Particle Analyzer System for Efficient Spectrometric Screening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current particle image analyzers and spectrometric systems require significant time and expense for spectrometric imaging and screening, especially when dealing with large numbers of particles, and often rely on array-based infrared chemical imaging which is inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A particle analyzer system that combines image acquisition, particle selection, and spectrometric capabilities, using an x-y stage and spectrometer with analysis logic for morphological characterization, allowing for efficient selection and analysis of particles based on predetermined characteristics, and a mapping module to superimpose spectral information onto images, reducing the need for full hyperspectral data acquisition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If array-based infrared chemical imaging is used for spectrometric imaging of large numbers of particles, then spectral information can be obtained, but the time and expense required increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the sample area into discrete particles and processes them individually. The image acquisition system captures images of multiple particles, the particle selection interface allows selective identification of specific particles, and the positioning mechanism moves the spectrometer to each selected particle's location for separate spectral analysis. This segmentation approach reduces the overall time compared to array-based imaging of all particles simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary image acquisition and particle identification before spectrometric analysis. The image acquisition system captures images of all particles in the sample area first, then the particle selection interface allows users to identify and select particles of interest based on morphological characteristics. Only after this preliminary selection are the spectrometric measurements performed on the selected particles, avoiding unnecessary measurements on irrelevant particles.
2Measurement precision
If array-based infrared chemical imaging is used for spectrometric imaging of large numbers of particles, then spectral information can be obtained, but the expense increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a single spectrometer with a limited field of view that is positioned sequentially at different particle locations, rather than employing expensive array-based infrared imaging systems. This segmentation of the measurement process into sequential single-point measurements using an affordable spectrometer significantly reduces system cost while still enabling spectral analysis of multiple particles.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an image acquisition system and particle selection interface as intermediaries between the sample and the spectrometer. These components enable intelligent selection and positioning of particles for spectral analysis, making the use of an inexpensive single-point spectrometer effective for analyzing multiple particles without requiring costly array-based imaging systems.
3Loss of information
If full hyperspectral data acquisition is performed, then complete spectral information is obtained, but the time and data processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs spectral measurements only on selected particles that meet specific criteria, rather than acquiring hyperspectral data from all particles in the sample area. The particle selection interface allows users to identify and select only the particles of interest based on morphological characteristics from preliminary images, resulting in partial data acquisition that is sufficient for the analytical objective while significantly reducing time and processing requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary image-based particle characterization before spectrometric analysis, allowing users to identify and select particles of interest in advance. This preliminary selection step enables the system to acquire only the necessary spectral data from relevant particles, avoiding the time-consuming acquisition and processing of complete hyperspectral data from all particles.
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 system enables efficient spectrometric imaging and screening by automatically selecting particles with specific morphological characteristics, reducing the time and expense associated with array-based systems, while providing detailed spectral and morphological analysis.
Implementation Method 1
A spectrometer with a field of view and operative to acquire a spectrum of at least part of one of the particles in its field of view
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A
Figure 3B
AI summary
In one general aspect, a spectroscopic apparatus is disclosed for investigating heterogeneity of a sample area. The apparatus includes an image acquisition system operative to acquire images of a plurality of sub-areas in the sample area and a sub-area selection interface operative to receive a selection designating one of the sub-areas for which an image has been obtained. A spectrometer has a field of view and is operative to acquire a spectrum of at least part of one of the sub-areas in its field of view, and a positioning mechanism is responsive to the sub-area selection interface and operative to position the field of view of the spectrometer relative to the sample area based on a received selection.