Certain disclosed methods include: transmitting an excitation signal into the MUT and transmitting a reference signal to a set of magnitude and phase (M/P) detectors; receiving the response signal; separately comparing a magnitude and phase for each of the excitation signal and the reference signal with corresponding detection ranges for a first one of the M/P detectors; separately comparing a magnitude and phase for each of the response signal and the reference signal with corresponding detection ranges for a second one of the M/P detectors; iteratively adjusting the excitation signal until the response signal has both a magnitude and a phase within the corresponding detection ranges for the second M/P detector; and iteratively adjusting the reference signal until the reference signal has both a magnitude and a phase within the corresponding detection ranges for the first and the second M/P detectors.
According to various implementations, an apparatus for electromagnetic impedance spectrographic characterization of a material under test (MUT) includes: a planar array of at least two electrodes configured to be placed in electromagnetic communication with the MUT, wherein during operation of the planar array, at least one of the electrodes comprises a transmitting electrode for transmitting an electromagnetic signal over a range of frequencies through the MUT to at least one receiving electrode in the planar array; and a backer ground plate at least partially surrounding the at least two electrodes, the backer ground plate being electrically grounded and insulated from the at least two electrodes, wherein the backer ground plate extends from a plane formed by the at least two electrodes and separates the at least two electrodes to create an electrically isolated volume proximate to the at least two electrodes.
G01N 27/02 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of electric, electrochemical, or magnetic means by investigating impedance
G01N 27/22 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of electric, electrochemical, or magnetic means by investigating impedance by investigating capacitance
3.
Methods, circuits and systems for obtaining impedance or dielectric measurements of a material under test
Certain disclosed methods include: transmitting an excitation signal into the MUT and transmitting a reference signal to a set of magnitude and phase (M/P) detectors; receiving the response signal; separately comparing a magnitude and phase for each of the excitation signal and the reference signal with corresponding detection ranges for a first one of the M/P detectors; separately comparing a magnitude and phase for each of the response signal and the reference signal with corresponding detection ranges for a second one of the M/P detectors; iteratively adjusting the excitation signal until the response signal has both a magnitude and a phase within the corresponding detection ranges for the second M/P detector; and iteratively adjusting the reference signal until the reference signal has both a magnitude and a phase within the corresponding detection ranges for the first and the second M/P detectors.
Various aspects of the disclosure relate to evaluating the electromagnetic impedance characteristics of a material under test (MUT) over a range of frequencies. In particular aspects, a system includes: an electrically non-conducting container sized to hold the MUT, the electrically non-conducting container having a first opening at a first end thereof and a second opening at a second, opposite end thereof; a transmitting electrode assembly at the first end of the electrically non-conducting container, the transmitting electrode assembly having a transmitting electrode with a transmitting surface; and a receiving electrode assembly at the second end of the electrically non-conducting container, the receiving electrode assembly having a receiving electrode with a receiving surface, wherein the receiving electrode is approximately parallel with the transmitting electrode, and wherein the transmitting surface of the transmitting electrode is larger than the receiving surface of the receiving electrode.
A61B 5/0536 - Impedance imaging, e.g. by tomography
G01N 27/22 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of electric, electrochemical, or magnetic means by investigating impedance by investigating capacitance
G01R 19/00 - Arrangements for measuring currents or voltages or for indicating presence or sign thereof
G01R 27/00 - Arrangements for measuring resistance, reactance, impedance, or electric characteristics derived therefrom
G01R 27/02 - Measuring real or complex resistance, reactance, impedance, or other two-pole characteristics derived therefrom, e.g. time constant
G01R 27/32 - Measuring attenuation, gain, phase shift, or derived characteristics of electric four-pole networks, i.e. two-port networksMeasuring transient response in circuits having distributed constants
Certain disclosed methods include: transmitting an excitation signal into the MUT and transmitting a reference signal to a set of magnitude and phase (M/P) detectors; receiving the response signal; separately comparing a magnitude and phase for each of the excitation signal and the reference signal with corresponding detection ranges for a first one of the M/P detectors; separately comparing a magnitude and phase for each of the response signal and the reference signal with corresponding detection ranges for a second one of the M/P detectors; iteratively adjusting the excitation signal until the response signal has both a magnitude and a phase within the corresponding detection ranges for the second M/P detector; and iteratively adjusting the reference signal until the reference signal has both a magnitude and a phase within the corresponding detection ranges for the first and the second M/P detectors.
