Microparticle Analysis Forward-Scattered Light High-Pass Filter

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing microparticle analysis apparatuses face challenges in enhancing the detection accuracy of forward-scattered light due to low frequency noise caused by mechanical vibrations, which deteriorates the signal-to-noise ratio, especially when analyzing small microparticles with low signal output levels.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a high-pass filter in the light detection unit that switches according to the frequency of the forward-scattered light, removing low frequency noise and improving the signal-to-noise ratio by filtering out noise frequencies below 2 kHz, thereby enhancing the detection precision of small microparticles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a light detection unit detects forward-scattered light from microparticles, then the analytical precision of microparticle detection is improved, but low frequency noise from mechanical vibrations enters the detection unit and deteriorates the signal-to-noise ratio

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanalytical precision of forward-scattered light detectionVSAvoidlow frequency noise from mechanical vibrations

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and removes the harmful low frequency noise component from the detected light signal by introducing a high-pass filter in the signal processing circuit. The filter selectively eliminates frequencies below 2 kHz while preserving the forward-scattered light signal, thereby separating the useful signal from the harmful noise.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the frequency parameter of the detection system by implementing a high-pass filter with a cutoff frequency of 2 kHz. This parameter change allows the system to selectively pass high frequency signals (forward-scattered light) while blocking low frequency noise, thus improving the signal-to-noise ratio without losing detection sensitivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If the diameter of microparticle is small, then the analysis capability covers a broader range of particles, but the signal output level of forward-scattered light becomes lower and the signal-to-noise ratio deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection capability for various microparticle sizesVSAvoidsignal-to-noise ratio for small microparticles

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful effect of low signal output from small microparticles into a benefit by using the high-pass filter to eliminate the dominant low frequency noise. By removing the noise that would otherwise overwhelm the weak signal, the system can now detect small microparticles with previously undetectable signal levels, thus converting a limitation into an advantage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Measurement precision

If a high-pass filter is introduced to remove low frequency noise, then the signal-to-noise ratio is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal-to-noise ratio of forward-scattered light detectionVSAvoidcomplexity of light detection unit circuit

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces potential mechanical vibration isolation systems with an electronic solution - a high-pass filter in the signal processing circuit. This substitution of mechanical complexity with simple electronic filtering achieves noise reduction while maintaining device simplicity and ease of implementation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

The implementation of a high-pass filter effectively removes low frequency noise, improving the signal-to-noise ratio and enhancing the analytical precision of forward-scattered light detection, even for small microparticles with low signal output levels, by switching to the high-pass filter when the frequency of forward-scattered light exceeds 200 kHz.

Implementation Method 1

a circuit having a high-pass filter that removes low frequency noise included in light entering the light detection unit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHigh-pass filtering: Filter (electronic)

Implementation Method 2

detects the scattered light generated from the microparticle and the fluorescence generated from the microparticle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight scattering: Scattering

Data Source

PatentUS9891159B2Microparticle analysis apparatus to improve analytical precision based on detection of forward-scattered light

Publication Date: 2018.02.13 SONY GROUP CORP

AI summary

There is provided a microparticle analysis apparatus including a light detection unit configured to detect forward-scattered light generated from a microparticle that is an analysis target. The light detection unit includes a circuit having a high-pass filter that removes low frequency noise included in light entering the light detection unit and switches to the high-pass filter according to a predetermined frequency of the forward-scattered light.