Portable NIR Spectrometer for Seafood Species Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for seafood species identification, such as FT-IR and DNA-based techniques, are cumbersome, require laboratory settings, and are not suitable for field use, making it difficult to quickly authenticate seafood species and combat seafood fraud effectively.
Innovation Solution
A portable near-infrared (NIR) spectrometer system that uses broadband light sources and thin-film interference filters for wavelength separation, combined with multivariate pattern recognition techniques like PCA and SIMCA, to analyze NIR spectra and identify seafood species quickly and accurately in field conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If FT-IR spectroscopy is used for seafood identification, then species identification accuracy is improved, but device portability and ease of field operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical scanning Michelson interferometer system with a fixed optical path near-infrared spectrometer. This substitution eliminates moving parts and complex mechanical alignment requirements, enabling the device to be compact and portable for field use while maintaining spectroscopic identification capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the spectral measurement parameter from mid-infrared (2.5-5 micrometers) to near-infrared wavelengths. This parameter change allows the use of simpler, more compact optical components and detectors, improving device portability while still providing sufficient spectral information for species identification through appropriate data analysis
2Measurement precision
If DNA testing is used for seafood authentication, then identification accuracy is improved, but time consumption and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses near-infrared spectroscopy to rapidly obtain spectral data from seafood samples in the field without requiring sample collection, transportation, or laboratory preparation. The identification is performed immediately at the point of need, eliminating the multi-day delay inherent in DNA testing workflows
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes complex laboratory-based DNA extraction and analysis procedures with a simplified near-infrared spectral measurement system. This replacement eliminates the need for laboratory infrastructure, specialized personnel, and extended processing times while providing rapid identification results
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 rapid, on-site identification of seafood species, reducing the need for laboratory equipment and sample preparation, thus facilitating quicker enforcement actions and consumer verification, while maintaining high accuracy in distinguishing between similar-looking fish species.
Implementation Method 1
obtain a near-infrared (NIR) spectrum of the seafood sample
Implementation Method 2
using a broadband light source
Implementation Method 3
thin-film interference filters for wavelength separation
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~3C
Figure 3D
AI summary
A method and apparatus for field spectroscopic characterization of seafood is disclosed. A portable NIR spectrometer is connected to an analyzer configured for performing a multivariate analysis of reflection spectra to determine qualitatively the true identities or quantitatively the freshness of seafood samples. The present invention relates to materials characterization and identification, and in particular to spectroscopic characterization of seafood.