Multimode Optical Inspection for Food Safety Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current food inspection methods, such as molecular/biochemical/biophysical techniques, are too slow for real-time analysis, relying on random and sparse sampling, and optical detection techniques face limitations like low penetration depth and lack of contrast, especially for low biomarker concentrations in food samples.
Innovation Solution
A multimode biological sample inspection apparatus that combines fluorescence, reflectance, scattering, and Raman imaging modes, using transmission and sensing hardware to illuminate and sense biological samples, with processing hardware adjusting protocols based on inspection results to enhance accuracy and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If molecular/biochemical/biophysical methods (PCR, chromatography, mass spectrometry) are used for food inspection, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to slow analysis time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple optical imaging modalities (reflectance, fluorescence, Raman, scattering) into a single integrated system that can simultaneously or sequentially perform multiple detection functions, achieving both high precision and rapid analysis without requiring sequential use of separate laboratory instruments
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical/chemical analysis methods (PCR, chromatography) with optical field-based detection methods, enabling non-contact, rapid, and real-time food inspection while maintaining or improving detection precision through multi-modal optical signatures
2Productivity
If optical imaging is used for food inspection, then productivity is improved with faster analysis, but measurement precision deteriorates due to low penetration depth and lack of contrast
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple optical imaging techniques (reflectance for surface characteristics, fluorescence for molecular signatures, Raman for chemical composition, scattering for structural information) to compensate for individual modality limitations, achieving both rapid scanning and high detection precision through complementary optical signals
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional optical system that can adaptively select and combine different imaging modes based on the specific inspection requirements, enabling a single device to perform diverse food quality assessments with high precision across different detection scenarios
3Device complexity
If single-method optical systems are used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates for low biomarker concentrations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple optical detection modes within a single integrated platform, where each modality contributes complementary information that enhances the detection of low-concentration biomarkers through multi-parameter analysis rather than relying on a single method
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses advanced processing hardware and algorithms as intermediaries to integrate and analyze data from multiple optical modes, extracting subtle biomarker signals through combined analysis that exceeds the capability of any single imaging method alone
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 significantly reduces detection time for contaminants, provides non-destructive evaluation, and visualizes the spatial distribution of components, improving the assessment of food quality and safety with minimal sample preparation and fast acquisition times.
Implementation Method 1
fluorescence imaging mode
Implementation Method 2
reflectance imaging mode
Implementation Method 3
scattering imaging mode
Implementation Method 4
Raman imaging mode
Data Source
AI summary
A multimode biological sample inspection apparatus and method is provided. The apparatus includes illumination hardware arrangement including transmission and sensing hardware, the illumination hardware arrangement configured to inspect a biological sample using at least two modes from a fluorescence imaging mode, a reflectance imaging mode, a scattering imaging mode, and a Raman imaging mode, and processing hardware configured to operate the illumination hardware arrangement according to a protocol including inspection settings of the at least two modes. The processing hardware receives scan results from the illumination hardware arrangement and identifies attributes of the biological sample. The processing hardware is configured to employ the attributes of at least one biological sample to alter the protocol.