Time of the vortex disapperaing and image analysis method of superabsorbent polymers powder and apparatus of the same

Abstract

A method for analyzing the disappearance time of vortices in superabsorbent polymer powder includes placing a stir bar in a beaker containing a sodium chloride solution; surrounding and illuminating the beaker with a ring light source; adding superabsorbent polymer powder to the beaker and timing the process; capturing an image of the vortex of the superabsorbent polymer powder using a camera; and performing real-time image analysis on the captured image using an electronic device to determine the disappearance time of the vortex.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to an image analysis method and apparatus for the disappearance time of vortexes in superabsorbent polymers (SAP) powder. Prior Technology

[0002] In the field of superabsorbent polymers (SAPs), determining the absorption rate of powder by observing the vortex disappearance time when the SAP powder absorbs moisture is a common practice. However, this method requires manual judgment, and the results are susceptible to the subjectivity of different analysts' image interpretations. Furthermore, the images observed by different analysts at different observation positions vary, further affecting the accuracy of the vortex disappearance time. Manual judgment is time-consuming and difficult to apply to large numbers of samples.

[0003] Therefore, providing an efficient and accurate analytical method and equipment for determining the disappearance time of vortices in highly absorbent polymer powder remains one of the goals that the industry urgently needs to develop. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The technical specification disclosed herein is an image analysis method for the disappearance time of vortices in highly absorbent polymer powder.

[0005] In one embodiment, the image analysis method for the disappearance time of superabsorbent polymer powder vortexes includes placing a stir bar in a beaker containing a sodium chloride solution; surrounding and illuminating the beaker with a ring light source; adding superabsorbent polymer powder to the beaker and timing the process; capturing an image of the vortex of the superabsorbent polymer powder using a camera; and performing real-time image analysis on the captured image using an electronic device to determine the vortex disappearance time.

[0006] In one embodiment, the image analysis method for the disappearance time of vortices in highly absorbent polymer powder further includes placing a beaker in a groove of the sample analysis platform.

[0007] In one embodiment, capturing an image of a vortex of superabsorbent polymer powder with a camera further includes causing the vortex to reflect light from an annular light source to produce an image, wherein the image includes an annular reflective area.

[0008] In one embodiment, performing real-time image analysis on images captured by a camera using an electronic device includes measuring the grayscale values ​​of multiple pixels in the image in real time; and determining whether the grayscale value of a pixel is lower than a threshold to obtain the vortex disappearance time.

[0009] In one embodiment, the image analysis method for the vortex disappearance time of superabsorbent polymer powder further includes defining an error correction coefficient based on the vortex disappearance time.

[0010] Another technical aspect disclosed herein is an image analysis device for the disappearance time of vortices in highly absorbent polymer powder.

[0011] In one embodiment, the image analysis device for the vortex disappearance time of superabsorbent polymer powder includes a housing, a sample analysis platform, a light source module, a camera module, a stirrer, and electronic devices. The light source module includes a ring-shaped light source disposed above the sample analysis platform. The camera module includes a camera disposed above the ring-shaped light source. The stirrer is located below the sample analysis platform. The electronic devices are electrically connected to the camera module.

[0012] In one embodiment, the image analysis device for the disappearance time of vortexes of highly absorbent polymer powder further includes a base connected to a sample analysis platform, wherein the base includes a limiting base plate and a stirrer is fixed between the limiting base plates of the base.

[0013] In one embodiment, the sample analysis platform includes a surface, and the surface is dark in color.

[0014] In one embodiment, the sample analysis platform includes a groove recessed from the surface.

[0015] In one embodiment, the vertical projection of the annular light source onto the sample analysis platform surrounds the groove.

[0016] In the above embodiments, the real-time image analysis method disclosed herein can reduce human error, improve analysis accuracy, and shorten analysis time. Capturing images of the vortex using a camera module and performing image processing via software avoids the differences arising from the subjectivity of different analysts in image judgment, which is present in manual judgment methods. The device disclosed herein improves the vortex recognition rate by incorporating a ring-shaped light source. The groove design of the sample analysis platform prevents beaker position displacement. The dark surface of the sample analysis platform prevents light reflection from interfering with image analysis results. The limiting base plate prevents the beaker from shifting relative to the stirring center of the electromagnetic stirrer, thus stabilizing image observation. Simple Explanation of the Diagram

