Material Identification via Spectral Projection Vectors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for material identification using X-ray irradiation and spectrometric analysis are limited in accurately determining the nature of materials independently of their thickness, and there is a need for more precise classification techniques.

Innovation Solution

A method involving irradiation of a material with ionizing electromagnetic radiation, detection of the transmitted radiation using a spectrometric detector, and subsequent projection of the acquired spectrum data using projection vectors determined during a learning phase, allowing for classification of the material into distinct classes based on discriminant criteria.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional spectrometric analysis methods are used to identify materials, then the material nature can be determined, but the identification accuracy is limited and dependent on material thickness

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvematerial identification accuracyVSAvoidindependence from thickness
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the spectral data from the original energy domain into a projected space using predetermined projection vectors. This dimensional transformation allows the material classification to be performed in a new space where thickness variations do not affect the classification accuracy, effectively separating material identification from thickness measurement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter space by projecting the spectral data onto specific projection vectors that are optimized for material classification. By transforming the parameters from the original spectral domain to a projected domain, the method achieves thickness-independent material identification while maintaining high classification accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Loss of information

If the full spectral data is used for material classification, then comprehensive information is available, but the complexity of analysis increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespectral information retentionVSAvoidanalysis complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the essential information for material classification by projecting the full spectral data onto a smaller set of predetermined projection vectors. This extraction process retains the critical material-specific information while eliminating redundant data, thereby reducing analysis complexity without significant loss of classification capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

By transforming the spectral data into a lower-dimensional projected space, the patent reduces the computational complexity of the classification process while maintaining the essential material identification information. The projection vectors are designed to preserve the most discriminative features for material classification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 enables precise classification of materials regardless of thickness, improving the accuracy of material identification and discrimination between different classes, as demonstrated by the correct grouping of calibration and test spectra in reduced dimensional spaces.

Implementation Method 1

detection of radiation transmitted by said sample by means of a spectrometric detector, said sample being disposed between said irradiation source and said detector

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectX-ray transmission and spectrometric detection: X-Ray

Implementation Method 2

acquisition of a spectrum of the radiation thus detected, called transmission spectrum, representative of the energy distribution of said transmitted radiation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhoton detection and energy spectrum acquisition: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3320331B1Material identification method
Publication Date: 2021.10.20 COMMISSARIAT A LENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVES
  • EP3320331B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3320331B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3320331B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention is a method for identifying a material contained in a sample. The sample is subjected to irradiation via ionizing electromagnetic radiation, for example X-rays. The sample is inserted between a source emitting said radiation and a spectrometric detector capable of acquiring a spectrum of the radiation transmitted by the sample. The spectrum is subject to different treatment steps so as to enable classification of the material. Said steps are, consecutively: reducing dimensionality, followed by projecting along said predefined projection vectors. Projection makes it possible to establish classification parameters, on the basis of which classification is established.