Mass Spectrometer Parameter Correction for Signal Drift
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Solution Overview
Problem
In mass spectrometry, exhaustive measurements to optimize device parameters are time-consuming and prone to errors due to temporal changes in signal intensity caused by factors other than the adjusted parameters, reducing the accuracy of sensitivity adjustments and extending measurement time.
Innovation Solution
A mass spectrometer and method that include a first measurement control unit for changing device parameters, a second measurement control unit for setting parameters to reference values at multiple time points, a correction processing unit to correct first measurement results using second measurement data, and a device parameter-related information acquisition unit to determine optimal parameters, thereby reducing the influence of temporal changes and improving sensitivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If exhaustive measurements are performed to optimize device parameters, then parameter optimization accuracy is improved, but measurement time becomes excessively long
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary measurements to obtain baseline data before the main exhaustive measurements. This preliminary action allows the system to pre-process and organize measurement conditions, enabling more efficient subsequent measurements and reducing the total time required for complete parameter optimization
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement process is divided into multiple segments: preliminary measurements, main exhaustive measurements, and reference measurements taken at different time points. This segmentation allows for systematic data collection that can be processed and corrected in stages, improving overall measurement efficiency without sacrificing optimization accuracy
2Measurement precision
If measurements are repeated for a long period to adjust device parameters, then parameter adjustment accuracy is improved, but temporal changes in signal intensity reduce measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where reference measurements taken at different time points are used to correct the main measurement data. This feedback loop compensates for temporal drift and environmental changes, maintaining measurement accuracy even when measurements are repeated over extended periods
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs reference measurements at multiple time points (before, during, and after main measurements) to anticipate and compensate for temporal changes. This beforehand cushioning approach prepares correction data in advance, allowing the main measurements to be adjusted for temporal drift without compromising accuracy
3Measurement precision
If temperature parameters are changed during measurements, then parameter optimization is improved, but stabilization time increases total measurement time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary measurements at each temperature condition before conducting the main measurements. This preliminary action allows the system to capture stabilization data and determine when each temperature condition has reached equilibrium, reducing unnecessary waiting time while ensuring accurate measurements
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement system dynamically adjusts the measurement timeline based on actual stabilization behavior at each temperature point. Rather than using fixed stabilization times, the system adapts measurement scheduling to the actual thermal response, optimizing the balance between thorough parameter optimization and minimizing total measurement 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
This approach allows for highly accurate and efficient adjustment of device parameters, reducing measurement time and improving sensitivity by correcting for temporal changes in signal intensity, enabling more precise and rapid determination of optimal parameters for high-sensitivity measurements.
Implementation Method 1
an ion source by, for example, an electrospray ionization (ESI) method
Implementation Method 2
an atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI) method
Data Source
AI summary
A mass spectrometer includes an ionization unit, a mass separation unit, a detection unit, a first measurement control unit configured to control the ionization unit to repeatedly execute a first measurement on a target sample while changing values of a plurality of parameters defined as device parameters, a second measurement control unit configured to control the ionization unit to set a value of each of the plurality of parameters to a predetermined reference value and execute a second measurement on the target sample at two or more time points before, after, or in a middle of repetition of the first measurement, a correction processing unit configured to correct results of the first measurements using results of the second measurements, and a device parameter-related information acquisition unit configured to determine the plurality of parameters using the corrected measurement results or acquire reference information for determining the plurality of parameters.