[0017] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an image analysis device for the disappearance time of vortices in highly absorbent polymer powder according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the image analysis equipment for the disappearance time of the superabsorbent polymer powder vortex after the housing has been removed. Figure 3 is a schematic diagram from another perspective of the image analysis equipment for the disappearance time of the vortex of the highly absorbent polymer powder in Figure 2. Figure 4 is a flowchart of an image analysis method for the disappearance time of vortices in highly absorbent polymer powder according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the image analysis method for the disappearance time of vortices in highly absorbent polymer powder. Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of an image captured using the image analysis method for the disappearance time of vortices in superabsorbent polymer powder. Figures 7 and 8 are magnified views of the area selected in Figure 6 at different time points. Figures 9A to 9C are graphs showing the vortex disappearance time measured for different grades of superabsorbent polymer powder. Figures 10A to 10C are graphs showing the vortex disappearance time of different grades of superabsorbent polymer powder after error correction. Implementation Method

[0018] The following diagrams illustrate several embodiments of the present invention. For clarity, many practical details are included in the following description. However, it should be understood that these practical details are not intended to limit the present invention. In other words, in some embodiments of the present invention, these practical details are not essential. Furthermore, to simplify the drawings, some commonly used structures and components are depicted in simplified schematic form. For clarity, the thickness of layers and regions in the drawings may be exaggerated, and identical reference numerals represent identical components throughout the drawings.

[0019] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a superabsorbent polymer powder vortex disappearance time image analysis device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the superabsorbent polymer powder vortex disappearance time image analysis device 100 of Figure 1 after the housing has been removed. Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the superabsorbent polymer powder vortex disappearance time image analysis device 100 of Figure 2 from another perspective. Refer to Figures 1 through 3 simultaneously.

[0020] The image analysis device 100 for the disappearance time of vortexes of highly absorbent polymer powder includes a housing 110, a sample analysis platform 120, a light source module 130, a camera module 140, an electromagnetic stirrer 150, a base 160, a power supply 170, and electronic devices 180.

[0021] As shown in Figure 1, the enclosure 110 includes a shell 112, a door cover 114, an observation window 116, and support legs 118. The shell 112 and the door cover 114 can form a closed space to block light and prevent external ambient light from interfering with the image analysis results.

[0022] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the sample analysis platform 120 includes a groove 122 and a surface 124. The groove 122 is recessed downward from the surface 124. The groove 122 is configured to accommodate a container, such as a beaker, containing superabsorbent polymer powder and sodium chloride solution. The groove 122 serves as a beaker positioning hole to fix the observation area and prevent the beaker from shifting, which would cause differences in observation angle and light reflection intensity.

[0023] Specifically, surface 124 extends to the inner wall and bottom of groove 122. Surface 124, as well as the inner wall and bottom of groove 122, are dark-colored to avoid light reflection interfering with image analysis results. In one embodiment, the aperture L of groove 122 is approximately 0.3 mm larger than the beaker diameter, but this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0024] As shown in Figure 2, the lamp source module 130 includes an annular lamp source 132 and a movable slide 134 disposed above the sample analysis platform 120. The surface 124 of the sample analysis platform 120 faces the annular lamp source 132 of the lamp source module 130. The annular lamp source 132 is configured to surround a beaker and illuminate the absorbent polymer powder and sodium chloride solution inside the beaker. In other words, the vertical projection of the annular lamp source 132 on the sample analysis platform 120 surrounds the groove 122. The movable slide 134 is used to control the position of the annular lamp source 132, thereby adjusting the angle at which the light illuminates the beaker. The annular lamp source 132 is an LED white light source.

[0025] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the camera module 140 includes a camera 142, a rotating slide 144, and a movable slide 146. The camera 142 is positioned above the ring light source 132 to observe the vortex generated by the highly absorbent polymer powder in the beaker. The rotating slide 144 and the movable slide 146 are connected to the camera 142. The rotating slide 144 controls the angle at which the camera 142 observes the beaker. The movable slide 146 has vertical and horizontal rails to control the height of the camera 142.

[0026] As shown in Figure 3, the electromagnetic stirrer 150 is positioned below the sample analysis platform 120. A base 160 connects to the sample analysis platform 120. The base 160 includes a limiting base plate 162, and the electromagnetic stirrer 150 is embedded and fixed between the limiting base plates 162 of the base 160. This design prevents the beaker from shifting relative to the stirring center of the electromagnetic stirrer 150, thus stabilizing the observed images.

[0027] As shown in Figure 2, power supply 170 is electrically connected to lamp module 130 and camera module 140. Electronic device 180 is electrically connected to camera module 140. The image observed by camera 142 is transmitted to electronic device 180 for image processing to determine the vortex disappearance time. In the following paragraphs, it will be explained how to use the aforementioned equipment to perform the image analysis method for the vortex disappearance time of superabsorbent polymer powder.

[0028] Figure 4 is a flowchart of an image analysis method 200 for the vortex disappearance time of superabsorbent polymer powder according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The image analysis method 200 for the vortex disappearance time of superabsorbent polymer powder includes steps S1 to S7. Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the image analysis method 200 for the vortex disappearance time of superabsorbent polymer powder.

