Hand-Held Spectrometer Indicator Lights for Fogged Mask Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
First responders wearing hazmat suits face difficulties in operating hand-held FTIR and Raman spectrometers due to limited visibility and dexterity, as the mask often fogs, making it hard to read screen instructions for successful sample scanning.
Innovation Solution
A hand-held spectrometer with indicator lights positioned around the ATR platform, allowing users to operate without reading the screen, using color changes to indicate states such as sample match, error, or battery charge, facilitating operation in hazardous conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the user operates the hand-held spectrometer while wearing a hazmat suit, then the user can work in hazardous conditions, but the mask fogs making it difficult to read screen instructions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces indicator lights as an intermediary communication medium between the spectrometer and the user. These lights provide workflow status information without requiring the user to read screen text, thus solving the visibility problem caused by fogged masks while maintaining the ability to operate in hazardous conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the reliance on visual screen reading (optical/mechanical display system) with an optical signaling system using indicator lights. This substitution provides critical information through simple light signals that are visible despite mask fogging, eliminating the need for clear screen visibility.
2Loss of information
If the user relies on screen instructions to follow the workflow, then detailed information can be displayed, but the user cannot successfully execute scans due to limited visibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback system using indicator lights that provide real-time status information about the spectrometer's workflow state. The lights indicate when background scanning is complete, when sample scanning is in progress, and when results are ready, enabling users to follow the workflow without reading screen instructions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses color changes in indicator lights to convey different workflow states and information. Different colors indicate different operational statuses (e.g., green for ready, red for scanning, yellow for error), providing intuitive visual feedback that guides users through the scanning process without requiring text reading.
3Reliability
If the user wears gloves for protection, then safety is maintained, but dexterity to manipulate the spectrometer and sample is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automated functions that reduce the need for manual manipulation. The spectrometer automatically performs background scanning, sample scanning, and result analysis, requiring minimal user intervention beyond simple actions like placing the sample and pressing a scan button. This automation maintains safety while compensating for reduced dexterity.
4Loss of information
If the spectrometer provides detailed screen instructions, then comprehensive guidance is available, but the user cannot read them due to mask fogging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces indicator lights as an intermediary communication channel that bypasses the fogged mask problem. These lights provide essential workflow information through optical signals that are visible despite the reduced light transmission through the fogged mask, ensuring users can follow instructions without direct screen reading.
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 first responders to perform spectrometer operations without reading the screen, improving usability and accuracy by providing visual cues for workflow steps, reducing user errors and fog-related visibility issues.
Implementation Method 1
ATR capitalizes on total internal reflected light produced at the interface of a configured internally reflecting element (IRE) and a coupled sample plane. In operation, a beam of light (e.g., infrared) is passed through the IRE crystal in such a way that it reflects at least once off of the internal surface in contact with the sample.
Implementation Method 2
Raman, has the advantage, in backscatter collection mode that it can collect data through transparent containers, such as vials, bottles and plastic bags. In operation, a beam of monochromatic laser light is directed at and into the sample. This induces the molecules in the sample to vibrate, consuming some of the laser energy. Light is rescattered from the sample, and the rescattered light contains spectral information that is unique to the sample.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
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AI summary
A hand-held spectrometer includes at least one indicator light and a processor configured to control the at least one indicator light to indicate a state of the hand-held spectrometer selected from a group consisting of a background scanning state, a ready-to- scan-sample state, a signal strength state, a fluorescence intensity state, a sample match state, a sample classification state, an error state, a data transfer state, a battery charge state, and a memory capacity state. The sample match state can be, for example, one of a positive match state, a mixture match state, a negative match state, and a match error state. In some embodiments, the error state can be at least one of a background error state, a user error state, and an instrument error state, or any combination thereof.