3D Particle Measurement Using Multi-Angle Optical Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining particle size and shape, particularly for irregularly shaped particles, are inaccurate due to their reliance on 2-dimensional measurements, which fail to provide reliable 3-dimensional axis ratios and volume calculations, and require subjective corrections and high manual effort.
Innovation Solution
A method using a spatially resolved optical system with a line laser and CCD camera to record particle images from multiple angles, allowing for the determination of three-dimensional particle properties like density and shape, eliminating the need for 2-dimensional evaluations and material-specific corrections, and achieving results comparable to traditional sieve analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If 2-dimensional optical particle measurement methods are used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates because they cannot provide accurate 3-dimensional axis ratios or particle sizes for irregular particle shapes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from 2-dimensional optical measurement to 3-dimensional measurement by capturing particle images from multiple angles (at least two different positions) and processing these images to determine three-dimensional particle properties including volume, surface area, and axis ratios. This dimensional enhancement resolves the limitation of 2-D methods in accurately measuring irregular particle shapes.
2Measurement precision
If slice-by-slice recording methods are used to capture 3-dimensional information, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases and particles must be positioned one behind another on the conveyor belt
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the measurement process by capturing particle images at multiple discrete positions along the conveyor belt rather than attempting to capture all 3-D information simultaneously. This segmentation approach simplifies the measurement system compared to full 3-D scanning while still enabling accurate determination of particle volume, surface area, and shape characteristics through computational processing of the segmented images.
3Measurement precision
If standardized mechanical sieve analysis methods are used, then measurement precision improves for grain size distribution, but productivity decreases and subjective error influences increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical sieve analysis system with an optical measurement system that uses imaging and computational processing to determine particle size and shape. This substitution eliminates the manual operations, subjective errors, and low throughput associated with mechanical sieving while maintaining or improving measurement accuracy through automated image capture and analysis.
4Device complexity
If ellipsoid simulation methods are used for 3-dimensional measurement, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates because real particle shapes are replaced by model bodies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates accurate optical copies of real particle shapes by capturing images from multiple angles and processing these images to determine actual particle geometry. Instead of forcing particles into ellipsoid models, the method copies and reconstructs the true particle shapes, enabling precise measurement of volume, surface area, and axis ratios that reflect the actual particle morphology rather than approximations.
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 method provides accurate, geometrically defined results for particle classification and fraction assignment, matching traditional methods in terms of precision and reliability, while reducing manual effort and subjective errors.
Implementation Method 1
optically recording a spatial image of the particle
Implementation Method 2
transported on a conveyor device, so that the particle can be optically recorded at different positions
Data Source
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Figure 5~7
AI summary
Grain size distributions of bulk goods are determined in accordance with DIN 66165-2 by means of sieve analysis. For that purpose, test sieves having specific, mostly square, mesh openings are stacked, starting with the smallest mesh size, from bottom to top. The sample is placed in the top-most sieve and subjected to a defined movement for a specific time. Said methods have plenty of potential sources of error and cannot always be clearly reproduced. In order to circumvent said disadvantages, the invention provides a method for determining a particle property, in particular a fraction classification, of a first particle, in particular of the first particle of a particle charge, wherein the method comprises the following steps: optically recording the first particle from different positions by means of an optical system; transforming the optical recording into a spatial representation that comprises in particular a projection surface and height information; and determining the particle property.