[0029] Refer to Figures 4 and 5. In step S1, the beaker 300 is placed in the groove 122 of the sample analysis platform 120.

[0030] In step S2, the stir bar 400 is placed in a beaker 300 containing a sodium chloride solution. For example, 50 ml of a 0.9% sodium chloride (NaCl) solution can be added to a 100 ml beaker 300. Then, the cylindrical magnetic stir bar 400 is placed in. The stir bar 400 is kept rotating at approximately 400 ± 50 rpm by the electromagnetic stirrer 150, thereby creating a vortex on the surface of the liquid in the beaker 300.

[0031] In step S3, a ring light source 132 surrounds and illuminates the beaker 300. The position of the ring light source 132 is adjusted by moving the slide 134 (see Figure 2). This allows the curved surface formed by the intersection of the vortex and the horizontal plane in the beaker 300 to reflect the light from the ring light source 132. Since the ring light source 132 surrounds the beaker 300, the entire curved surface reflects the light from the ring light source 132, thus creating a ring-shaped reflective area. Compared to point light sources and area light sources, the ring light source 132 disclosed herein can improve the recognition rate of vortices.

[0032] Refer to Figures 4 and 5. In step S4, the superabsorbent polymer powder is added to beaker 300 and a timer is started. For example, 2 grams of superabsorbent polymer powder is weighed to a precision of 0.001 g and poured into beaker 300, and the timer is started. After the superabsorbent polymer powder begins to absorb water, the vortex will gradually decrease until the curved surface disappears and the liquid surface becomes flat.

[0033] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of image 600 captured in the image analysis method for the disappearance time of vortices in superabsorbent polymer powder. Refer to Figures 4 and 6 simultaneously. In step S5, image 600 of the vortex of superabsorbent polymer powder 500 is captured by camera 142. As shown in Figure 2, camera 142 adjusts its height and angle using a sliding table 146 and a rotating table 144, so that image 600 in Figure 6 presents a clear annular reflective area 610. Image 600 captured by camera 142 is transmitted in real time to electronic device 180 (see Figure 1).

[0034] Refer to Figures 4 and 6. In step S6, real-time image analysis is performed on the image 600 captured by the camera 142 (see Figure 2) using the electronic device 180 (see Figure 1) to determine the vortex disappearance time. The electronic device 180 includes image processing software that analyzes the annular reflective area 610 in the image 600 in real time. As the vortex gradually shrinks until the curved surface disappears, the annular reflective area 610 of the vortex also disappears; the time measured at this point is defined as the vortex disappearance time.

[0035] The method for determining the disappearance of the annular reflective area 610 is to measure the grayscale value of the pixels in the image 600 and determine whether the grayscale value is lower than a specific threshold to obtain the vortex disappearance time. For example, the grayscale value of the pixels is between 0 and 255, and the threshold is taken as 80, but this disclosure is not limited to this.

[0036] Figures 7 and 8 are magnified views of region R1 selected in Figure 6 at different time points. As shown in Figure 7, when the vortex exists, the pixels have high grayscale values; as shown in Figure 8, when the vortex is about to disappear, the pixels have grayscale values ​​below 80. Timing is stopped when all pixels covered by the annular reflective area 610 in Figure 6 (as shown in region R2) have a grayscale value below 80, thus determining the vortex disappearance time.

[0037] Figures 9A to 9C show the vortex disappearance times measured for different grades of superabsorbent polymer powder. Data D1, D2, and D3 in Figures 9A to 9C represent vortex disappearance times obtained using the method described in Figure 4. Data D4, D5, and D6 in Figures 9A to 9C represent vortex disappearance times determined manually. The average relative error between data D1, D2, D3 and data D4, D5, D6 is approximately 5.50%.

[0038] Refer to Figures 4 and 9A through 9C. In step S7, an error correction coefficient is defined based on the vortex disappearance time. Generally, in image processing methods that determine the vortex disappearance time based on a threshold, the final image after timing stops (e.g., Figure 8) may still have some reflection due to factors such as background signals. The image at which the vortex disappears, as judged by the human eye, is closer to the actual situation. However, lowering the threshold too much will affect the stability of the vortex disappearance time determination result. Therefore, there is a difference between manual and automated determination.

[0039] However, by comparing data D1, D2, D3 with data D4, D5, D6, it can be determined that this error is approximately constant. Therefore, the required correction amount can be calculated by determining the ratio between data D4, D5, D6 and data D1, D2, D3. From the data in Figures 9A to 9C, the error correction coefficient for data D1, D2, D3 is approximately 1.058, and this error correction coefficient can be applied to different types of superabsorbent polymer powders. In other words, the error correction coefficient calculated based on any one type of superabsorbent polymer powder can be applied to the correction of samples from any other type.

