Digital Imaging Fluid Analysis via Integration Time Slope
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Solution Overview
Problem
The analysis of milk is complicated by its complex composition and varying particle sizes, which challenges the interaction of electromagnetic radiation and the interpretation of scattering and absorption signatures, making it difficult to accurately determine fat and protein content using existing laboratory instruments.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a housing with opposing surfaces, a light source, and a digital imaging circuit that captures multiple images of the fluid at different exposure levels, calculates the slope of radiant energy with respect to integration time, and determines particle size distribution and volume fraction, allowing for the accurate analysis of fat and protein content in milk.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional laboratory instruments use mid-infrared and near-infrared spectrums to analyze milk constituents, then specific absorption signatures can be detected, but the complex composition and varying particle sizes cause scattering and absorption overlap that reduces measurement precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex traditional laboratory instruments (spectrometers, turbidimeters) with a digital imaging circuit (camera) that captures light transmission through the fluid. This substitution uses standard digital imaging technology instead of specialized optical equipment, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from spectral absorption (mid-infrared and near-infrared regions) to visible light transmission intensity captured at different integration times. This parameter change avoids the scattering and absorption overlap problems in the infrared region while providing sufficient information for particle analysis
2Loss of information
If electromagnetic radiation is used to analyze milk particles, then material properties can be detected, but scattering by particles of different sizes complicates the interpretation of absorption signatures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic action by capturing multiple images at different integration times (exposure levels). This series of measurements at varying time intervals allows the system to differentiate between scattering effects (which affect all integration times similarly) and absorption effects (which scale with integration time), thereby resolving the measurement difficulty
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds the dimension of integration time to the measurement process. Instead of relying solely on spatial or spectral information, the system measures light transmission at multiple integration times, creating a time-dimension dataset that enables separation of scattering and absorption contributions through slope analysis
3Measurement precision
If multiple digital images are captured at different integration times, then particle size distribution can be determined, but the process requires additional processing to filter noise and calculate slopes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing noise filtering and slope calculations as standard processing steps that are automatically applied to all measurements. By establishing these processing routines in advance, the system efficiently handles the multi-image data without requiring complex real-time computations, thus maintaining productivity while achieving high measurement precision
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
This system effectively filters noise and calculates the size distribution and volume fraction of particles in milk, enabling precise determination of fat and protein content, improving the accuracy of milk analysis beyond traditional methods.
Implementation Method 1
a light source disposed to direct light at the first surface of the housing; and a digital imaging circuit disposed to detect light at the second surface of the housing
Implementation Method 2
The medium may force the electromagnetic radiation to deviate from its trajectory due to non-uniformities of the medium through which the radiation passes
Implementation Method 3
Scattering, absorption and extinction of electromagnetic radiation passing through an interacting medium can be used to analyze material properties of the medium
Data Source
AI summary
A system for analyzing fluid includes a housing having first and second opposing surfaces spaced to form a fluid chamber, a light source disposed to direct light at the first surface of the housing; and a digital imaging circuit disposed to detect light at the second surface of the housing. The digital imaging circuit includes a pixel array configured to capture one or more digital images of an illuminated fluid. The system also includes a processor configured to: capture multiple digital images of the fluid at different camera exposure levels, calculate a net radiant energy value at a plurality of different integration times within at least two images, calculate a slope of the net radiant energy value with respect to integration time in a selected image, and determine size distribution and volume fraction of particles within the fluid based on the calculated slope.