple parallel amplification paths with different gain levels. The first amplifier provides high gain for weak optical signals, while the second amplifier provides low gain for strong signals. This segmentation allows the system to handle both weak and strong signals without saturation by selecting the appropriate amplification path.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The amplification parameter (gain) is changed based on the signal strength and wavelength. The controller adjusts the amplification gain dynamically, selecting higher gain for weak signals and lower gain for strong signals, thereby preventing saturation while maintaining sensitivity for weak signal detection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If the amplification gain is decreased to prevent saturation, then the amplifier reliability is improved, but the measurement precision for weak signals deteriorates due to quantization noise

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveamplifier output stabilityVSAvoidweak signal detection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The detection system is segmented into multiple amplification channels with different gain settings. The controller selects the appropriate channel based on the signal strength, ensuring that weak signals are amplified sufficiently for accurate detection while strong signals use lower gain to avoid saturation, thus maintaining both precision and reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The controller uses feedback from the detected signal strength to dynamically adjust the amplification gain. By monitoring the optical signal intensity at each wavelength, the controller selects the appropriate amplification level, ensuring optimal precision for weak signals while preventing saturation for strong signals.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

4Ease of operation

If a single amplification setting is used for all wavelengths, then the ease of operation is improved, but the adaptability to varying photoreaction properties deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveamplifier control simplicityVSAvoidwavelength-specific optimization
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The amplification system is made dynamic with automatic adaptation to different wavelengths and photoreaction properties. The controller automatically adjusts the amplification gain based on the detected signal characteristics at each wavelength, eliminating the need for manual adjustment while maintaining optimal performance across varying conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-adjustment of amplification gains based on the detected optical signals and known photoreaction properties. The controller automatically selects appropriate amplification settings without user intervention, adapting to different wavelengths and object properties while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 allows for precise measurement of bio-information by optimizing amplification gains for each wavelength, minimizing quantization noise and improving the accuracy of bio-data measurement without saturating the amplifier output.

Implementation Method 1

a light source part configured to emit light of a plurality of wavelengths onto an object

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight emission: Light

Implementation Method 2

a detector configured to detect an optical signal of each of the plurality of wavelengths reflected by returning from the object

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric detection: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3489642B1Spectrometer, method of controlling output gain of spectrometer, and apparatus and method for measuring bio-information
Publication Date: 2024.01.17 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3489642B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3489642B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3489642B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Provided is a spectrometer. The spectrometer includes: a light source part configured to emit light of a plurality of wavelengths onto an object; a detector configured to detect an optical signal of each of the plurality of wavelengths as reflected from the object; a controller configured to set an amplification gain for each of the plurality of wavelengths according to photoreaction properties of the object; and an amplifier configured to amplify an output signal of the detector by using the set amplification gain.