Mobile Ingredient Analysis System with Automated Calibration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile ingredient analysis systems face challenges in ensuring measurement accuracy for moisture and ingredient content due to degrees of freedom in sample presentation, lighting, and environmental conditions, leading to unreliable results and subjective user influences.
Innovation Solution
A mobile ingredient analysis system with a housing containing a light source, optical spectrometer, camera, internal reference unit, and microprocessor-controlled components, which includes automated calibration, plausibility checks, and user guidance through a graphical user interface, ensuring accurate and reproducible measurements by eliminating measurement errors and influencing factors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual operation and subjective user judgment are used in mobile ingredient analysis, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and reliability deteriorate due to degrees of freedom in sample presentation and environmental conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically defining the measurement volume, controlling illumination parameters, and setting spectral analysis parameters before the measurement is taken. This eliminates the need for manual adjustment during measurement and ensures consistent, reproducible results regardless of operator skill level.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the control unit automatically adjusts measurement parameters based on detected sample properties and environmental conditions. The measurement volume is dynamically defined based on feedback from the spectral data, and illumination is adjusted based on detected sample characteristics, ensuring optimal measurement conditions are maintained throughout the process.
2Reliability
If automated control and validation are implemented in the measurement process, then reliability of measurement results is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to reduced user freedom
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically validating measurement results against predefined plausibility criteria. The control unit autonomously determines whether measurements are valid or require repetition, eliminating the need for operator judgment and ensuring consistent quality control. The system also automatically defines measurement volumes and adjusts parameters without user intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes measurement parameters such as integration time, illumination intensity, and spectral range based on detected sample properties and environmental conditions. This automatic parameter adaptation ensures optimal measurement quality while maintaining ease of operation, as users do not need to understand or adjust these technical parameters manually.
3Measurement precision
If the measurement volume is automatically defined and controlled, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the functions of measurement volume definition, illumination control, and spectral analysis into a single integrated control unit. This consolidation reduces overall system complexity while maintaining precise control over the measurement volume, as all functions work together cooperatively rather than as separate subsystems requiring individual management.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual mechanical adjustment of measurement parameters with automated electronic control. The control unit electronically defines and adjusts the measurement volume based on spectral data and environmental conditions, eliminating the need for manual mechanical adjustments and reducing the complexity associated with mechanical measurement setups.
4Reliability
If plausibility checks and validation are performed on measurement results, then reliability is improved, but loss of time increases due to additional validation steps
Solution Approach 1:
The plausibility checks and validation processes are performed continuously and automatically as part of the measurement workflow, rather than as separate post-processing steps. The control unit validates measurements in real-time and immediately determines whether repetition is needed, maintaining continuous measurement flow and minimizing interruptions that would cause time loss.
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 system achieves high reproducibility and reliability in ingredient measurements by automating the process, reducing subjective influences, and providing valid measurement outputs with confidence intervals, ensuring accurate data for agricultural products.
Implementation Method 1
Inside the housing are arranged a light source
Implementation Method 2
The measuring device comprises a housing with a window in one wall of the housing. A first light source is arranged inside the housing, the light from which can pass through the window onto a sample located outside the housing. Furthermore, an optical spectrometer with a dispersive element and several detector elements is located inside the housing. This spectrometer can detect light from the first light source that is indirectly reflected by the sample and re-enters the housing through the window.
Implementation Method 3
An electronic camera is also arranged inside the housing, the aperture of which is directed through the window onto the sample. A second light source, also located inside the housing, is associated with the camera in such a way that light from the second light source can pass through the window onto the sample. The camera is positioned to capture light indirectly reflected from the sample by the second light source, which then re-enters the housing through the window.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for true-to-sample measurement by means of a mobile ingredient analysis system, which comprises: a housing having a window; an interface for an external reference unit; a display and operating unit; a light source; an optical spectrometer; a camera; an internal reference unit; and an electronic control unit. The method comprises the following steps: selecting a calibration product suitable for a sample to be examined; performing a plausibility check of the selected calibration product, an incorrect selection being signaled and a new selection of an alternative calibration product being initiated; outputting measurement conditions to be met, which comprise the measurement point to be selected and the measurement duration, in accordance with the selected calibration product; capturing measured values of the sample by means of the spectrometer under the measurement conditions and with simultaneous monitoring of the measurement conditions; processing the captured measured values by means of an electronic control unit, each measured value that was captured while the measurement conditions were met being declared valid; outputting at least the measured values deemed valid at the display and operating unit or to another output or storage element.