According to various implementations, an apparatus for electromagnetic impedance spectrographic characterization of a material under test (MUT) includes: a planar array of at least two electrodes configured to be placed in electromagnetic communication with the MUT, wherein during operation of the planar array, at least one of the electrodes comprises a transmitting electrode for transmitting an electromagnetic signal over a range of frequencies through the MUT to at least one receiving electrode in the planar array; and a backer ground plate at least partially surrounding the at least two electrodes, the backer ground plate being electrically grounded and insulated from the at least two electrodes, wherein the backer ground plate extends from a plane formed by the at least two electrodes and separates the at least two electrodes to create an electrically isolated volume proximate to the at least two electrodes.
G01N 27/02 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of electric, electrochemical, or magnetic means by investigating impedance
G01N 27/22 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of electric, electrochemical, or magnetic means by investigating impedance by investigating capacitance
7.
Sensor system to apply electromagnetic fields for electromagnetic impedance spectroscopy in-process monitoring of fluids
Various implementations include systems and approaches for measuring an electromagnetic impedance characteristic of a fluid under test (FUT) in a fluid channel. In some cases, a system includes: a transmitting electrode assembly including: a transmitting electrode having a transmitting surface; and a transmitting electrode backer ground plate at least partially surrounding the transmitting electrode; a receiving electrode assembly including: a receiving electrode having a receiving surface; and a receiving electrode backer ground plate at least partially surrounding the receiving electrode, where the transmitting electrode and the receiving electrode are located in a set of walls defining the fluid channel, the transmitting surface and the receiving surface each conform to a shape of the set of walls defining the fluid channel, where the fluid channel permits transverse flow of the FUT relative to both the transmitting electrode and the receiving electrode.
G01R 27/04 - Measuring real or complex resistance, reactance, impedance, or other two-pole characteristics derived therefrom, e.g. time constant in circuits having distributed constants
G01R 27/32 - Measuring attenuation, gain, phase shift, or derived characteristics of electric four-pole networks, i.e. two-port networksMeasuring transient response in circuits having distributed constants
G01N 22/00 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of microwaves or radio waves, i.e. electromagnetic waves with a wavelength of one millimetre or more
G01N 21/3581 - Investigating relative effect of material at wavelengths characteristic of specific elements or molecules, e.g. atomic absorption spectrometry using infrared light using far infrared lightInvestigating relative effect of material at wavelengths characteristic of specific elements or molecules, e.g. atomic absorption spectrometry using infrared light using Terahertz radiation
G01R 27/28 - Measuring attenuation, gain, phase shift, or derived characteristics of electric four-pole networks, i.e. two-port networksMeasuring transient response
G01R 27/06 - Measuring reflection coefficientsMeasuring standing-wave ratio
8.
Parallel plate capacitor system for determining impedance characteristics of material under test (MUT)
Various aspects of the disclosure relate to evaluating the electromagnetic impedance characteristics of a material under test (MUT) over a range of frequencies. In particular aspects, a system includes: an electrically non-conducting container sized to hold the MUT, the electrically non-conducting container having a first opening at a first end thereof and a second opening at a second, opposite end thereof; a transmitting electrode assembly at the first end of the electrically non-conducting container, the transmitting electrode assembly having a transmitting electrode with a transmitting surface; and a receiving electrode assembly at the second end of the electrically non-conducting container, the receiving electrode assembly having a receiving electrode with a receiving surface, wherein the receiving electrode is approximately parallel with the transmitting electrode, and wherein the transmitting surface of the transmitting electrode is larger than the receiving surface of the receiving electrode.
