Hyper-spectral Imaging Sample Preparation with Spectral Markers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hyper-spectral imaging and analysis of samples, particularly air samples, face challenges in achieving high accuracy, precision, sensitivity, resolution, and speed due to the spatially and temporally varying presence of objects of non-interest, which interferes with the detection of objects of interest like hazardous biological or chemical agents.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the preparation of a test solution or suspension with a spectral marker specific to the object of interest and the addition of a background reducing chemical, such as ethylene glycol, to enhance the detectability of the object of interest by minimizing background interference during hyper-spectral imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If hyper-spectral imaging is performed on complex samples like air samples containing multiple components, then the detection capability for objects of interest is improved, but background interference from objects of non-interest increases and reduces detection accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies spectral markers that emit at specific wavelengths to objects of interest, creating a spectral 'color' signature that distinguishes them from background objects. This allows the imaging system to selectively detect and identify targeted objects based on their unique spectral emission characteristics, effectively filtering out background interference from non-interest objects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces spectral markers as intermediary substances that bind to objects of interest. These markers act as mediators between the imaging system and the target objects, enabling indirect detection through the markers' spectral properties rather than attempting to directly image the target objects themselves, thereby overcoming background interference.
2Reliability
If multiple performance parameters (accuracy, precision, sensitivity, resolution, speed) are simultaneously optimized, then the overall detection capability is improved, but the system complexity and difficulty of achieving all parameters increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the spectral parameters of objects of interest by attaching spectral markers with specific emission wavelengths. This parameter change enables the imaging system to distinguish targets from background based on wavelength-specific detection, simultaneously improving accuracy, sensitivity, and resolution without requiring complex system modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a spectral dimension (wavelength) to the detection process beyond traditional spatial imaging. By detecting objects based on their spectral emission characteristics in addition to their spatial position, the system achieves superior detection capability across multiple parameters simultaneously, as the spectral dimension provides an additional discrimination mechanism independent of spatial resolution.
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 approach allows for the simultaneous achievement of high accuracy, precision, sensitivity, and resolution at high speed, effectively identifying and characterizing objects of interest in complex sample backgrounds, such as air samples containing hazardous agents.
Implementation Method 1
adding to the sample of matter a spectral marker specific to the object of interest, such that if the object of interest is present in the test solution or suspension, the object of interest when marked with the spectral marker becomes a hyper-spectrally active target which is hyper-spectrally detectable and identifiable
Data Source
AI summary
Method for hyper-spectral imaging and analysis of a sample of matter, for identifying and characterizing an object of interest therein. Preparing test solution or suspension of the sample, including adding thereto a spectral marker specific to object of interest, such that if object of interest is in test solution or suspension, object of interest becomes a hyper-spectrally active target which is hyper spectrally detectable and identifiable; adding to test solution or suspension a background reducing chemical, for reducing background interfering effects caused by presence of objects of non-interest in test solution or suspension, thereby increasing hyper spectral detectability of hyper spectrally active target in test solution or suspension; generating and collecting hyper-spectral image data and information of test solution or suspension; and, processing and analyzing thereof. Exemplary objects of interest are biological agents—bacteria (Bacillus anthracis), viruses, fungi, toxins, or, chemical agents—nerve agents (sarin, tabun, soman), and chemical poisons.