Measurement Location Positioning with PLL Virtual Reference Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current automated analysis devices face inaccuracies in determining the position of measurement locations due to interference or noise in photoelectric sensor signals and uneven movement, leading to reduced accuracy and faulty measurements.
Innovation Solution
A method using a phase locked loop to determine a virtual reference location from the physical reference location, improving the accuracy of measurement location determination by correcting phase deviations and adapting to mean values over multiple revolutions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a physical reference location with photoelectric sensor is used to determine measurement locations, then the measurement system can operate autonomously with automated position determination, but the accuracy is reduced due to interference or noise in the photoelectric sensor signal and insufficiently homogeneous movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual reference location that is a logical copy or representation of the physical reference location. This virtual reference location is determined by evaluating multiple measured positions from successive revolutions and identifying the median or most frequent position. By using this virtual reference location instead of directly relying on the noisy physical sensor signal, the system achieves higher position determination accuracy while maintaining autonomous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the position of the measurement apparatus is continuously monitored during multiple revolutions, and the virtual reference location is adjusted based on the evaluated measured positions. The system compares the actual measured positions with the expected positions and corrects the reference location determination accordingly, thereby compensating for noise and movement variations in the photoelectric sensor signal.
2Productivity
If the photometric measurement apparatus is moved relative to measurement cells to examine multiple samples simultaneously, then sample throughput is significantly increased, but position determination accuracy is reduced due to movement variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual reference location that serves as a stable logical reference point, independent of the actual physical movements. By determining measurement locations based on this virtual reference location rather than directly on the physical sensor signals during movement, the system maintains high position accuracy while enabling the photometric measurement apparatus to move through multiple measurement locations efficiently, thus achieving high sample throughput.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary evaluation of measured positions over multiple revolutions to establish the virtual reference location before actual measurements are taken. This preliminary action of characterizing the movement behavior and establishing the virtual reference allows the system to compensate for movement variations during the actual measurement process, maintaining accuracy while enabling rapid sequential measurement of multiple samples.
3Device complexity
If time intervals are measured relative to a physical reference location to determine measurement locations, then the system can function with simple constant rotational speed control, but inaccurate reference location determination leads to completely invalid faulty measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a virtual reference location as a more reliable copy or representation of the physical reference location. Instead of relying directly on the noisy physical sensor signal, the system creates a virtual reference through evaluating multiple measured positions and identifying the median or most frequent position. This virtual reference is then used for time interval measurements, significantly improving measurement validity while maintaining relatively simple constant rotational speed control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary characterization of the reference location by measuring positions over multiple revolutions and evaluating the data to establish the virtual reference location before actual measurements are performed. This preliminary action of establishing a robust virtual reference based on statistical evaluation of multiple measurements ensures that subsequent time interval measurements are based on an accurate and reliable reference, preventing invalid faulty measurements.
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 method significantly reduces incorrect measurements caused by location errors, enhancing the accuracy and reliability of measured value detection in automated analysis devices.
Implementation Method 1
determining a virtual reference location by means of a phase locked loop
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for determining the position of a multiplicity of measurement locations in a measurement system of an automated analysis device, and a corresponding automated analysis device with an integrated circuit, which is configured as phase locked loop.