G01R 27/26 - Measuring inductance or capacitanceMeasuring quality factor, e.g. by using the resonance methodMeasuring loss factorMeasuring dielectric constants
G01R 31/50 - Testing of electric apparatus, lines, cables or components for short-circuits, continuity, leakage current or incorrect line connections
A61B 5/0536 - Impedance imaging, e.g. by tomography
G01N 27/22 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of electric, electrochemical, or magnetic means by investigating impedance by investigating capacitance
G01R 19/00 - Arrangements for measuring currents or voltages or for indicating presence or sign thereof
G01R 27/00 - Arrangements for measuring resistance, reactance, impedance, or electric characteristics derived therefrom
G01R 27/02 - Measuring real or complex resistance, reactance, impedance, or other two-pole characteristics derived therefrom, e.g. time constant
G01R 35/00 - Testing or calibrating of apparatus covered by the other groups of this subclass
G01R 27/32 - Measuring attenuation, gain, phase shift, or derived characteristics of electric four-pole networks, i.e. two-port networksMeasuring transient response in circuits having distributed constants
Various aspects of the disclosure relate to evaluating the electromagnetic impedance characteristics of a material under test (MUT) over a range of frequencies. In particular aspects, a system includes: an electrically non-conducting container sized to hold the MUT, the electrically non-conducting container having a first opening at a first end thereof and a second opening at a second, opposite end thereof; a transmitting electrode assembly at the first end of the electrically non-conducting container, the transmitting electrode assembly having a transmitting electrode with a transmitting surface; and a receiving electrode assembly at the second end of the electrically non-conducting container, the receiving electrode assembly having a receiving electrode with a receiving surface, wherein the receiving electrode is approximately parallel with the transmitting electrode, and wherein the transmitting surface of the transmitting electrode is larger than the receiving surface of the receiving electrode.
G01N 27/22 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of electric, electrochemical, or magnetic means by investigating impedance by investigating capacitance
A61B 5/0536 - Impedance imaging, e.g. by tomography
G01R 27/02 - Measuring real or complex resistance, reactance, impedance, or other two-pole characteristics derived therefrom, e.g. time constant
G01R 31/50 - Testing of electric apparatus, lines, cables or components for short-circuits, continuity, leakage current or incorrect line connections
G01R 35/00 - Testing or calibrating of apparatus covered by the other groups of this subclass
G01R 19/00 - Arrangements for measuring currents or voltages or for indicating presence or sign thereof
G01R 27/32 - Measuring attenuation, gain, phase shift, or derived characteristics of electric four-pole networks, i.e. two-port networksMeasuring transient response in circuits having distributed constants
According to various implementations, an apparatus for electromagnetic impedance spectra graphic characterization of a material under test (MUT) includes: a planar array of at least two electrodes configured to be placed in electromagnetic communication with the MUT, wherein during operation of the planar array, at least one of the electrodes comprises a transmitting electrode for transmitting an electromagnetic signal over a range of frequencies through the MUT to at least one receiving electrode in the planar array; and a backer ground plate at least partially surrounding the at least two electrodes, the backer ground plate being electrically grounded and insulated from the at least two electrodes, wherein the backer ground plate extends from a plane formed by the at least two electrodes and separates the at least two electrodes to create an electrically isolated volume proximate to the at least two electrodes.
G01N 27/02 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of electric, electrochemical, or magnetic means by investigating impedance
G01N 27/22 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of electric, electrochemical, or magnetic means by investigating impedance by investigating capacitance
11.
IN-PROCESS PARALLEL PLATE SENSOR SYSTEM FOR ELECTROMAGNETIC IMPEDANCE SPECTROSCOPY MONITORING OF FLUIDS
Various aspects relate to characterizing features of a fluid, for example, during a manufacturing process. In particular aspects, a parallel plate sensor system is disclosed that applies an electromagnetic field over a range of frequencies to a fluid as it flows through a piping system. The system is configured to perform in-process characterization of physical attributes of the fluid as it passes through the piping system. In some cases, the system includes: a transmitting electrode assembly having: a transmitting electrode having a transmitting surface; and a transmitting electrode backer ground plate at least partially surrounding the transmitting electrode; a receiving electrode assembly comprising: a receiving electrode having receiving surface, wherein the receiving surface is smaller than the transmitting surface; and a receiving electrode backer ground plate at least partially surrounding the receiving electrode; and a fluid channel between the transmitting electrode assembly and the receiving electrode assembly, the fluid channel permitting transverse flow of the PUT relative to both the transmitting electrode and the receiving electrode.
