Chromatogram Peak Picking via Intensity Normalization and Device-Specific Criteria

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current machine learning techniques for peak picking in chromatography, such as those using object detection and semantic segmentation, face challenges in achieving high accuracy due to variations in chromatogram intensity scales and the complexity of peak identification in chromatograms from gas and liquid chromatographs.

Innovation Solution

A method and device for producing learning data that involves obtaining reference waveforms, specifying peak information based on device-specific criteria, and training an estimation model using this data to improve peak picking accuracy. This includes dividing chromatograms into partial waveforms, applying semantic segmentation techniques like U-Net, and adjusting parameters to accurately identify peak start and end points.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If machine learning techniques (object detection, semantic segmentation) are used for peak picking, then automation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to variations in chromatogram intensity scales

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomation of peak pickingVSAvoidpeak picking accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by normalizing chromatogram intensity scales to a standard range (e.g., 0-1) before feeding data to the neural network. This transformation of the intensity parameter eliminates variations caused by different devices or conditions, allowing the automated peak picking system to maintain high accuracy across diverse chromatograms while preserving full automation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If general-purpose peak picking methods are used, then adaptability is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to device-specific variations in chromatograms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplicability to different chromatographsVSAvoidpeak identification accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by collecting and storing device-specific criterion data during a setup phase before actual peak picking operations. The neural network is trained in advance using learning data that incorporates device-specific characteristics (e.g., gas chromatograph vs. liquid chromatograph variations). This pre-training enables the system to adapt to specific device types while maintaining high precision, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If traditional peak picking methods are used, then ease of operation is maintained, but reliability deteriorates in complex chromatograms with numerous peaks or invisible noise

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplicity of peak pickingVSAvoidpeak detection reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical or manual peak picking methods with a neural network-based automated system. The neural network processes chromatogram data to identify peak start and end points, automatically determining peak boundaries even in complex scenarios with numerous peaks or invisible noise. This substitution maintains ease of operation through full automation while significantly improving reliability by leveraging the neural network's ability to detect subtle patterns that traditional methods miss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS20230280318A1Learning data producing method, waveform analysis device, waveform analysis method, and recording medium
Publication Date: 2023.09.07 SHIMADZU CORP
  • US20230280318A1 patent drawing
  • US20230280318A1 patent drawing
  • US20230280318A1 patent drawing

AI summary

An analysis device produces learning data for training processing of an estimation model More specifically, the analysis device obtains a plurality of reference waveforms for a given type of device. In addition, the analysis device specifies information about a peak for each of the plurality of reference waveforms according to a criterion corresponding to the given type of device. The analysis device assigns the specified information about the peak to each of the plurality of reference waveforms.