Handheld Spectrometer Visible Aiming Beam
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spectrometers are too large, costly, and lack ideal resolution and accuracy for portable applications, with inadequate aiming characteristics and data integration, often providing only spectral data without relevant attributes of measured objects.
Innovation Solution
A compact, handheld spectrometer with wavelength multiplexing and a visible aiming beam to define the measurement area, coupled with a database for attribute determination, allowing users to associate spectral data with object attributes and share data easily.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If prior spectrometers are made smaller for portable applications, then device portability is improved, but measurement resolution and accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the optical parameters by using a lens array instead of a single lens, and by modifying the detector array configuration. This allows the spectrometer to maintain high resolution and accuracy while achieving a compact form factor suitable for portable applications.
2Ease of operation
If prior spectrometers are made more compact, then ease of transport is improved, but optical alignment requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical optical alignment systems with a lens array configuration that is less sensitive to alignment variations. This substitution reduces the complexity of optical alignment while maintaining compact size and ease of transport.
3Device complexity
If prior spectrometers provide only spectral data, then device complexity is reduced, but information utility worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing layer that transforms raw spectral data into meaningful object attribute information. This intermediary layer includes algorithms and databases that associate spectral signatures with object characteristics, thereby reducing information loss while maintaining manageable system complexity.
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 provides improved measurement accuracy, reduced artifacts, and the ability to determine relevant attributes of objects, making spectrometry more accessible and practical for end-users by integrating spectral data with object attributes and enhancing data sharing.
Implementation Method 1
A light source is configured to direct an optical beam to the sample within the field of view
Implementation Method 2
a portion of the optical beam reflected from the sample is visible to a user
Data Source
AI summary
A handheld spectrometer can be configured with a visible aiming beam to allow the user to determine the measured region of the object. When the visible aiming beam comprises the spectrometer measurement beam, the spectrometer measurement beam comprises sufficient energy for the user to see the measurement beam illuminating the object. When the visible aiming beam comprises a separate beam, the visible aiming beam comprises sufficient energy for the user to see a portion of the aiming beam reflected from the object. The visible aiming beam and measurement beam can be arranged to at least partially overlap on the sample, such that the user has an indication of the area of the sample being measured.