Spectrometer with Tunable Light Sources for Biometric Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current biometric information measurement instruments using spectroscopic techniques face challenges in accurately and efficiently measuring biometric data, such as blood glucose levels, due to limitations in broadband light sources and spectrum reconstruction methods, which affect the precision and reliability of non-invasive analyte determination.

Innovation Solution

A spectrometer system with multiple light sources and wavelength controllers, capable of fine-tuned peak wavelength adjustment through temperature control, combined with a detection unit and controller for time-division operation, enables precise biometric data measurement by reconstructing spectra using a Tikhonov regularization method.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a broadband light source and grating narrowband filter are used to acquire spectra, then the measurement can be performed with conventional components, but the measurement precision and reliability of biometric data are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebiometric data measurement precisionVSAvoidspectrometer system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the spectrum acquisition into multiple discrete wavelength channels, each handled by a separate light source with a specific peak wavelength. This segmentation allows precise control over the spectral content at each wavelength, improving measurement precision while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular architecture

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent adjusts the peak wavelengths of multiple light sources to precisely match the absorption characteristics of target analytes. By changing the wavelength parameter of each light source according to specific measurement needs, the system achieves high measurement precision for different biometric parameters without requiring complex broadband filtering

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If multiple light sources with different peak wavelengths are used to improve spectrum reconstruction, then the measurement accuracy increases, but the device complexity and control difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespectrum reconstruction accuracyVSAvoidlight source control complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The controller is designed as a universal management unit that handles multiple light sources with different peak wavelengths through a unified control algorithm. This multi-functional controller can selectively activate and adjust any combination of light sources based on the measurement requirements, simplifying the control architecture despite the diversity of light sources

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs time-division multiplexing where multiple light sources are activated sequentially rather than simultaneously. Each light source operates in periodic intervals, allowing the detector to capture signals from different wavelengths at different times. This periodic action reduces spectral interference and simplifies the control logic compared to simultaneous multi-wavelength operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Measurement precision

If temperature control is applied to adjust peak wavelengths of light sources, then the wavelength precision improves, but the system complexity and power consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepeak wavelength precisionVSAvoidtemperature control power consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The system utilizes temperature as a control parameter to adjust the peak wavelengths of light sources. By changing the temperature parameter within a controlled range, the peak wavelengths are tuned to precisely match the absorption peaks of target analytes, achieving high measurement precision with simple thermal control mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The light sources inherently exhibit temperature-dependent wavelength shifts that can be exploited for tuning. The system leverages this self-property of the light sources, where temperature changes naturally result in peak wavelength adjustments without requiring additional mechanical or optical tuning components, thereby reducing overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3318854B1Spectrometer, apparatus and method for measuring biometric information
Publication Date: 2023.01.18 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3318854B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3318854B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3318854B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A spectrometer according to one aspect may include a plurality of light sources configured to emit light to a target object, a plurality of wavelength controllers installed on one surface of each of the plurality of light sources and configured to adjust a peak wavelength band of each of the light sources, and a detection unit configured to detect light returning from the target object.