Automated Fission Track Counting via Reflected and Transmitted Light Comparison
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual counting of fission tracks in crystals is a slow, laborious, and time-consuming process due to the need for skilled operators to differentiate between fission tracks and artifacts under conventional light microscopy, limiting the statistical accuracy and efficiency in determining geological ages and thermal histories.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method using a software program that captures reflected and transmitted light images of a crystal, reduces image color depth, and performs logical operations to automatically detect and count fission tracks by comparing the images, thereby eliminating artifacts and increasing the countable density of tracks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual counting of fission tracks is performed by skilled operators using conventional light microscopy, then the ability to differentiate between fission tracks and artifacts is maintained, but the counting process becomes slow, laborious, and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical counting process with an automated image processing system. Conventional light microscopy images are captured and processed through computer algorithms that automatically identify, differentiate, and count fission tracks, substituting human operators with an automated digital system that maintains accuracy while dramatically increasing counting speed
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates digital copies of the crystal surface images through photography or digital imaging. These copies can be analyzed repeatedly without re-examining the original sample, allowing automated software to count tracks multiple times and verify results, thereby increasing both speed and reliability of the counting process
2Reliability
If the focal plane is moved through the crystal bulk to confirm fission tracks, then the ability to distinguish real tracks from surface artifacts is improved, but the time required for each track verification increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary analysis by capturing multiple images at different focal planes in advance. The software then automatically compares these pre-captured images to verify track authenticity, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual focal plane adjustment during the counting process itself
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple images taken at different focal planes into a composite analysis. The software combines information from these merged images to automatically verify tracks, consolidating what would be separate manual verification steps into a single automated process that reduces overall verification time
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables the accurate and efficient automated counting of fission tracks up to 1 x 10^8 cm^-2, significantly surpassing manual counting limits, while maintaining high accuracy and reducing the time and cost associated with manual methods.
Implementation Method 1
captures reflected and transmitted light images of a crystal
Implementation Method 2
captures reflected and transmitted light images of a crystal
Implementation Method 3
etching the polished surface using a suitable chemical agent, such as nitric or hydrofluoric acid. The etched fission tracks are then revealed as surface voids
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2(a)~2(d)
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention relates generally to the task of automatically counting the fission track density in a prepared crystal. Two images are captured by a charged coupled device (CCD) (16) attached to a microscope (14). The first or reflected light image (18) is of the surface of the crystal (12), the light captured by the CCD (16) having been reflected from the crystal surface. The reflected light image (18) is a RGB image of a prepared crystal of mica (12) containing surface voids corresponding to etched fission tracks. The second or transmitted light image (24) is of a plane near the surface of the crystal (12). The transmitted lighting image (24) is generally the same view as the reflected light image (18). A fission track void can be detected by comparing the reflected light (18) and the transmitted light (24) images. This comparison of the reflected light and the transmitted light images is best achieved using a computer software program, although this can also be done by a person comparing the images side by side or visually superimposing one on top of the other.