Compact Spectrometer Module Using Segmented Sensor Dies

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current spectral sensing technologies are limited by the need for expensive, large, and complex devices that are not easily usable for acquiring spectral information, particularly for multi-spectral and hyperspectral applications.

Innovation Solution

A compact spectrometer module is developed with integrated electronic circuit modules on separate dies, allowing for efficient detection of various wavelengths using a common optical module, and includes a processing unit for calculating intensity and correction of spectral data, enabling use in portable devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional spectral sensing devices are used, then spectral information can be acquired, but the devices are expensive, large, and complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespectral information acquisitionVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor circuit is divided into multiple independent sensor modules, each capable of detecting specific wavelength ranges. These modules can be independently designed, manufactured, and arranged to detect different wavelength ranges, enabling spectral sensing functionality while reducing the complexity of a monolithic device

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A common optical module is designed to serve multiple sensor modules simultaneously. This optical module can direct light to different sensor modules to detect various wavelength ranges, making the optical system multi-functional and reducing overall device complexity and cost

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If traditional spectral sensing devices are used, then spectral information can be acquired, but the devices are large in size

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespectral information acquisitionVSAvoiddevice size
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the sensor circuit into multiple small sensor modules that can be closely arranged, the overall device footprint is reduced while maintaining spectral sensing capabilities across multiple wavelength ranges

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple sensor modules detecting different wavelength ranges are integrated into a single compact device with a shared optical module, combining multiple functions into one small unit and reducing the total volume required for spectral sensing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Measurement precision

If traditional spectral sensing devices are used, then spectral information can be acquired, but the devices are not easy to use

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespectral information acquisitionVSAvoidusability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The segmented sensor module architecture allows for independent optimization of each module for specific wavelength ranges, enabling simpler, more specialized detection units that are easier to operate and configure for specific applications

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The common optical module designed to work with multiple sensor modules provides a universal interface that simplifies operation, as users can select different wavelength ranges by activating appropriate sensor modules without changing the optical path or complex configurations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 the acquisition of spectral information using a small, inexpensive, and user-friendly device capable of detecting a wide range of wavelengths, facilitating applications in various fields by improving the efficiency and usability of spectral sensing.

Implementation Method 1

an integrated sensor circuit, having a light sensitive area for detecting incident light of a plurality of wavelengths

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric Effect: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3184975B1A spectrometer module
Publication Date: 2023.08.30 SPECTRICITY
  • EP3184975B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3184975B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3184975B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The present invention relates to a spectrometer module (10), comprising: a plurality of separate electronic circuit modules (20), each comprising an integrated sensor circuit including a light sensitive area (22) occupying part of an area of the integrated sensor circuit, the integrated sensor circuit being arranged to detect incident light, wherein the plurality of separate electronic circuit modules (20) include a group of adjacent electronic circuit modules (20) and the light sensitive areas (22) of the electronic circuit modules (20) are so arranged on the respective integrated sensor circuits that the group is mounted so that the light sensitive areas (22) thereof are arranged in vicinity to each other, and an optical module (10), which is common to said plurality of separate electronic circuit modules (20) and arranged to direct incident light towards the light sensitive areas (22) of each of said electronic circuit modules (20).