Optical Computing Device for Substance Characteristic Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Spectroscopic techniques in field or process environments face challenges due to sample preparation delays, interference from background materials, and the complexity of transitioning laboratory instruments to field conditions, which complicates accurate and precise quantitative measurements.
Innovation Solution
The use of optical computing devices with integrated computational elements that interact with electromagnetic radiation to determine a substance's characteristic, allowing for real-time analysis without sample processing and robust operation in field conditions by distinguishing relevant electromagnetic radiation from interfering signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional spectroscopic techniques are used in field environments, then measurement capability is achieved, but sample preparation time and interference from background materials reduce measurement precision and accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes interfering background materials from the spectral signal through computational processing. The system separates the analyte signal from background interference by identifying and eliminating spectral features that do not correspond to the target substance, thereby improving measurement accuracy in complex matrices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the spectral data by applying mathematical operations and computational algorithms that change the parameters of the spectral signal. This includes normalization, baseline correction, and multivariate analysis techniques that enhance the analyte signal while suppressing background interference.
2Measurement precision
If sample preparation steps are conducted to improve measurement accuracy, then quantitative precision is enhanced, but analysis time increases due to preparation delays
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical sample preparation steps with computational processing of spectral data. Instead of physically separating or purifying the sample through centrifugation, filtration, or extraction, the system uses algorithms to computationally remove interference and enhance the analyte signal, achieving similar accuracy without the time-consuming preparation steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces computational algorithms as an intermediary between sample measurement and quantitative analysis. These algorithms act as a virtual preparation step that processes the raw spectral signal to remove interference and enhance analyte detection, eliminating the need for physical sample preparation while maintaining measurement accuracy.
3Adaptability or versatility
If laboratory spectrometers are transitioned to field environments, then on-site analysis capability is achieved, but device complexity and operational challenges increase due to environmental conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by optimizing specific components of the spectral measurement system for field conditions rather than attempting to make the entire laboratory spectrometer field-ready. This includes using robust, simplified optical paths, ruggedized detectors, and computational methods that are specifically tailored to handle field environmental variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent compensates for environmental parameter changes (temperature, humidity, vibration) through computational correction algorithms. The system monitors environmental conditions and applies mathematical transformations to the spectral data to compensate for their effects, maintaining measurement accuracy without requiring complex environmental control systems.
4Productivity
If conventional spectroscopic methods are used without computational processing, then measurement speed is maintained, but accuracy is reduced due to interfering signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains continuous spectral measurement while applying computational processing in real-time. The system continuously collects spectral data and simultaneously processes it through algorithms that remove interference and enhance analyte signals, ensuring both high analysis speed and accurate quantitative results without interruption or delay.
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 rapid, accurate, and precise determination of substance characteristics in real-time, reducing sample preparation time and overcoming environmental challenges, while maintaining the precision of laboratory spectrometers.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnetic radiation source configured to optically interact with a sample having a characteristic of interest
Implementation Method 2
a first integrated computational element arranged within a primary channel and configured to optically interact with the electromagnetic radiation source and produce a first modified electromagnetic radiation
Implementation Method 3
a first detector arranged to receive the first and second modified electromagnetic radiations from the first and second integrated computational elements, respectively, and generate an output signal corresponding to the characteristic of the sample
Data Source
AI summary
An exemplary optical computing device includes an electromagnetic radiation source that optically interacts with a sample having a characteristic of interest, a first integrated computational element arranged within a primary channel to optically interact with the electromagnetic radiation source and produce a first modified electromagnetic radiation, wherein the first integrated computational element is configured to be positively or negatively correlated to the characteristic of interest, a second integrated computational element arranged within a reference channel to optically interact with the electromagnetic radiation source and produce a second modified electromagnetic radiation, wherein the second integrated computational element is configured to correlated to the characteristic of interest with an opposite sign relative to the first integrated computational element, and a first detector arranged to generate a first signal from the first modified electromagnetic radiation and a second signal from the second modified electromagnetic radiation.