Netrix S.A. is implementing the project entitled “Industrial Intelligent Optical Tomograph Based on Infrared Absorption Spectrometry”. The project is co-financed by the European Union under the SMART Path measure, Priority: Support for Enterprises, European Funds for a Modern Economy Programme.
The aim of the project is to develop an innovative optical tomograph based on absorption spectrometry, representing a breakthrough solution in industrial tomography. The project will result in an advanced device comprising innovative fibre-optic multiplexers enabling rapid switching between measurement channels, as well as an advanced spectral analysis technique for examining the spatial distribution of spectra using computational intelligence.
The unique approach employed by the proposed optical tomograph will enable the analysis of objects in the near-infrared range. The final result of spectrometric measurements will be a map showing the distribution of individual chemical components inside a tank, including information on their percentage concentrations. By using a 16-channel fibre-optic configuration, the product will provide highly precise, real-time localisation of chemical compounds, taking into account their spatial distribution.
Currently, there is no other solution on the market capable of providing such detailed analysis and localisation of chemical components. The project involves the development of a pioneering optical tomograph combining absorption spectrometry technology with a system for the precise localisation of chemical substances.
The target group and end users of the project are companies operating in the following sectors:
The project activities will be carried out as part of industrial research and experimental development work.
Task 1 – Industrial Research – Component Research, Development of the Device Architecture and Forward Problem Algorithms
The aim of this task is to conduct research on individual components that may be used in the construction of the optical tomograph and to develop the necessary PCB designs, electronic schematics, and technological designs for the device.
Activities carried out at this stage will focus on laboratory testing of prototype solutions developed for the tomograph. The task will also involve the development of algorithms for solving the forward problem in absorption optical tomography.
The objective of solving the forward problem will be to determine the spectra measured by the developed solution. Algorithms incorporating the necessary physicochemical aspects will make it possible to obtain measurement simulations closely corresponding to actual measurements. These will be treated as reference measurements and used for direct analysis of results obtained using the device prototype.
The research conducted under this task will result in the development of the tomograph architecture, technical drawings, application schematics, and PCB layouts.
Task 2 – Industrial Research – Development of Intelligent Optical Tomograph Modules and Intelligent Spectral Analysis Algorithms
This task involves the development of intelligent optical tomograph modules necessary for the proper operation of the device. It will include the development of optical multiplexers, a light source module, a detector module, and a control module which, together with the individual functional modules, will enable the measurement of multiple samples at extremely short time intervals.
The task will also focus on developing machine learning-based algorithms for identifying chemical compounds and determining their percentage concentrations based on measured spectra.
Additionally, algorithms will be developed to solve the inverse tomography problem for each identified compound, enabling the obtained results to be visualised in 2D. The algorithms will generate an image showing the percentage concentration of chemical components and their spatial location.
Task 3 – Experimental Development – Integration of Hardware Components and Software, and Development of a Desktop Application
The aim of this task is to examine reference substances using established analytical methods, including spectrometry and polarimetry, and to determine their properties for use as reference data.
In addition, the substances and their mixtures will be examined using the developed prototype, while the collected data will be analysed and appropriately labelled. As part of the task, software in the form of a desktop application will be developed to enable easy control of measurements performed using the developed device.
The system will also be tested to optimise the measurement process by analysing the relationship between operating speed and measurement accuracy. Another objective will be to integrate the components of the developed device into a functional prototype.
The integration activities will include:
As a result of the project, a prototype optical tomograph based on absorption spectrometry will be developed. This innovative product will represent a breakthrough in the field of imaging diagnostics. Solutions developed to date have been based on analysing light intensity, whereas the proposed solution will analyse the spectrum of light passing through the examined medium.
The developed product will enable the precise and rapid detection of chemical components, thereby allowing accurate determination of the condition of the examined medium together with the distribution of the percentage concentrations of individual chemical components.
The product will also feature ease of use and an intuitive user interface. Thanks to advanced software, the data analysis process will be automated, significantly reducing measurement times and eliminating the possibility of errors resulting from human factors.
The solution will be capable of integration with external systems and will be able to operate as a rapid-response sensor generating alerts when chemical contaminants are detected.
Furthermore, the developed product will use artificial intelligence technology, enabling it to continuously learn and enhance its detection capabilities. This will allow the device to be continuously improved and new, innovative solutions to be introduced.
The final product will be ready for market implementation and capable of achieving a significant market share.
Project value: PLN 8,348,627.46
European Funds contribution: PLN 5,839,273.44
Implementation period: January 2024 – December 2026
#EUFunds
#EuropeanFunds