An automated medical diagnostic system includes antennas, transmitter, receiver, and a processor-based device or system. Excitations signals are transmitted into bodily tissue at each of a plurality of discrete frequencies (e.g., steps of 1 MHz from 300 MHz to 2500 MHz) or unequal steps. The response signals are received and analyzed against the excitation signals at each of a number of the frequencies, for example determining gain/loss due to passage through bodily tissue. The results are analyzed for patterns indicative of a presence or absence of an abnormal condition, and results presented.
Various aspects of the disclosure relate to evaluating the electromagnetic impedance characteristics of a material under test (MUT) over a range of frequencies. In particular aspects, a system includes: an electrically non-conducting container sized to hold the MUT, the electrically non-conducting container having a first opening at a first end thereof and a second opening at a second, opposite end thereof; a transmitting electrode assembly at the first end of the electrically non-conducting container, the transmitting electrode assembly having a transmitting electrode with a transmitting surface; and a receiving electrode assembly at the second end of the electrically non-conducting container, the receiving electrode assembly having a receiving electrode with a receiving surface, wherein the receiving electrode is approximately parallel with the transmitting electrode, and wherein the transmitting surface of the transmitting electrode is larger than the receiving surface of the receiving electrode.
G01N 27/02 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of electric, electrochemical, or magnetic means by investigating impedance
G01N 27/22 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of electric, electrochemical, or magnetic means by investigating impedance by investigating capacitance
G01R 27/02 - Measuring real or complex resistance, reactance, impedance, or other two-pole characteristics derived therefrom, e.g. time constant
G01R 27/26 - Measuring inductance or capacitanceMeasuring quality factor, e.g. by using the resonance methodMeasuring loss factorMeasuring dielectric constants
14.
ELECTROMAGNETIC IMPEDANCE SPECTROSCOPY APPARATUS AND RELATED PLANAR SENSOR SYSTEM
According to various implementations, an apparatus for electromagnetic impedance spectra graphic characterization of a material under test (MUT) includes: a planar array of at least two electrodes configured to be placed in electromagnetic communication with the MUT, wherein during operation of the planar array, at least one of the electrodes comprises a transmitting electrode for transmitting an electromagnetic signal over a range of frequencies through the MUT to at least one receiving electrode in the planar array; and a backer ground plate at least partially surrounding the at least two electrodes, the backer ground plate being electrically grounded and insulated from the at least two electrodes, wherein the backer ground plate extends from a plane formed by the at least two electrodes and separates the at least two electrodes to create an electrically isolated volume proximate to the at least two electrodes.
G01L 9/02 - Measuring steady or quasi-steady pressure of a fluid or a fluent solid material by electric or magnetic pressure-sensitive elementsTransmitting or indicating the displacement of mechanical pressure-sensitive elements, used to measure the steady or quasi-steady pressure of a fluid or fluent solid material, by electric or magnetic means by making use of variations in ohmic resistance, e.g. of potentiometers
15.
System and circuit for obtaining impedance or dielectric measurements of a material under test
Embodiments include a system and circuit for measuring characteristics of a material under test (MUT). In some cases, the system includes a circuit having level detectors to measure the change in strength between a reference signal and a return signal passed through the MUT. The system can include a computing device to evaluate the measured signals and adjust those signals within range of the level detectors and other circuit components. Circuits can include a time-of-flight digital convertor for determining the phase shift between the reference and return signals that pass through the MUT. The measured difference in signal strength and phase can be used to compute the complex impedance or dielectric properties of the MUT. This impedance or dielectric property can be correlated with a physical property of the MUT. The system may be operated at a single frequency, or over a range of frequencies.
A method of extracting complex impedance from selected volumes of the material under test (MUT) combined with various embodiments of electrode sensor arrays. Configurations of linear and planar electrode arrays provide measured data of complex impedance of selected volumes, or voxels, of the MUT, which then can be used to extract the impedance of selected sub-volumes or sub-voxels of the MUT through application of circuit theory. The complex impedance characteristics of the sub-voxels may be used to identify variations in the properties of the various sub-voxels of the MUT, or be correlated to physical properties of the MUT using electromagnetic impedance tomography and/or spectroscopy.
