Correlator Using Fibonacci Sampling for Particle Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current particle size analysis methods using photon correlation spectroscopy face challenges in achieving accurate autocorrelation functions across a wide range of particle sizes, particularly due to trade-offs between channel number and sampling time, leading to reduced accuracy and increased noise.
Innovation Solution
A correlator system that integrates linear, exponential, and multi-tau sampling methods by setting delay times or sampling times using integer geometric sequences, such as Fibonacci or other recurrence formulas, to optimize data points and channel configuration, ensuring synchronized sampling with a base clock and minimizing missing or overlap counts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If linear sampling method is used with equal time intervals, then circuit configuration is simple, but large number of channels are required for wide range of particle sizes with high accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the sampling time variable across different channels rather than fixed. Each channel n has a sampling time Tn = fn × To where fn follows a geometric sequence, allowing the sampling interval to dynamically adapt to the particle size range being measured. This resolves the contradiction by enabling wide measurement range coverage without requiring a proportional increase in channel count.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the sampling time parameter across channels using a geometric sequence relationship Tn = fn × To. This parameter change allows the system to cover a wide range of particle sizes with fewer channels while maintaining measurement accuracy, thus resolving the contradiction between measurement range and channel requirement.
2Adaptability or versatility
If exponential sampling method is used with different sampling times for each channel, then wide range of particle sizes can be covered, but increasing sampling time leads to shortage of data points on small particles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by optimizing the sampling time for each channel based on its position in the sequence. Channels with smaller n have shorter sampling times to capture small particle dynamics, while channels with larger n have longer sampling times for large particles. This localized optimization resolves the contradiction by ensuring each channel is tuned to its specific measurement range.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a geometric sequence fn to dynamically adjust sampling times across channels, creating an optimized progression that balances the needs of small and large particle measurements. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between covering wide particle size ranges and maintaining sufficient data points for small particles.
3Measurement precision
If multi-tau method is used with linear sampling for channels in blocks and exponential sampling between blocks, then advantages of both methods are adopted, but base line fluctuation increases for channels with longer intervals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by using a geometric sequence fn to define sampling times, which provides a smooth, continuous progression rather than the block-based approach of multi-tau. This continuous parameter change reduces abrupt transitions that cause baseline fluctuations and bias noise, resolving the contradiction between measurement accuracy and noise reduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a dynamic geometric sequence relationship fn=an-1×fn-1+an-2×fn-2+...+a1×f1 to continuously adapt sampling times, avoiding the discrete block structure of multi-tau method. This dynamic approach maintains measurement accuracy while reducing baseline fluctuations and bias noise generated by abrupt sampling interval changes.
4Measurement precision
If sampling time is adjusted depending on particle size, then accuracy for specific particle sizes is improved, but trade-off between number of channels and accuracy or time-consumption occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the sampling time parameter according to a geometric sequence Tn = fn × To, where fn optimizes the sampling intervals. This parameter optimization allows accurate measurement across a wide particle size range with a reduced number of channels, resolving the contradiction between measurement accuracy and channel complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic sampling time adjustment using the geometric sequence relationship, where each channel's sampling time is optimized for its specific measurement range. This dynamic approach achieves high accuracy for specific particle sizes while minimizing the total number of channels required.
Data Source
AI summary
In order to improve an accuracy of an autocorrelation function, a correlator comprises a counter 61 for receiving a pulse signal at given time intervals (sampling times) and counting the number of pulses; a shift register 63 for receiving the number of pulses counted by the counter 61 and performing sequential time delay; an operation part 64 for performing a product-sum operation of an output from the counter 61 and that delayed by the shift register 63 for each channel; and a control part 65 for setting a delay time or a sampling time by the shift register 63 on a basis of a relationship of the Fibonacci sequence.