Spectroscopic Endpoint Detection Using Dynamic Slope Thresholds

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for determining the end point of dynamic processes, such as blending, are inaccurate and subjective due to the difficulty in selecting appropriate thresholds and reliance on visual inspection, especially for processes with slow-changing slopes.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that analyze spectroscopic data to generate a process profile, identify a trend, and determine end points based on slope thresholds, eliminating the need for calibration and manual threshold selection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If visual inspection methods are used to determine end points, then operator flexibility is maintained, but measurement precision and objectivity deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveend point detection precisionVSAvoidanalysis method complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual visual inspection with automated computational analysis. The system uses processors to automatically generate process profiles from spectroscopic data, calculate slope profiles, and determine end points based on objective mathematical criteria (slope thresholds), eliminating subjective human judgment while improving measurement precision and consistency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces intermediate computational steps between raw data and end point determination. Process profiles and slope profiles serve as intermediary representations that translate complex spectroscopic data into simplified visual and numerical forms, making the determination process more systematic and less dependent on operator skill.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If fixed threshold values are used for end point detection, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different process conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different process iterationsVSAvoidthreshold determination complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic threshold determination where slope thresholds are calculated individually for each process iteration based on its specific characteristics. The system adapts to varying process conditions by computing thresholds that reflect the actual slope behavior of each iteration, rather than applying static predetermined values, thereby improving versatility across different process scenarios.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary analysis of each process iteration to generate process profiles and slope profiles before determining end points. This preliminary computational action characterizes the specific behavior of each iteration, enabling the subsequent selection of appropriate slope thresholds tailored to that particular process run.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If manual calibration and threshold selection are required, then measurement precision can be optimized for specific cases, but loss of time and ease of operation deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocess throughputVSAvoidend point detection precision

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-calibration and automatic threshold selection without requiring manual operator intervention. The processors automatically generate process profiles, calculate slope profiles, determine appropriate slope thresholds, and identify end points based on predefined criteria, enabling rapid processing of multiple iterations while maintaining consistent precision through automated objective analysis.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 increases the reliability and objectivity of end point detection in dynamic processes by using slope thresholds, providing consistent and robust endpoint determination across iterations.

Implementation Method 1

obtain time-series spectroscopic data associated with an iteration of a dynamic process

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpectroscopy: Absorption Spectroscopy

Data Source

PatentEP4653846A1Dynamic process end point determination based on a process profile shape

Publication Date: 2025.11.26 VIAVI SOLUTIONS INC(US)

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AI summary

Method and device for dynamic process, such as a blending process, end point determination based on a process profile shape. The method comprises receiving, by a device (220), such as (a) spectrometer(s) 210, spectroscopic data (102) associated with an iteration of a dynamic process; generating (104), by the device (220) and based on the spectroscopic data, a process profile associated with the iteration of the dynamic process; generating (106), by the device (220) and based on the process profile, a slope profile associated with the iteration of the dynamic process; determining (108), by the device (220), a trend of the process profile; and identifying (110), by the device (220), a set of slope thresholds associated with the iteration of the dynamic process based on the trend. The detection device (220) may determine (112), using the set of slope thresholds, an end point of the iteration of the dynamic process based on the slope profile.