Sample Analyzer Autocorrelation Displacement Filtering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sample analyzers face challenges in accurately analyzing samples in states where particles are cross-linked or contain foreign bodies, as these conditions result in uneven internal structures and inappropriate autocorrelation functions, leading to inaccurate measurements.
Innovation Solution
A sample analyzer that calculates and compares autocorrelation functions to determine if the displacement amount of a comparison target function is within a predetermined range, using either a reference function obtained from a reference sample or a previously measured sample, to eliminate inappropriate functions and ensure accurate analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a sample in gel state or containing foreign bodies is analyzed using conventional autocorrelation function methods, then the measurement process can be completed, but the analysis accuracy deteriorates due to inappropriate autocorrelation functions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by acquiring multiple autocorrelation functions at different irradiation positions before performing analysis. This allows the system to pre-evaluate the appropriateness of each autocorrelation function and select the most suitable one, thereby ensuring accurate analysis even for samples in gel state or containing foreign bodies.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by introducing an appropriateness evaluation mechanism that assesses each autocorrelation function based on displacement amount from reference functions. This feedback system enables the analyzer to identify and select appropriate autocorrelation functions, eliminating inappropriate ones caused by gel states or foreign bodies, thus improving measurement precision.
2Reliability
If multiple irradiation positions are measured to handle uneven internal structure, then the reliability of autocorrelation function selection improves, but the measurement time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by acquiring autocorrelation functions at multiple irradiation positions before analysis. This preliminary multi-position measurement enables reliable selection of appropriate autocorrelation functions, and the system optimizes the process by determining when sufficient data has been collected, balancing reliability with measurement time efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements partial action by acquiring autocorrelation functions at multiple positions but not necessarily all possible positions. The system determines the appropriate number of positions based on the need to capture representative sample characteristics while minimizing measurement time, thus applying partial action rather than exhaustive measurement.
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 sample analysis by eliminating autocorrelation functions affected by foreign bodies or specific conditions, enabling accurate measurement of particle size distribution and physical properties like lattice spacing and hardness in gel samples.
Implementation Method 1
a light source adapted to irradiate particles, which are dispersed in a solvent and exhibit Brownian motion, with laser light
Implementation Method 2
a light detector adapted to detect interference light of lights scattered by the particles
Implementation Method 3
a calculation part adapted to obtain an autocorrelation function from a detection signal of the light detector to measure the particle size distribution
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is a sample analyzer 100 that makes it possible to accurately analyze a sample even when the sample is such as one in a state where particles are cross-linked, or one containing foreign bodies and that calculates an autocorrelation function from a detection signal obtained by irradiating a sample with inspection light L1, and from the autocorrelation function, analyzes the sample. In addition, the sample analyzer 100 includes: an autocorrelation function determination part 53 that determines whether or not the displacement amount of an autocorrelation function serving as a comparison target from an autocorrelation function serving as a reference is within a predetermined range; and a sample analysis part 54 that analyzes the sample with use of an autocorrelation function of which the displacement amount is determined by the autocorrelation function determination part 53 to be within the predetermined range.