Multi-analyte optical computing system
First Claim
1. A method for high-speed analysis of product samples, comprising:
- illuminating at least a portion of a sample with light at an inspection point;
providing a plurality of light sensitive detectors, the detectors producing outputs based on received light, wherein the detectors are coupled to receive light from the same sample portion and to receive a reference light;
directing light from the sample portion toward a selected one of the plurality of light sensitive detectors through at least one multivariate optical element, the light from the sample portion carrying information about the sample portion;
directing at least a portion of the sample illuminating light toward one of the plurality of light sensitive detectors through a reference optical element to form a reference light, the reference light carrying information about the sample illuminating light;
detecting the reference light in the one of the plurality of light sensitive detectors separately from the light from the sample portion; and
analyzing the signals produced by the detectors, the analysis being based on a comparison of the signals produced from light passing through the at least one multivariate optical element and the signal produced from the reference light.
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Accused Products
Abstract
The present subject matter relates to methods of high-speed analysis of product samples. Light is directed to a portion of a product under analysis and reflected from or transmitted through the product toward a plurality of optical detectors. Signals from the detectors are compared with a reference signal based on a portion of the illuminating light passing through a reference element to determine characteristics of the product under analysis. The products under analysis may be stationary, moved by an inspection point by conveyor or other means, or may be contained within a container, the container including a window portion through which the product illuminating light may pass.
199 Citations
19 Claims
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1. A method for high-speed analysis of product samples, comprising:
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illuminating at least a portion of a sample with light at an inspection point; providing a plurality of light sensitive detectors, the detectors producing outputs based on received light, wherein the detectors are coupled to receive light from the same sample portion and to receive a reference light; directing light from the sample portion toward a selected one of the plurality of light sensitive detectors through at least one multivariate optical element, the light from the sample portion carrying information about the sample portion; directing at least a portion of the sample illuminating light toward one of the plurality of light sensitive detectors through a reference optical element to form a reference light, the reference light carrying information about the sample illuminating light; detecting the reference light in the one of the plurality of light sensitive detectors separately from the light from the sample portion; and analyzing the signals produced by the detectors, the analysis being based on a comparison of the signals produced from light passing through the at least one multivariate optical element and the signal produced from the reference light. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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Specification