G01R 27/02 - Measuring real or complex resistance, reactance, impedance, or other two-pole characteristics derived therefrom, e.g. time constant
G01V 3/08 - Electric or magnetic prospecting or detectingMeasuring magnetic field characteristics of the earth, e.g. declination or deviation operating with magnetic or electric fields produced or modified by objects or geological structures or by detecting devices
A61B 5/04 - Measuring bioelectric signals of the body or parts thereof
G01N 27/02 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of electric, electrochemical, or magnetic means by investigating impedance
A61B 5/053 - Measuring electrical impedance or conductance of a portion of the body
G01R 33/32 - Excitation or detection systems, e.g. using radiofrequency signals
Systems and methods for measuring and monitoring physical properties of a material under test (MUT) from a vehicle, e.g., using complex electromagnetic impedance. Various embodiments include a method including: obtaining displacement data about a position of a sensor array relative to a material under test (MUT); comparing the displacement data with reference displacement data to determine whether the sensor array is at a reference distance relative to the MUT; in response to determining that the sensor array is located at the reference distance, instructing the sensor array to transmit a set of electromagnetic impedance signals into the MUT; obtaining a return electromagnetic impedance signal from the MUT; and calculating at least one physical property of the MUT based upon the transmitted set of electromagnetic impedance signals, the return electromagnetic impedance signals, and the displacement data.
Approaches include selecting a desired location for the measurement of electromagnetic spectroscopic impedance data for correlation with a physical property of a material under test (MUT) with electromagnetic impedance tomography. The MUT is first characterized tomographically with a series of four-terminal electrode patterns at a single current frequency. Measured and computed values of electromagnetic impedance for the voxels and sub-voxels of the MUT are determined. The sub-voxel with a targeted value of impedance is selected and matched with the specific four-terminal electrode pattern related to that sub-voxel. The spectrographic electromagnetic impedance measurements are made across a range of frequencies for the selected sub-voxel, using all of the four-terminal electrode patterns required to compute the tomographic impedance value of the selected sub-voxel. The computed spectrographic electromagnetic impedance value for the selected sub-voxel is then correlated to a physical property of the MUT.
Systems and methods for measuring and monitoring physical properties of a material under test (MUT) from a vehicle, e.g., using complex electromagnetic impedance. Various embodiments include a method including: obtaining displacement data about a position of a sensor array relative to a material under test (MUT); comparing the displacement data with reference displacement data to determine whether the sensor array is at a reference distance relative to the MUT; in response to determining that the sensor array is located at the reference distance, instructing the sensor array to transmit a set of electromagnetic impedance signals into the MUT; obtaining a return electromagnetic impedance signal from the MUT; and calculating at least one physical property of the MUT based upon the transmitted set of electromagnetic impedance signals, the return electromagnetic impedance signals, and the displacement data.
Methods of extracting complex impedance from selected subsurface volumes of a material under test (MUT) using various embodiments of electrode sensor pairs are provided. The electrode pairs can penetrate into a subsurface of the MUT, and operate below the surface of the MUT. Configurations of electrode pair sensors provide measured data of complex impedance of selected subsurface volumes of the MUT using electromagnetic spectrographic signals over a frequency range. The complex impedance characteristics of the subsurface volumes may be used to identify variations in the properties of the MUT, or be correlated to physical properties of the MUT.
A portable, tabletop fluid sampling device simplifies spectral analysis to produce an accurate but inexpensive chromatic fingerprint for fluid samples. In one embodiment, the sampling device uses an array of variable wavelength LED emitters and photodiode detectors to measure Rayleigh scattering of electromagnetic energy from the fluid sample contained in a cuvette. Either the fluid itself, or particles suspended in the fluid can then be identified by performing spectral pattern matching to compare results of a spectral scan against a library of known spectra. A wide range of applications include substance identification, security screening, authentication, quality control, and medical diagnostics.
Spectral information may be employed in process control and/or quality control of goods and articles. Spectral information may be employed in process control and/or quality control of media, for example financial instruments, identity documents, legal documents, medical documents, financial transaction cards, and/or other media, fluids for example lubricants, fuels, coolants, or other materials that flow, and in machinery, for example vehicles, motors, generators, compressors, presses, drills and/or supply systems. Spectral information may be employed in identifying biological tissue and/or facilitating diagnosis based on biological tissue.
