OPTICAL DEVICE COMPONENTS

• US 20090079964A1
• Filed: 09/12/2008
• Published: 03/26/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 09/13/2007
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: St. Louis Medical Devices, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Curators of the University of Missouri (University of Missouri)
• Inventors: Xu, Zhi
• Granted Patent: US 7,961,304 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 356/39
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0059 using light, e.g. diagnosis by transillumination, diascopy, fluorescence A61B5/0093, A61B5/1455, A61B5/02416 and A61B5/0261 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/14532 for measuring glucose, e.g. by tissue impedance measurement
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/1455 using optical sensors, e.g. spectral photometrical oximeters
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6826 Finger
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6838 Clamps or clips

Abstract

Embodiments of the invention relate to a light illumination funnel. The funnel includes a first opening positioned to receive an incoming light source, a second opening positioned opposite the first opening and with a diameter smaller than the first opening and inner reflective walls, in contact with the first opening and second opening. The funnel has a half angle of less than 25 degrees. Embodiments also relate to a light collection funnel and an apparatus utilizing both a light illumination funnel and light collection funnel.

Claims

1. A light illumination funnel, comprising:

a first opening, positioned to receive an incoming light source;

a second opening, positioned opposite the first opening and with a diameter smaller than the first opening; and

inner reflective walls, in contact with the first opening and second opening;

wherein the funnel has a half angle of less than 25 degrees.

2. The light illumination funnel of claim 1, wherein the funnel has a half angle of about 10 to about 15 degrees.

3. The light illumination funnel of claim 1, further comprising a printed circuit board positioned near or in contact with the first opening.

4. The light illumination funnel of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of light sources in positioned near the first opening.

5. The light illumination funnel of claim 4, wherein the light sources are in contact with a printed circuit board.

6. The light illumination funnel of claim 4, wherein the light sources comprises infrared emitting diodes.

7. The light illumination funnel of claim 4, wherein the light sources are positioned in a three dimensional arrangement.

8. The light illumination funnel of claim 6, wherein the three dimensional arrangement comprises light sources positioned in horizontal and vertical layers.

9. The light illumination funnel of claim 4, wherein the light sources comprise incandescent light sources.

10. A light collection funnel, comprising:

a first opening, positioned to receive an incoming sample light source;

a second opening, positioned opposite the first opening and with a diameter larger than the first opening; and

inner reflective walls, in contact with the first opening and second opening.

11. The light collection funnel of claim 10, further comprising one or more detectors positioned near or in contact with the second opening.

12. The light collection funnel of claim 10, wherein the one or more detectors comprises a detector array.

13. The light collection funnel of claim 11, further comprising one or more filters, gratings or lenses positioned between the funnel and the one or more detectors.

14. An apparatus, comprising:

a light source configured to generate a plurality of light beams, each of the plurality of light beams having a different wavelength range;

a light illumination funnel for collecting the plurality of light beams through an entrance opening having a first diameter and for focusing and directing the plurality of light beams to the target area through an exit opening having a second diameter, wherein the second diameter is less than the first diameter;

a light collection funnel for collecting the plurality of light beams emitting from the target area at a second entrance opening having a third diameter and for directing the plurality of light beams through a second exit opening having a fourth diameter, wherein the third diameter is less than the fourth diameter;

a detector comprising a plurality of light-sensing devices each configured to detect a light beam directed through the second exit opening and to generate an output signal indicative of the power of light detected; and

a processor for analyzing the output signal and generating measurement data.

15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the light source comprises one or more light emitting diodes.

16. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the wavelength range comprises differing wavelength ranges between about 800 nm and 1200 nm.

17. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the light source is positioned at the entrance opening of the light illumination funnel.