Multivariate Optical Computing System for Spectral Noise Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical spectroscopy systems face challenges in accurately measuring chemical properties due to interference from multiple factors affecting light intensity, leading to inaccurate estimates of sample properties like ethylene content or octane rating, and are hindered by the high cost and environmental sensitivity of charge couple devices used for detection.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of multivariate optical computing (MOC) systems that utilize a multivariate optical element (MOE) to filter and analyze light signals, reducing noise by focusing on wavelengths carrying information and eliminating the need for fiber optic probes, thereby simplifying and cost-reducing the instrumentation while enhancing measurement precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional optical spectroscopy systems use multiple wavelength bands to measure sample properties, then measurement coverage is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to interfering data from multiple factors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the broad spectral measurement into multiple discrete wavelength bands, each detected by separate detectors. This allows selective weighting and processing of individual band contributions, enabling the system to isolate informative wavelengths from interfering ones, thus maintaining measurement coverage while improving precision through controlled combination of segmented spectral data
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of light detection by using multiple detectors tuned to different wavelength bands with specific weighting factors. By adjusting the weighting parameters assigned to each wavelength band's detector output, the system optimizes the contribution of each band to the final measurement, enhancing precision while maintaining comprehensive spectral coverage
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If charge couple devices are used for light detection, then detection capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a single complex charge couple device to detect the entire spectrum, the patent segments the detection function across multiple simpler detectors, each responsible for a specific wavelength band. This segmentation reduces the complexity of individual detection components while collectively achieving comprehensive detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the complex mechanical and electronic system of charge couple devices with a simpler optical filtering and detection system using discrete wavelength-selective filters and basic photodetectors. This substitution maintains detection capability while significantly reducing device complexity and associated costs
3Ease of operation
If fiber optic probes are used to deliver light to samples, then light delivery is improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the fiber optic probe component from the system by implementing direct optical illumination of the sample. This removal simplifies the overall system architecture, reduces complexity, and eliminates the need for fiber coupling and alignment while maintaining effective light delivery to the sample through direct optical paths
4Loss of information
If multiple factors contribute to light intensity, then information richness is improved, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to unknown interfering contributions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent addresses the interference problem by changing the parameters of the measurement system to use multiple wavelength bands with different weighting factors. By selecting and weighting specific wavelength bands where the analyte of interest has characteristic absorption features, the system enhances the signal related to the target component while suppressing contributions from interfering substances, thus improving measurement accuracy while preserving information richness
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
MOC systems provide accurate, real-time analysis of chemical properties by reducing measurement noise and increasing precision, allowing for the determination of sample concentrations and properties with improved signal quality and reduced operational complexity.
Implementation Method 1
The implementation of multivariate optical computing (MOC) systems that utilize a multivariate optical element (MOE) to filter and analyze light signals
Implementation Method 2
reflecting light from the sample through the second region in a second direction of a beamsplitter, the light being reflected from the sample carrying data from the sample
Data Source
AI summary
The present subject matter relates to multivariate optical analysis systems employ multivariate optical elements and utilize multivariate optical computing methods to determine information about a product carried by light reflected from or transmitted through the product. An exemplary method of processing and monitoring the product includes introducing the product at an inspection point; illuminating the product with a spectral-specific light though an optic lens; directing the light that has passed through at least a section of the product through at least one multivariate optical element to produce a first signal, the directed light carrying information about the product; detecting the signal at a detector; and determining at least one property of the product based upon the detector output.