G06K 9/74 - Arrangements for recognition using optical reference masks
G01N 21/27 - ColourSpectral properties, i.e. comparison of effect of material on the light at two or more different wavelengths or wavelength bands using photo-electric detection
Various embodiments include planar sensor arrays for use in determining characteristics of a material under test (MUT). The planar sensor arrays can include a set of electrodes positioned to enhance a depth and clarity of detection into the material under test. Some embodiments include an electromagnetic sensor array having: a first set of two rectilinear electrodes, positioned opposed to one another across a space; and a second set of two rectilinear electrodes, positioned opposed to one another across the space, the second set being off-set from the first set, wherein the first set and the second set are configured to detect an electromagnetic impedance of the MUT.
Systems for analyzing fluids (e.g., gases) include a chamber structure with a reflective inner surface, emitters, a primary detector positioned to principally detect electromagnetic energy reflected numerous times through the gas(es) and a calibration detector positioned to detect electromagnetic energy not reflected numerous times through the gas(es). Calibration may be automatically performed. The primary detector relies principally on Raleigh scattering. An optional primary detector may be positioned to principally detect Raman scattered electromagnetic energy.
G01N 21/01 - Arrangements or apparatus for facilitating the optical investigation
G01N 21/3504 - Investigating relative effect of material at wavelengths characteristic of specific elements or molecules, e.g. atomic absorption spectrometry using infrared light for analysing gases, e.g. multi-gas analysis
G01N 21/27 - ColourSpectral properties, i.e. comparison of effect of material on the light at two or more different wavelengths or wavelength bands using photo-electric detection
G01N 21/51 - Scattering, i.e. diffuse reflection within a body or fluid inside a container, e.g. in an ampoule
Systems for analyzing fluids (e.g., gases) include a chamber structure with a reflective inner surface, emitters, a primary detector positioned to principally detect electromagnetic energy reflected numerous times through the gas(es) and a calibration detector positioned to detect electromagnetic energy not reflected numerous times through the gas(es). Calibration may be automatically performed. The primary detector relies principally on Raleigh scattering. An optional primary detector may be positioned to principally detect Raman scattered electromagnetic energy.
A portable, tabletop fluid sampling device simplifies spectral analysis to produce an accurate but inexpensive chromatic fingerprint for fluid samples. In one embodiment, the sampling device uses an array of variable wavelength LED emitters and photodiode detectors to measure Rayleigh scattering of electromagnetic energy from the fluid sample contained in a cuvette. Either the fluid itself, or particles suspended in the fluid can then be identified by performing spectral pattern matching to compare results of a spectral scan against a library of known spectra. A wide range of applications include substance identification, security screening, authentication, quality control, and medical diagnostics.
A portable, tabletop fluid sampling device simplifies spectral analysis to produce an accurate but inexpensive chromatic fingerprint for fluid samples. In one embodiment, the sampling device uses an array of variable wavelength LED emitters and photodiode detectors to measure Rayleigh scattering of electromagnetic energy from the fluid sample contained in a cuvette. Either the fluid itself, or particles suspended in the fluid can then be identified by performing spectral pattern matching to compare results of a spectral scan against a library of known spectra. A wide range of applications include substance identification, security screening, authentication, quality control, and medical diagnostics.
Sampling device geometry reduces specular reflectance, using lenses to focus electromagnetic energy to predominately return scattered rather than reflected electromagnetic energy to detector(s), reducing effect of non-matte surfaces and/or window. Sampling device includes inherent automatic optical calibration, and optionally thermal calibration. Calibration detectors are optically isolated with respective emitters.
Sampling device geometry reduces specular reflectance, using lenses to focus electromagnetic energy to predominately return scattered rather than reflected electromagnetic energy to detector(s), reducing effect of non-matte surfaces and/or window. Sampling device includes inherent automatic optical calibration, and optionally thermal calibration. Calibration detectors are optically isolated with respective emitters.
G01J 5/00 - Radiation pyrometry, e.g. infrared or optical thermometry
G01N 21/27 - ColourSpectral properties, i.e. comparison of effect of material on the light at two or more different wavelengths or wavelength bands using photo-electric detection
G01N 21/31 - Investigating relative effect of material at wavelengths characteristic of specific elements or molecules, e.g. atomic absorption spectrometry
Various embodiments include solutions for in-process material characterization. Various particular embodiments include a computer-implemented method including: providing instructions for transmitting oscillating electromagnetic field signals to a material under test (MUT); obtaining a return signal associated with the transmitted oscillating electromagnetic field signals; comparing the return signal with the oscillating electromagnetic field signals to determine a difference in an aspect of the return signal and the aspect of the oscillating electromagnetic field signals; comparing the difference in the aspect to a predetermined threshold; and determining a characteristic of the MUT based upon the compared difference.
