Tunable LED Spectral Optimization for Imaging Contrast
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spectroscopic imaging systems lack in situ optimization of tunable light emitting diode (LED) sources driven by real-time feedback from image sensors, which limits their ability to effectively discriminate between target and background materials.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize a tunable LED source with multiple tuning states to generate and process data sets from image sensors, applying optical computations to determine if the generated score image data set satisfies a tolerance level, and repeating the process until the tolerance is met, allowing for in situ optimization and improved discrimination between target and background materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional spectroscopic imaging systems use fixed illumination sources, then system simplicity is maintained, but the ability to discriminate between target and background materials is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a tunable LED source that can dynamically adjust its illumination spectrum across multiple tuning states (e.g., narrowband, mediumband, wideband spectral profiles). This dynamic spectral tuning capability allows the system to optimize discrimination between target and background materials by selecting appropriate spectral bandwidths, while maintaining LED-based simplicity rather than transitioning to complex laser or synchrotron systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the spectral parameters of the illumination source by tuning the LED to different operating conditions (current, voltage, temperature) that produce distinct spectral profiles. This parameter adjustment enables the same LED device to provide multiple spectral characteristics, improving measurement precision without adding multiple fixed wavelength sources.
2Measurement precision
If in situ optimization with real-time feedback is implemented, then discrimination performance is improved, but processing time and computational load increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback loop where the imager captures images at different LED tuning states, and processing circuitry analyzes these images to determine optimal spectral profiles for discrimination. The system uses this feedback to iteratively adjust the LED tuning states, converging on optimal parameters that maximize target-background contrast while minimizing unnecessary iterations through efficient image analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs optimization on a subset of key spectral parameters rather than exhaustively searching all possible tuning combinations. By focusing on the most influential spectral characteristics for discrimination, the system achieves good discrimination accuracy with reduced processing time compared to complete parameter space exploration.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple LED tuning states are used to improve discrimination, then spectral selectivity is enhanced, but system complexity and control difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes a single LED source multi-functional by enabling it to operate in multiple tuning states that produce different spectral profiles (narrowband, mediumband, wideband). This universal LED replaces what would traditionally require multiple fixed-wavelength LED sources or more complex spectral illumination systems, maintaining ease of operation while achieving spectral adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces control circuitry as an intermediary that manages the complexity of multiple LED tuning states. This intermediary layer handles the coordination of spectral selection, image acquisition timing, and parameter adjustment, shielding the user from direct complexity while enabling versatile spectral adaptability through automated control sequences.
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 approach enables real-time optimization of the tunable LED source, enhancing the discrimination between target and background materials by generating a score image data set that meets specific tolerance levels, such as improved contrast and accuracy in analyte detection.
Implementation Method 1
a tunable light emitting diode source having a plurality of tuning states corresponding to a plurality of illumination spectrums
Implementation Method 2
receiving at least a first data set from an image sensor. The first data set is collected by the image sensor based on illumination of a sample
Data Source
AI summary
Systems for and methods for in situ optimization of tunable light emitting diode sources are disclosed herein. During operation, the systems and methods obtain real-time feedback from an image sensor, and that feedback is used to tune the tunable LEDs. By tuning the tunable LEDs, the best values for the LED spectral output can be selected based on the feedback from the image sensor, and an image with improved contrast is obtained. Alternatively, the amount of time to obtain an image with acceptable contrast is reduced.