FTIR Spectrophotometer Automatic Sample Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The inefficiency of existing Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrophotometers due to the need for repetitive operator movement between the main unit and control PC for background and sample measurements, and the time-consuming process of obtaining high Signal-to-Noise (S/N) ratio absorption spectra.
Innovation Solution
A spectrophotometer that automatically recognizes the presence of a sample in the optical path by detecting temporal changes in detection data and initiates data collection without manual operation, allowing for continuous data acquisition and differentiation between sample and background data to enhance measurement efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual operation is used to initiate background and sample measurements, then measurement accuracy can be controlled, but operator workload increases and measurement efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The spectrophotometer automatically detects sample presence through temporal changes in detection data and autonomously initiates data collection without requiring operator intervention. The system serves itself by monitoring its own operational state and triggering measurements based on detected changes, thereby eliminating repetitive manual operations while maintaining measurement control
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors detection data for temporal changes that indicate sample presence. This feedback mechanism allows the spectrophotometer to automatically determine when to switch between background and sample measurement modes, creating a closed-loop control system that improves efficiency without sacrificing measurement accuracy
2Adaptability or versatility
If the main unit is placed remotely from the control PC, then system installation flexibility improves, but operator convenience deteriorates due to repeated movement between units
Solution Approach 1:
The automated detection and measurement initiation system eliminates the need for operator presence at the control PC during measurement cycles. The spectrophotometer independently monitors its own state and executes measurements, allowing the control PC to be positioned remotely without impacting operational convenience
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical interaction of operator movement between units with an automated electronic detection and control system. The temporal change detection mechanism substitutes for manual monitoring, allowing remote installation while maintaining operational efficiency
3Measurement precision
If multiple cycles of mirror movement are used to accumulate data, then Signal-to-Noise ratio improves, but measurement time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains continuous data collection by automatically initiating measurement cycles without operator interruption. By eliminating the time lost to manual operations between background and sample measurements, the useful measurement action continues uninterrupted, effectively reducing total measurement time while maintaining the necessary data accumulation for high S/N ratios
Solution Approach 2:
The automated system performs background measurements and prepares for sample measurements in advance without waiting for operator intervention. This preliminary action ensures that when a sample is detected, the system is ready to immediately begin data accumulation, maximizing the efficiency of each measurement cycle
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 solution reduces operator workload and improves measurement efficiency by automating the data collection process, eliminating the need for manual initiation of measurements and allowing for uninterrupted operation, especially beneficial for FTIR spectrophotometers which require extensive time for data accumulation.
Implementation Method 1
an interfering light whose amplitude temporally changes is produced by a Michelson interferometer including a fixed mirror and a moving mirror
Implementation Method 2
a transmitted light or reflected light is detected as an interferogram
Implementation Method 3
The interferogram is subjected to Fourier transformation to obtain an absorption spectrum with the horizontal axis representing the wave number and the vertical axis representing the intensity of light
Implementation Method 4
absorption peaks due to unwanted components (e.g. water vapor or carbon dioxide) existing in the measurement optical path overlap the absorption peaks due to proper sample
Data Source
AI summary
When a system is powered on and becomes ready for a measurement, it automatically begins to acquire an interferogram (IFG). When a new IFG is acquired, if a background (BKG) IFG is present in a memory but there is no sample IFG (S2 and S4), the new IFG is compared with the BKG-IFG and, if the two IFGs are identical, the new IFG is added to the BKG-IFG (S5, S6 and S7). When an operator sets a sample in a sample chamber and the new IFG shows a change, the IFG is stored as a sample IFG (S8). Then, a sample measurement is initiated. After that, when a new IFG is found to be identical to the sample IFG stored in the memory (S9 and S10), the new IFG is added to the sample IFG (S13). The sample measurement is completed when the number of sample IFGs stored in the memory has reached a predetermined accumulation number. Thus, the sample measurement is automatically performed, for which the operator only needs to set a sample. The workload on the operator is reduced and the measurement task can be efficiently performed.