G01R 27/32 - Measuring attenuation, gain, phase shift, or derived characteristics of electric four-pole networks, i.e. two-port networksMeasuring transient response in circuits having distributed constants
G01R 27/06 - Measuring reflection coefficientsMeasuring standing-wave ratio
G01N 22/00 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of microwaves or radio waves, i.e. electromagnetic waves with a wavelength of one millimetre or more
31.
Systems, methods and articles related to machine-readable indicia and symbols
A system employs combinations of marking media, each with respective distinguishing spectral characteristics to encode human comprehensible information in, and read human comprehensible information from, machine-readable indicia or symbols. Machine-readable indicia may be a single dot encoding information only in the combinations. Machine-readable symbols may be linear or two dimensional, spatially encoding information in the combinations, as well as spatially. A symbology may map at least the combinations to human-readable symbols or characters. A printer may form indicia or symbols with combinations of marking media. A reader may read indicia or symbols and decode information from at least the combinations of marking media. Different combinations may be visually homogenous, for example gray.
Spectral information may be employed in process control and/or quality control of goods and articles. Spectral information may be employed in process control and/or quality control of media, for example financial instruments, identity documents, legal documents, medical documents, financial transaction cards, and/or other media, fluids for example lubricants, fuels, coolants, or other materials that flow, and in machinery, for example vehicles, motors, generators, compressors, presses, drills and/or supply systems. Spectral information may be employed in identifying biological tissue and/or facilitating diagnosis based on biological tissue.
A system employs combinations of marking media, each with respective distinguishing spectral characteristics to encode human comprehensible information in, and read human comprehensible information from, machine-readable indicia or symbols. Machine-readable indicia may be a single dot encoding information only in the combinations. Machine-readable symbols may be linear or two dimensional, spatially encoding information in the combinations, as well as spatially. A symbology may map at least the combinations to human-readable symbols or characters. A printer may form indicia or symbols with combinations of marking media. A reader may read indicia or symbols and decode information from at least the combinations of marking media. Different combinations may be visually homogenous, for example gray.
B41J 3/01 - Typewriters or selective printing or marking mechanisms characterised by the purpose for which they are constructed for special character, e.g. for Chinese characters or barcodes
B41J 29/38 - Drives, motors, controls, or automatic cut-off devices for the entire printing mechanism
A spectral analysis surveillance system includes sources or emitters which emit various wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation or energy into a space under surveillance, and a sensor which produce signals indicative of electromagnetic energy returned by people and other objects in the space. The electromagnetic radiation may fall in the visible portion of the electromagnetic spectrum yet the energy is emitted to appear as either white light or a single color. Returned energy is analyzed against reference samples. The spectral analysis surveillance system may be part of an integrated surveillance system including other components, for example metal detectors, baggage X-ray scanners, full body imagers, etc., and may provide surveillance of private or public locations, for instance airports.
An apparatus employs a plurality of transducers distributed along a cable to sample a medium. Some of the transducers may be operated according to various sequences which specific wavelengths and/or magnitudes of emission of electromagnetic energy. Some of the transducers sample, detect or measure responses of the fluid medium to the emissions. Various other transducers may sample or measure temperature, depth or pressure, and flow characteristics of the fluid medium, and optionally flow characteristics above a surface or above a surface of the fluid medium. Such may allow identification and/or characterization of characteristics of the fluid medium and/or substances (e.g., contaminants for instance petroleum, phytoplankton, red tide microorganisms, nutrients, dissolved oxygen or other gasses). The apparatus may communicate with remote facilities, allowing monitoring, remote control, and/or analysis with or with information from other platforms.
G01N 27/74 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of electric, electrochemical, or magnetic means by investigating magnetic variables of fluids
Objects such as manufactured goods or articles, works of art, media such as identity documents, legal documents, financial instruments, transaction cards, other documents, and/or biological tissue are sampled via sequential illumination in various bands of the electromagnetic spectrum, a test response to the illumination is analyzed with respect to reference responses of reference objects. The sequence may be varied. The sequence may define an activation order, a drive level and/or temperature for operating one or more sources. Illumination may be in visible, infrared, ultraviolet, or other portions of the electromagnetic spectrum. Elements of the evaluation system may be remote from one another, for example coupled by a network.
