Spectrometer Wavelength Compensation Algorithm

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Solution Overview

Problem

Spectrometric measuring systems exhibit wavelength-dependent absorption sensitivity due to electro-optical components and manufacturing tolerances, leading to deviations from ideal measurement signals and varying measured values, especially at high absorptions.

Innovation Solution

Calibration of the system using known reference standards and creation of a wavelength-dependent compensation algorithm for linearization, which adjusts the system to maintain consistent sensitivity across the desired wavelength range.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If wavelength-dependent absorption sensitivity is present due to electro-optical components and manufacturing tolerances, then the measuring system can operate with standard components, but the measurement precision deteriorates especially at high absorptions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of manufactureVSAvoidmeasurement precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by performing calibration before actual measurements. A calibration curve is generated using reference standards with known absorption characteristics, and this calibration information is stored and applied to subsequent measurements to correct for wavelength-dependent sensitivity variations. This preliminary calibration step ensures that the system compensates for manufacturing tolerances and component variations before real measurement takes place.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of sensitivity by introducing a wavelength-dependent compensation factor. Instead of accepting the inherent wavelength variation in absorption sensitivity, the system calculates a compensation factor from calibration data and applies it to normalize the sensitivity across different wavelengths, transforming the non-ideal response into an ideal linear response.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If calibration and compensation algorithm are implemented, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The calibration process is performed as a preliminary action during system setup, and the resulting compensation algorithm is pre-calculated and stored. This eliminates the need for complex real-time calculations during actual measurements, as the system simply applies the pre-computed compensation factors to correct the absorption values.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex hardware modifications with a software-based compensation approach. Instead of physically modifying optical components or adding hardware filters to correct wavelength dependence, the system uses computational algorithms to mathematically compensate for sensitivity variations, substituting mechanical complexity with computational simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If multiple calibration points and reference standards are used, then compensation accuracy improves, but the time required for calibration increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompensation accuracyVSAvoidcalibration time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by using multiple reference standards with different known absorption characteristics at specific wavelengths. Instead of requiring a comprehensive continuous calibration across all wavelengths, the system uses a discrete set of localized calibration points at critical wavelengths, and interpolates between these points for the full compensation curve, reducing calibration time while maintaining accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 linearization process expands the measuring range and increases robustness to manufacturing tolerances, ensuring consistent measurement signals and minimizing variations in measured values.

Implementation Method 1

A measuring system comprises at least one light source (1), an operated spectrometer (3), and a data processing unit (4)... The measuring system has a wavelength-dependent absorption sensitivity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption (EM radiation): Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

due to the wavelength-dependent refractive index, wavelength-dependent sensitivity curves of electro-optical components

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Data Source

PatentUS11467033B2Method for compensation in a measuring system

Publication Date: 2022.10.11 ENDRESS HAUSER CONDUCTA GMBH CO KG

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for compensation for different sensitivities at different wavelengths in a spectrometric measuring system, including steps of calibrating the measuring system in a wavelength range with respect to one or more known reference standards, creating a wavelength-dependent compensation algorithm for linearization, and adjusting the measuring system using the compensation algorithm. The invention further discloses a corresponding measuring system.