Noninvasive Plant Virus Detection via Optical Spectroscopy

Solution Overview

Problem

Current virus detection methods for orchids often cause wounds and increase the risk of infection, as they require specimen collection, which is invasive and not noninvasive.

Innovation Solution

A method and electronic apparatus that project an excitation light beam onto the plant, receive the reaction light, and analyze the analytic optical spectrum to determine the presence of pathogenic viruses like Cymbidium Mosaic Virus (CyMV) and Odontoglossum Ringspot Virus (ORSV) without causing harm, using an excitation light source, light transceiver, spectrometer, and processing unit.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If specimen collection is performed for virus detection, then detection can be conducted, but wound is caused to the plant

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevirus detectionVSAvoidwound to plant

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical specimen collection with optical detection. An excitation light beam is projected onto the plant surface, and the reflected light is analyzed to detect viral infections. This substitutes the mechanical intrusion of specimen collection with a non-contact optical measurement system, eliminating wounds while maintaining detection capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces light as an intermediary medium for detection. Instead of direct contact with plant tissues, the system uses excitation light that interacts with the plant surface and reflects back carrying viral infection information. This intermediary approach enables indirect measurement without physical intrusion

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If specimen collection is performed for virus detection, then virus can be detected, but risk of future infection increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevirus detectionVSAvoidrisk of future infection

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical specimen collection with optical detection. An excitation light beam is projected onto the plant surface, and the reflected light is analyzed to detect viral infections. This substitutes the mechanical intrusion of specimen collection with a non-contact optical measurement system, eliminating wounds while maintaining detection capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary anti-action by preventing the creation of wounds before they can occur. By using non-contact optical detection, the system eliminates the initial injury that would otherwise create entry points for future viral infections, thereby proactively protecting the plant from secondary infections

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

3Object-affected harmful factors

If noninvasive detection is used, then plant is not wounded, but detection method must be different from conventional methods

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewound to plantVSAvoiddetection method

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical specimen collection with optical detection. An excitation light beam is projected onto the plant surface, and the reflected light is analyzed to detect viral infections. This substitutes the mechanical intrusion of specimen collection with a non-contact optical measurement system, eliminating wounds while maintaining detection capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the detection parameter from physical specimen analysis to optical property measurement. Instead of analyzing collected plant tissues, the system measures changes in light reflection characteristics caused by viral infections. This parameter transformation enables noninvasive detection while using well-established optical spectroscopy techniques

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 approach allows for precise, noninvasive detection of plant pathogenic viruses, reducing the risk of wound and future infection, while enabling semi-quantitative concentration determination of the viruses without harming the orchid.

Implementation Method 1

projecting an excitation light beam onto the plant

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight emission: Light

Implementation Method 2

receiving a reaction light emitted by the plant in response to the excitation light beam

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluorescence: Fluorescence

Data Source

PatentUS10139396B2Method of noninvasively detecting plant pathogenic virus and electronic apparatus thereof

Publication Date: 2018.11.27 NATIONAL TAIWAN NORMAL UNIVERSITY

AI summary

A method of noninvasively detecting plant pathogenic virus and an electronic apparatus thereof are provided. The method is adapted to the electronic apparatus for detecting pathogenic virus in plants. The method includes the following steps. An excitation light beam is projected to the plant, and a reaction light emitted by the plant in response to the excitation light is received. An analytic optical spectrum corresponding to the reaction light is obtained, and whether the plant has the pathogenic virus or not is determined according to the analytic optical spectrum.