[0040] Figures 10A to 10C show the vortex disappearance times of different grades of highly absorbent polymer powder after error correction. After correction with the error correction factor, the relative error between data D1-D3 in Figures 10A to 10C and data D4-D6 can be reduced to 0.35. This demonstrates that the error correction factor is applicable to any grade and can effectively improve the accuracy of the vortex disappearance time.

[0041] In summary, compared to the traditional method of manually determining the disappearance time of vortices, the real-time image analysis method disclosed in this paper can reduce human error, improve analysis accuracy, and shorten analysis time. Capturing images of vortices using a camera module and performing image processing via software avoids the subjectivity of different analysts in image interpretation, which is present in manual methods. The device disclosed in this paper improves the vortex recognition rate by incorporating a ring-shaped light source. The grooved design of the sample analysis platform prevents beaker displacement. The dark surface of the sample analysis platform prevents light reflection from interfering with the image analysis results. The limiting base plate prevents the beaker from shifting relative to the stirring center of the electromagnetic stirrer, thus stabilizing the observed images.

[0042] 100: Image Analysis Equipment for Vortex Disappearance Time of Highly Absorbent Polymer Powder 110: Box 112: Shell 114: Door Cover 116: Observation Window 118: Support foot 120: Sample Analysis Platform 122: Groove 124: Surface 130: Light source module 132: Circular light source 134: Moving slide 140: Camera Module 142: Camera 144: Rotary slide 146: Moving slide 150: Mixer 160: Base 162: Limiting base plate 170: Power Supply 180: Electronic devices 200: Image Analysis Method for Vortex Disappearance Time of Superabsorbent Polymer Powder 300: beaker 400: Stirrer 500: Superabsorbent polymer powder 600: Image 610: Circular reflective area L: Aperture D1, D2, D3, D4, D5, D6: Data R1, R2: Regions S1~S7: Steps

Claims

1. A method for analyzing the vortex disappearance time of highly absorbent polymer powder using image analysis, comprising: A beaker is placed in a recess in a sample analysis platform, wherein the sample analysis platform includes a surface, and the recess is recessed from the surface to serve as a beaker positioning hole; the surface, the inner wall of the recess, and the bottom are dark-colored; a stir bar is placed in the beaker containing a sodium chloride solution; a stirrer is installed on a base connected to the sample analysis platform, wherein the base includes a limiting base plate, and the stirrer is fixed between the limiting base plates of the base; a closed space is formed by a housing and a door cover of a box to block external interference light; a ring light source surrounds and illuminates the beaker; superabsorbent polymer powder is added to the beaker and timed; a camera is controlled by a rotating slide to observe the angle of the beaker; an image of a vortex of the superabsorbent polymer powder is captured by the camera, and the vortex reflects light from the ring light source to produce the image, wherein the image includes a ring-shaped reflective area; and a real-time image analysis is performed on the image captured by the camera by an electronic device to determine the disappearance time of a vortex, including: The grayscale values ​​of multiple pixels in the image are measured in real time; and it is determined whether the grayscale values ​​of these pixels are lower than a threshold to obtain the disappearance time of the vortex.

2. The image analysis method for the vortex disappearance time of highly absorbent polymer powder as described in claim 1 further includes: defining an error correction coefficient based on the vortex disappearance time.

3. An image analysis device for the disappearance time of vortices in superabsorbent polymer powder, comprising: a housing including a shell and a door cover, configured to form a closed space to block external interfering light; a sample analysis platform including a surface and a groove, wherein the groove is recessed from the surface to serve as a beaker positioning hole, and the surface and the inner wall and bottom of the groove are dark-colored; a beaker disposed in the groove of the sample analysis platform; a light source module including an annular light source disposed above the sample analysis platform, and the annular light source surrounds and illuminates the beaker to generate an annular reflective area in a vortex of superabsorbent polymer powder; a camera module including a camera disposed above the annular light source; a rotary slide for controlling the angle at which the camera observes the beaker; and a stirrer located below the sample analysis platform. An electronic device electrically connected to the camera module, wherein the electronic device is configured to measure the grayscale values ​​of a plurality of pixels in the image in real time, and to determine whether the grayscale values ​​of the pixels are below a threshold to obtain the vortex disappearance time; and a base connected to the sample analysis platform, wherein the base includes a limiting base plate, and the stirrer is fixed between the limiting base plates of the base.

4. The image analysis apparatus for the disappearance time of vortices of highly absorbent polymer powder as described in claim 3, wherein the vertical projection of the annular light source on the sample analysis platform surrounds the groove.

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