Particle Detection via Time-Correlated Pulse Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing particle detection technologies face challenges in accurately specifying the attribute of particles, such as biological versus non-biological particles, due to varying fluorescence and scattered light intensities, which can lead to incorrect identification.
Innovation Solution
A particle detection apparatus and method utilizing an inspection light source, photodetectors, a pulse detector, and a correlating unit to detect and correlate pulses of electric signals from reaction light, including scattered and fluorescence light, within a predetermined time difference range, allowing for accurate specification of particle attributes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If particle detection is performed based on fluorescence and scattered light intensity, then particle detection capability is achieved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to varying intensities leading to incorrect identification
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from single-channel intensity-based detection to multi-channel time-correlated detection. By adding the time dimension and multiple detection channels (reference channel and measurement channels), the system can distinguish particles more accurately through temporal patterns rather than relying solely on intensity variations, thereby resolving the contradiction between detection capability and identification accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the reference channel provides a baseline signal that is compared with measurement channels. The correlating unit uses the reference pulse as a feedback standard to validate and correct measurements from other channels, improving the reliability of particle attribute identification by compensating for intensity variations through comparative analysis
2Measurement precision
If multiple photodetectors are used to detect reaction light, then detection capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the detection system into distinct functional segments: a reference channel for baseline measurement and separate measurement channels for specific particle property detection. Each photodetector and processing unit is segmented to handle specific tasks, making the complex system more manageable and maintainable while improving overall detection accuracy through specialized sub-systems
Solution Approach 2:
The reference channel serves multiple functions: it provides a baseline for intensity normalization, enables time-correlation validation, and acts as a trigger for particle detection events. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby improving detection accuracy without proportionally increasing device complexity
3Measurement precision
If pulse correlation within time difference range is implemented, then particle specification accuracy is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial correlation by limiting the time difference range rather than correlating all possible time shifts. This partial action approach processes only the most relevant time windows where particle signals are expected to correlate, achieving sufficient accuracy for particle specification while avoiding the excessive processing time that would result from exhaustive correlation across all time ranges
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 correct specification of particle attributes by correlating pulses from different channels, reducing incorrect detection of single particles as multiple particles and improving accuracy in identifying biological and non-biological particles.
Implementation Method 1
If microbial particles and non-microbial particles are contained in the gas, the particles irradiated with the light emit fluorescence
Implementation Method 2
scattered light may be generated at the particles
Implementation Method 3
a plurality of photodetectors that detect reaction light generated at a particle irradiated with the inspection light and generate electric signals
Data Source
AI summary
A particle detection apparatus includes a plurality of photodetectors that detect reaction light generated at a particle irradiated with inspection light and generate electric signals in respective channels; pulse detectors that detect pulses of the electric signals in the respective channels; a correlating unit that correlates the pulse of the electric signal in a reference channel being a channel having a highest signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio, with the pulse of the electric signal in a channel other than the reference channel generated within a predetermined time difference range with respect to the pulse of the electric signal in the reference channel; and an attribute specifying unit that specifies an attribute of the particle on the basis of the correlated pulses of the electric signals.