Spectrometer Outside Light Calibration Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Spectrometers face challenges in precise measurement due to external light interference, which affects the accuracy of optical spectrum analysis, especially when outside light enters the measurement environment.

Innovation Solution

A spectrometer design that includes a light source with multiple elements emitting different wavelengths, a wavelength selection element, and a control section for switching between calibration and measurement modes, allowing for analysis and adjustment of outside light characteristics to optimize reference light emission and improve measurement accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If outside light enters the measurement environment, then the measurement environment becomes more realistic, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to outside light interference

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement environment realismVSAvoidoptical spectrum measurement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary calibration by measuring outside light characteristics before actual measurement. The control section stores outside light characteristics in advance, then uses this stored information to correct measurement data, effectively removing outside light interference from subsequent measurements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback by using detected outside light characteristics to adjust and correct measurement results. The control section calculates corrected spectral characteristics by subtracting the stored outside light characteristics from raw measurement data, creating a closed-loop correction mechanism

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Device complexity

If a single light source is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the signal strength and S/N ratio deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight source configurationVSAvoidsignal strength and S/N ratio

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The light source is segmented into multiple independent light-emitting elements, each emitting light at different wavelengths. This segmentation allows each element to be optimized for specific wavelength ranges, improving overall signal strength and S/N ratio while maintaining manageable device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple light-emitting elements with different emission wavelengths work together to provide comprehensive spectral coverage. This multi-functional light source configuration enables the system to handle various measurement requirements across different wavelength ranges with a single integrated system

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Device complexity

If the amount of light from each light-emitting element is not adjusted, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to unequal light distribution

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight control mechanismVSAvoidspectral characteristics accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

Each light-emitting element is assigned a specific emission amount tailored to its wavelength characteristics and the outside light conditions at that wavelength. The control section individually adjusts the drive current for each element, creating localized optimization of light emission to achieve uniform spectral measurement accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically changes the emission parameters (drive current) of each light-emitting element based on outside light characteristics. By adjusting these parameters according to wavelength-specific conditions, the system optimizes signal strength and measurement precision for each spectral region

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 configuration enables precise measurement of spectral characteristics by accounting for outside light, enhancing accuracy and signal strength while simplifying gain adjustments, thereby improving the S/N ratio.

Implementation Method 1

a wavelength selection element that selectively extracts light of a predetermined wavelength from light reflected or transmitted from or through the object

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWavelength selection: Filter (optical)

Implementation Method 2

a detection section that detects the amount of light extracted from the wavelength selection element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoelectric effect: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS8922766B2Spectrometer

Publication Date: 2014.12.30 SEIKO EPSON CORP

AI summary

A spectrometer includes a light source section that includes a plurality of LEDs having different emission wavelengths, a variable wavelength interference filter that selectively extracts light of a predetermined wavelength, a detector that detects the amount of light, and a control circuit section. The control circuit section includes a mode switching section that switches a calibration mode and a measurement mode, an outside light analysis section that analyzes characteristics of outside light in the calibration mode, a reference light setting section that set the amount of light emitted from each of the LEDs on the basis of the characteristics of the outside light, and a light source driving section that drives each of the LEDs on the basis of the amount of light emitted which is set in the measurement mode.