Near-Infrared Absorption Sorting for Anomalous Product Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for sorting granular products based on specific components are inadequate when anomalous products have the same color and structure as suitable products, making it difficult to discern them accurately, especially when fluorescence is not feasible due to weak or absent fluorescence signals.
Innovation Solution
A method that uses a beam of light with wavelengths between 900 nm and 2500 nm to detect the absorption of light by products, generating a detection signal based on changes in absorption between two wavelengths, allowing for reliable sorting independent of product structure and color, using an Indium Gallium Arsenide photo detector to identify anomalous products by exceeding a threshold value.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a beam of light is directed towards products and the scattered or reflected light intensity is detected, then products can be sorted based on color or structure, but anomalous products with the same color and structure as suitable products cannot be accurately discerned
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the detection parameter from visible light reflection (which depends on color and structure) to near-infrared absorption (which depends on chemical composition). By using a beam of light with a wavelength corresponding to an absorption peak of a specific component, the system can detect the presence and concentration of that component regardless of the product's color or structure, thereby accurately discerning anomalous products.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary substance (a specific component present in the products) that mediates the detection process. By detecting the absorption of light by this intermediary component at its absorption peak wavelength, the system can indirectly identify the presence and concentration of the component, enabling accurate sorting even when products have identical color and structure.
2Reliability
If fluorescence is used to detect components, then certain components can be detected, but fluorescence is not feasible for many components due to weak or absent fluorescence signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the detection mechanism from fluorescence emission to light absorption. Instead of relying on the component's ability to emit fluorescence (which varies by component), the system uses absorption spectroscopy at the component's characteristic absorption peak wavelength. This approach is universally applicable to components that absorb light in the near-infrared range, regardless of whether they exhibit fluorescence.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the fluorescence detection mechanism with an absorption-based detection mechanism. By replacing the reliance on fluorescent emission with light absorption measurement, the system achieves more reliable and versatile detection across different component types, as absorption is a more universal property than fluorescence.
3Measurement precision
If the absorption of light by products is detected at wavelengths where components show absorption peaks, then accurate detection of component concentration is achieved, but the system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent simplifies the system by selecting a specific wavelength (or narrow band of wavelengths) corresponding to an absorption peak of the target component. Rather than requiring complex multi-wavelength analysis or sophisticated spectral processing, the system uses a single wavelength optimization to achieve accurate component concentration detection, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the detection process into a simple two-step measurement: measuring light intensity at the absorption peak wavelength and comparing it to a reference. This segmentation of the detection function into a straightforward absorption measurement and threshold comparison simplifies the system architecture while maintaining high measurement precision.
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
Enables accurate and reliable sorting of products by distinguishing suitable from anomalous products based on specific component concentrations, regardless of their structure or color, through enhanced contrast in detection signals, effectively separating products with specific components like water, oil, sugar, proteins, starch, cellulose, or nicotine.
Implementation Method 1
the absorption of a beam of light by said component in the products is detected by measuring the intensity of the light which is reflected by the products at least at two wavelengths between 900 nm and 2500 nm, wherein at least one of said wavelengths is a wavelength where said component shows an absorption peak
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention concerns a method for discerning and sorting suitable products in a product flow having a certain concentration of a component versus anomalous products having this component in an anomalous concentration, whereby a beam of light strikes these products, and the absorption of this beam of light by said component in the products is detected by measuring the intensity of the light reflected by the products at least at a wavelength or in at least a wavelength band which is situated between 900 nm and 2500 run in order to generate a detection signal on the basis of said absorption, whereby a product will be identified as an anomalous product if said detection signal exceeds a threshold value.