Signal Validation for Spherical Object Sizing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current light scattering interferometry techniques for characterizing spherical objects face significant errors due to complex interference fringe patterns formed by mixed light scattering mechanisms like reflection and refraction, especially when multiple objects are present, leading to inaccurate size and velocity measurements, particularly in high particle density environments.
Innovation Solution
The method involves using photodetectors to generate time-varying electrical signals from interference fringe patterns, partitioning these signals into timing segments, and validating them based on timing parameter consistency and error thresholds to distinguish periodic signals from non-periodic ones, ensuring accurate measurement of size and velocity by rejecting signals with significant timing parameter differences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If light scattering interferometry is used to determine size and velocity of spherical objects, then measurement capability is provided, but measurement precision deteriorates due to complex interference fringe patterns from multiple scattering mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the complex interference signal into multiple frequency components using spectral analysis. By decomposing the composite fringe pattern into individual frequency components corresponding to different scattering mechanisms, the system can analyze and validate each component separately, thereby improving measurement precision despite the presence of multiple scattering mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements signal validation through feedback mechanisms that compare measured timing parameters against expected periodicity patterns. The system uses feedback loops to identify and reject non-periodic signals that indicate measurement errors, thereby maintaining high measurement precision in complex interference environments.
2Quantity of substance
If multiple spherical objects are present in the sample volume, then measurement coverage is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to signal mixing and frequency/phase changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by separating the composite signal from multiple particles into individual frequency components through spectral analysis. Each particle's signal contributes a distinct frequency component that can be isolated and analyzed independently, allowing accurate measurement of multiple particles simultaneously without cross-contamination errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses partial action by selectively processing only the periodic components of the signal that correspond to valid particle measurements. Non-periodic components resulting from multiple particle interference are identified and excluded from analysis, ensuring that only reliable measurements are used to determine size and velocity.
3Illumination intensity
If highly focused Gaussian laser beams are used in high particle density environments, then light scattering signal intensity is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to intensified complex interference patterns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs feedback-based signal validation that monitors the periodicity of interference fringe patterns in real-time. When complex non-periodic patterns are detected that indicate measurement errors from multiple scattering mechanisms, the system uses feedback to reject these invalid signals, thereby maintaining measurement precision despite using high-intensity focused beams in dense particle environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by selectively accepting only those signal components that exhibit consistent periodicity characteristics. Even though high-intensity focused beams produce complex interference patterns, the system extracts and validates only the periodic components that correspond to legitimate single-particle scattering events, discarding the excessive non-periodic components that cause measurement errors.
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 significantly reduces measurement errors by validating the consistency of timing parameters, allowing for precise determination of size and velocity of spherical objects, even in complex interference patterns and high particle density conditions.
Implementation Method 1
generating time varying signals in response to receiving the scattered light signal
Implementation Method 2
The light scattered by the spherical object, as it passes through the sample volume, produces an interference fringe pattern at the plane of the detector
Implementation Method 3
The light produced by each of the two crossing laser beams is scattered from the spherical object due to various mechanisms, e.g., reflection and refraction
Implementation Method 4
The light produced by each of the two crossing laser beams is scattered from the spherical object due to various mechanisms, e.g., reflection and refraction
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods and apparatuses for validating signals to determine sizes and velocities of spherical objects are described. Light is scattered from a spherical object to form an interference fringe pattern. Portions of the interference fringe pattern are received by photodetectors. In response, the photodetectors generate time varying electrical signals. At least one of the time varying signals is partitioned into timing segments. The timing segments are processed to determine one or more timing parameters. A timing parameter consistency between at least two of the timing segments is verified. At least one of the time varying signals is validated based on the timing parameter consistency. The time varying electrical signal is accepted if a timing parameter difference is less or equal to a predetermined timing parameter error threshold. The time varying electrical signal is rejected if the timing parameter difference is larger than the predetermined timing parameter error threshold.