NIR Model Training With Virtual Reference Values for Faster Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing NIR models require analytical reference values, which are costly, time-consuming, and resource-intensive, making it difficult to efficiently interpret near-infrared spectra.

Innovation Solution

A method using model-based reference values trained with historical metadata and NIR spectral data to reduce the reliance on analytical reference values, improving the efficiency and accuracy of NIR model interpretation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If analytical methods are used to obtain reference values, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time and loss of substance increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereference value accuracyVSAvoidtime for sampling and analysis
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a virtual copy of the analytical measurement process through a reference model that predicts reference values without requiring physical sampling and laboratory analysis. The reference model learns from historical data where analytical values are known, enabling it to generate accurate reference values for new samples without actual analytical measurement, thus eliminating the time-consuming physical analysis process while maintaining measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary training of the reference model using historical data where analytical reference values are already known. This preliminary action allows the model to be pre-configured with the relationships between NIR spectral data and accurate reference values, so that when new samples are measured, the model can immediately provide accurate reference values without requiring time-consuming analytical measurement processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If analytical methods are used to obtain reference values, then measurement precision is improved, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereference value accuracyVSAvoidcost of analytical analysis
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces expensive physical analytical measurements with a computational model that generates virtual reference values. The reference model is trained on historical data from actual analytical measurements, allowing it to reproduce accurate reference values without requiring repeated expensive laboratory analyses. This copying approach maintains measurement precision while eliminating the high costs associated with repeated analytical testing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service by allowing the reference model to generate its own reference values without requiring external analytical laboratory services. Once trained, the model autonomously predicts accurate reference values for new samples, eliminating the need to pay for external analytical testing while maintaining the same level of measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If analytical methods are used to obtain reference values, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereference value accuracyVSAvoidcomplexity of sampling and analysis process
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent simplifies the overall system by replacing the complex physical analytical measurement process with a simpler computational model. Instead of requiring physical sampling, laboratory equipment, and complex analysis procedures, the system uses a reference model that processes NIR spectral data through computational algorithms, significantly reducing device and process complexity while maintaining reference value accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The system substitutes the mechanical and physical analytical measurement process with an information-processing approach. Rather than requiring physical sampling, transportation, and laboratory analysis, the reference model uses computational mechanisms to generate reference values from NIR spectral data, replacing complex mechanical systems with simpler computational processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Loss of time

If model-based reference values are used, then loss of time is reduced, but measurement precision may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetime for reference value determinationVSAvoidreference value accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the reference model continuously learns from historical data and compares its predictions against actual analytical values. This feedback loop allows the model to refine its accuracy over time, ensuring that the time-saving benefits are achieved without sacrificing measurement precision. The model adapts to new data and improves its predictive accuracy through ongoing training and validation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The reference model performs preliminary training using extensive historical data where accurate analytical reference values are already known. This preliminary action ensures that the model is pre-calibrated with the correct relationships between NIR spectral features and accurate reference values, so that when the model makes predictions for new samples, it does so with high accuracy, eliminating the trade-off between speed and precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 reduces the need for costly and time-consuming analytical methods, lowering resource consumption and accelerating the interpretation of NIR spectra while maintaining accuracy and reliability.

Implementation Method 1

receiving NIR spectral data

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAbsorption (EM radiation): Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS20250362228A1Measuring a target value with a NIR model
Publication Date: 2025.11.27 TRINAMIX GMBH
  • US20250362228A1 patent drawing
  • US20250362228A1 patent drawing
  • US20250362228A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Disclosed herein is a computer-implemented method for measuring a target value with a NIR model including:(a) receiving NIR spectral data,(b) determining at least one target value with the trained NIR model based on the spectral data, where the NIR model was trained based on NIR training data including at least one model-based reference value determined with a reference model and historical NIR spectral data, and(c) providing the at least one target value.