Optical Particle Detection With Coverage-Based Auto Dilution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flow imaging systems face challenges in reliably separating and counting particles above a certain concentration threshold, leading to inaccurate optical measurements.
Innovation Solution
The system determines geometric envelopes around identified particle regions in images and calculates a coverage index to assess the reliability of particle counting, automatically diluting the sample if the coverage exceeds a predefined threshold to maintain accurate measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the particle concentration in the fluid mixture is increased to improve measurement efficiency, then the productivity increases, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to unreliable optical separation and evaluation above a certain concentration threshold
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the coverage index (ratio of particle area to total image area) and provides feedback control by automatically adjusting the dilution factor when the coverage exceeds a predefined threshold. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures that particle concentration is maintained within the optimal range for accurate optical separation and evaluation, resolving the contradiction between measurement efficiency and accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the concentration parameter of the fluid mixture by automatically adjusting the dilution factor based on the calculated coverage index. When particle concentration becomes too high (coverage exceeds threshold), the system increases dilution to restore measurement precision, thereby maintaining optimal measurement conditions throughout the analysis process.
2Measurement precision
If manual sample dilution is performed to maintain accurate particle counting, then the measurement precision is improved, but the loss of time increases due to manual intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically calculating the coverage index from captured images and adjusting the dilution factor without requiring manual intervention. The evaluation unit continuously monitors particle coverage and autonomously controls the dilution process, eliminating the time loss associated with manual sample preparation while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated feedback loop continuously evaluates the coverage index and adjusts the dilution factor in real-time, replacing manual dilution operations. This automated control system eliminates the time loss associated with manual intervention while ensuring that particle counting accuracy is maintained throughout the measurement process.
3Productivity
If the measurement zone is fully utilized to maximize the detection area, then the productivity increases, but the reliability deteriorates when particle coverage exceeds the optimal threshold for accurate evaluation
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the effective detection area parameter by modifying the dilution factor based on the coverage index. When particle coverage in the measurement zone exceeds the optimal threshold, the system increases dilution to reduce particle density, thereby maintaining reliable optical separation while preserving full utilization of the detection area capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements dynamic adjustment of the dilution factor in response to real-time coverage measurements. This dynamic control allows the measurement zone to operate at full capacity while automatically adapting particle concentration levels to maintain optimal conditions for optical separation and evaluation, resolving the contradiction between area utilization and measurement reliability.
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
Ensures precise and reliable particle counting by maintaining a defined coverage ratio, allowing for automated and optimized measurement conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The carrier fluid and particles differ in their optical properties; The illumination unit illuminates the measurement zone acquisition section, and the digital camera records the fluid mixture within the measurement zone acquisition section
Data Source
Figure 1~2b
AI summary
Device for particle analysis of fluid mixtures containing a carrier fluid and particles entrained therein. A measurement zone acquisition section (7) receives the fluid mixture. An optical detection device (10, 11, 12, 13) with illumination device (10, 11) and digital camera (13) is directed at the measurement zone acquisition section. The digital camera (13) is coupled to an evaluation unit (14), which repeatedly evaluates individual frames extracted from the image signals in order to distinguish first image areas (20), in which particles are depicted, from second image areas (22), in which particle-free fluid is depicted. The evaluation unit determines envelopes (21) for each of the first image areas (20), which enclose the first image areas according to predefined criteria.The evaluation unit determines a coverage measure for the evaluated individual images, which is determined from the total areas of the envelope (21) and the area (7a) of the entire captured image area of the measurement zone detection section (7).