Spectral information may be employed in process control and/or quality control of goods and articles. Spectral information may be employed in process control and/or quality control of media, for example financial instruments, identity documents, legal documents, medical documents, financial transaction cards, and/or other media, fluids for example lubricants, fuels, coolants, or other materials that flow, and in machinery, for example vehicles, motors, generators, compressors, presses, drills and/or supply systems. Spectral information may be employed in identifying biological tissue and/or facilitating diagnosis based on biological tissue.
Objects such as manufactured goods or articles, works of art, media such as identity documents, legal documents, financial instruments, transaction cards, other documents, and/or biological tissue are sampled via sequential illumination in various bands of the electromagnetic spectrum, a test response to the illumination is analyzed with respect to reference responses of reference objects. The sequence may be varied. The sequence may define an activation order, a drive level and/or temperature for operating one or more sources. Illumination may be in visible, infrared, ultraviolet, or other portions of the electromagnetic spectrum. Elements of the evaluation system may be remote from one another, for example coupled by a network.
A system for evaluating subject objects includes at least one physical source operable to emit electromagnetic energy and driver electronics drivingly coupled to at least one physical source. The driver electronics is configured to drive at least one physical source as a number of logical sources, using an electromagnetic forcing function. The number of logical sources is greater than the number of physical sources. In addition, the system includes a sensor configured to receive an electromagnetic response from at least a portion of an evaluation object illuminated by one or more physical sources operated as logical sources, and convert the electromagnetic response to a test response signal indicative of the electromagnetic response of the evaluation object.
A system, method and program product enable determining physiological characteristics of an animal. In one embodiment, the system includes a sensor having an array of electrodes for use in obtaining complex impedance data from a body part of an animal; and a determinater that compares the complex impedance data with an empirical data model to determine a physiological parameter of the animal, the empirical data model including physiological parameter data versus complex impedance data value correspondence of the animal.
Spectral information may be employed in process control and/or quality control of goods and articles. Spectral information may be employed in process control and/or quality control of media, for example financial instruments, identity documents, legal documents, medical documents, financial transaction cards, and/or other media, fluids for example lubricants, fuels, coolants, or other materials that flow, and in machinery, for example vehicles, motors, generators, compressors, presses, drills and/or supply systems. Spectral information may be employed in identifying biological tissue and/or facilitating diagnosis based on biological tissue.
Objects such as manufactured goods or articles, works of art, media such as identity documents, legal documents, financial instruments, transaction cards, other documents, and/or biological tissue are sampled via sequential illumination in various bands of the electromagnetic spectrum, a test response to the illumination is analyzed with respect to reference responses of reference objects. The sequence may be varied. The sequence may define an activation order, a drive level and/or temperature for operating one or more sources. Illumination may be in visible, infrared, ultraviolet, or other portions of the electromagnetic spectrum. Elements of the evaluation system may be remote from one another, for example coupled by a network.
A system for evaluating subject objects includes at least one physical source (118) operable to emit electromagnetic energy and driver electronics (111) drivingly coupled to at least one physical source. The driver electronics is configured to drive at least one physical source as a number of logical sources, using an electromagnetic forcing function. The number of logical sources is greater than the number of physical sources In addition, the system includes a sensor (116) configured to receive an electromagnetic response from at least a portion of an evaluation object illuminated by one or more physical sources operated as logical sources, and convert the electromagnetic response to a test response signal indicative of the electromagnetic response of the evaluation object
A system, method and program product for determining the in-place engineering properties such as density and moisture content of many varieties of engineering materials, are disclosed. The invention also includes a database, material model and sensor model for use with the above-described aspects. In one embodiment, the invention determines a compaction indication of the material based on an effect of impedance characteristics of the material on an electrical field, and corrects the compaction indication for at least one of a sensor depth-sensitivity inaccuracy and a compaction process inaccuracy. The compaction indication is determined based on a material model, and the corrections are based on mathematical and empirical models of the compaction process and the sensor.
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