Optical Analysis of Liquid Dissolution via Identification Pattern Imaging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current optical analysis methods for determining the complete dissolution of substances in sample liquids are complex and not suited for automated analysis, particularly in detecting partial dissolution, which is not crucial in many automated systems.

Innovation Solution

An optical analysis method using an image acquisition system with a CCD or CMOS sensor to capture images of an identification pattern through the sample liquid, adjusting light source brightness and exposure time to evaluate pattern recognition, allowing for simplified determination of complete dissolution by assessing pattern clarity and error correction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If scattered light measurement or absorption measurement is used to detect particles and determine complete dissolution, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection precision of dissolved substanceVSAvoidcomplexity of detection device
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses an identification pattern (such as a barcode or QR code) printed on the sample container as a reference copy. Instead of measuring light scattering or absorption directly, the system captures an image of this pattern through the sample liquid and compares it to the expected pattern. This copying approach simplifies the detection mechanism while maintaining the ability to assess dissolution completeness through image quality evaluation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex optical measurement systems (scattered light measurement, absorption measurement) with a simpler image acquisition system. Instead of using specialized detectors to measure light properties, the system uses a standard image sensor (CCD or CMOS) to capture the identification pattern, substituting mechanical/optical measurement complexity with digital imaging simplicity.

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

2Measurement precision

If scattered light measurement is used to determine the degree of dissolution, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates for automated analysis

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprecision of dissolution degree determinationVSAvoidease of automated analysis
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The identification pattern serves as a visual copy that can be easily captured by standard image sensors. The pattern's visibility through the sample liquid provides an intuitive visual indicator of dissolution status, making the system easier to operate in automated settings compared to complex light measurement systems that require careful calibration and interpretation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes optical properties (transparency, opacity, color) of the sample liquid to assess dissolution. By capturing the identification pattern through the liquid, the system leverages the liquid's optical characteristics as a direct visual indicator of dissolution status, simplifying the operation for automated analysis while maintaining precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

3Device complexity

If image acquisition is used to capture identification pattern through sample liquid, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision may deteriorate due to particles affecting pattern recognition

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplicity of analysis deviceVSAvoidaccuracy of dissolution determination
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates feedback through image evaluation algorithms that continuously assess the quality of the captured identification pattern. By analyzing factors such as pattern clarity, contrast, and recognition accuracy, the system provides feedback on dissolution status and can adjust measurement parameters or trigger re-measurements to ensure precise results despite the presence of particles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs parameter changes in the image acquisition process, such as adjusting light source brightness, exposure time, and image processing parameters, to optimize the capture quality under different conditions. This allows the system to maintain measurement precision by adapting to varying sample properties and particle concentrations while keeping the device structure simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 efficient and reliable determination of complete dissolution, reducing misjudgments and simplifying the verification process for automated systems, ensuring sample liquids are transparent and ready for further processing.

Implementation Method 1

the optical path extending from the image acquisition level to the identification pattern such that the sample liquid, in particular a partial volume or the entire volume of the sample liquid, lies in the optical path

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight transmission: Light

Implementation Method 2

capturing an image of the identification pattern

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectImage formation: Photography

Implementation Method 3

A light source is preferably assigned to the at least one sample container

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight emission: Light

Data Source

PatentEP2668490B1Optical analysis method for liquid in a sample container and analysis device for carrying out the method
Publication Date: 2017.08.16 HAMILTON BONADUZ AG
  • EP2668490B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2668490B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4d
  • EP2668490B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for optically analyzing a sample liquid (34) contained in a sample container (24a-h), wherein the sample liquid (34) contains at least one substance (40) in at least partially dissolved form, comprising the following steps: providing at least one sample container (24a-h) filled with sample liquid (34); illuminating the at least one sample container (24a-h) by means of a light source (18a-h); and recording an image of an identification pattern (32a-h) associated with the at least one sample container (24a-h) by means of an image recording device (22) that produces image data, wherein the optical path (OP) is selected in such a way that the sample liquid (34) contained in the at least one sample container (24a-h) lies at least partially between the image recording plane (36) of the image recording device (22) and the identification pattern (32a-h). The invention further relates to an analysis device for carrying out the method.