In-Bottle Liquid Authentication via Multi-Path Spectral Ratio
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for authenticating and detecting counterfeit or adulterated alcoholic beverages, such as whisky, require opening the container for analysis, which is impractical and cannot be performed 'in the field' with high reliability, as industry standard technology like gas chromatography is centralized and involves breaking the seal.
Innovation Solution
The method employs optical spectroscopy in transmission mode to analyze the liquid within a partially transparent container by measuring and comparing transmission spectra at different orientations, allowing for 'in the bottle' and 'in the field' screening without opening the container, using a ratio of spectral intensities to identify authenticity and adulteration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If gas chromatography is used for authentication, then measurement precision is improved, but the container must be opened and the method cannot be performed in the field
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/chemical separation system of gas chromatography with an optical measurement system. By using transmission spectroscopy to measure light absorption at multiple wavelengths and path lengths, the system achieves authentication without requiring sample removal or container opening, thereby enabling portable field operation while maintaining measurement precision through mathematical analysis of spectral data
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces light as an intermediary substance that can penetrate the container and liquid without contamination. By measuring how the liquid absorbs light at different wavelengths and path lengths, the system obtains analytical information without direct contact between the sampling system and the liquid, enabling non-invasive field authentication
2Reliability
If transmission spectra are measured at different orientations with different optical path lengths, then the ability to detect counterfeiting and adulteration is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds the dimension of optical path length variation by measuring spectra at multiple container orientations. This creates a multi-dimensional dataset (wavelength × path length) that enables detection of counterfeiting and adulteration through analysis of absorption patterns, thereby improving reliability without requiring complex sampling or preparation procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent varies the optical path length parameter by changing container orientation during measurement. This parameter change provides additional information about the liquid's absorption characteristics, enabling more reliable detection of anomalies while using a simple rotational measurement approach rather than complex analytical instrumentation
3Measurement precision
If the container is opened for sample analysis, then measurement precision is improved, but the product cannot be sold and revenue losses occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces invasive mechanical sampling with non-contact optical measurement. Light passes through the sealed container and liquid without removal or contamination, enabling accurate authentication while preserving the product's saleability and preventing revenue losses from opened containers
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 enables reliable, portable, and non-invasive analysis of liquids inside sealed containers, effectively distinguishing between authentic and counterfeit or adulterated beverages by comparing spectral ratios to reference measurements, thus preventing revenue losses from counterfeiting and adulteration.
Implementation Method 1
measuring a first transmission spectrum through the container and the liquid at a first orientation of the container which defines a first optical path length through the liquid
Data Source
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AI summary
This invention relates to a method for analysing a liquid when inside a container in order to detect counterfeiting or adulteration of the liquid, the container being at least partially transparent to visible light. The method comprises the steps of: (a) measuring a first transmission spectrum through the container and the liquid at a first orientation of the container which defines a first optical path length through the liquid, (b) measuring a second transmission spectrum through the container and the liquid at a second orientation of the container which defines a second optical path length through the liquid, the second optical path length being different from the first optical path length, and the second spectrum at least partially overlapping with the first spectrum,(c) calculating the ratio (R(λ)) of the first and second spectral intensities at each wavelength in the area of overlap, and(d) comparing this ratio (R(λ)) to a reference measurement of the ratio for a non-counterfeit and unadulterated sample of the liquid being tested.