Optical device components

• US 7,809,418 B2
• Filed: 10/03/2008
• Issued: 10/05/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 10/04/2007
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: St. Louis Medical Devices, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Curators of the University of Missouri (University of Missouri)
• Inventors: Xu, Zhi
• Primary Examiner(s): Winakur; Eric F
• Application Number:
  US12/245,298
• Publication Number:
  US 20090105565A1
• Time in Patent Office: 732 Days
• Field of Search: 600/316, 600/322, 600/310
• US Class Current: 600/322
• 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: G01N 21/359 using near infrared light
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 21/474 Details of optical heads therefor, e.g. using optical fibres

Abstract

Embodiments of the invention relate to an apparatus including a light source to generate a plurality of light beams with each of the plurality of light beams having a different wavelength range. The apparatus also includes a light funnel to direct the plurality of light beams to the target area, an aperture to direct the plurality of light beams emitting from the target area to a lens, the lens configured to collect the light beams emitting from the target area. Further, the apparatus includes a detector including a plurality of light-sensing devices each configured to detect a light beam and configured to generate an output signal indicative of an intensity of light detected and a processor for determining the blood characteristic as a function of each generated output signal.

Claims

1. An apparatus, comprising:

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

a light funnel, of frusto-conical shape, to collect the plurality of light beams through an entrance opening having a first diameter and to direct the plurality of light beams to a target area through an exit opening having a second diameter, wherein the second diameter is less than the first diameter;

an aperture to direct the plurality of light beams emitting from the target area;

a lens configured to collect the plurality of light beams directed from the aperture;

a detector comprising a plurality of light-sensing devices each configured to detect a light beam passing through the lens and configured to generate an output signal indicative of an intensity of light detected; and

a processor for determining a blood characteristic as a function of each generated output signal.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of interference filters each configured to pass a different one of the plurality of light beams emitting from the target area as a function of wavelength range, wherein the plurality of interference filters are positioned between the lens and the detector.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising a transmission grating, positioned between the lens and the detector.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the light source comprises one or more light emitting diodes.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the light source comprises one or more incandescent light sources.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the wavelength range comprises differing wavelength ranges between about 800 nm and about 1600 nm.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the light source is positioned at the entrance opening of the light funnel.

8. An apparatus, comprising:

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

a light funnel, of frusto-conical shape, to collect the plurality of light beams through an entrance opening having a first diameter and to direct the plurality of light beams to a target area through an exit opening having a second diameter, wherein the second diameter is less than the first diameter;

an aperture to direct the plurality of light beams emitting from the target area;

a lens to collect the plurality of light beams directed from the aperture;

one or more detectors each configured to detect a light beam passing through the lens and configured to generate an output signal indicative of an intensity of light detected;

one or more filters positioned between the lens and the detector; and

a processor for determining a blood characteristic as a function of each generated output signal.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, further comprising a transmission grating, positioned between the lens and the one or more filters.

10. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the one or more filters are interference filters.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the one or more interference filters are each configured to pass a different one of the plurality of light beams emitting from the target area as a function of wavelength range.

12. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the one or more detectors are positioned near or in contact with the one or more filters.

13. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the one or more detectors comprises a detector array.

14. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the plurality of light beams is generated from incandescent light sources.

15. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the plurality of light beams is generated from infrared emitting diodes.