FR3045830A1 - APPLICATION OF MEASURING APPARATUS FOR ANALYZING FOOD PRODUCTS AND MEASURING APPARATUS FOR THIS APPLICATION - Google Patents

Abstract

Application of a portable, self-contained measuring device (10) having a housing (12) with at least one NMR detector (32), a controller (28) for controlling the measuring apparatus (10), an operating device (30) for operating the measurement signal provided by the NMR detector (32), an operating device (16, 16 ') for transmitting information obtained and a power supply device ( 22) of the measuring apparatus 10 in the form of a battery, in particular a rechargeable battery, for analyzing a food product (42).

Description

Field of the invention

The present invention relates to the application 'a mobile measuring device, especially hand held with a nuclear NMR detector, hereinafter called NMR detector, as well as such an apparatus and its method of use.

State of the art

DE 10 2014 218 375 A1 and DE 2014 2018371 A1 disclose moving measuring apparatus each having a detector device provided with at least one NMR detector for determining humidity or for detecting and / or analyzing and / or distinguishing the material / material characteristics of a part examined.

Description and advantages of the invention

The subject of the present invention is the application of a portable, self-contained energy measuring apparatus comprising a housing with at least one NMR detector, a control device for controlling the measuring apparatus, an operating device for operating the measurement signal provided by the NMR detector, an operating device for transmitting information obtained and a power supply device for the measuring device in the form of a battery, in particular a rechargeable battery , to analyze a food product.

A positive measuring apparatus according to the present invention is a measuring apparatus which is transported without a transport machine, only by hand, in particular to carry out a measuring operation and / or to be conducted along a food product. The weight of the portable measuring device is in particular less than 20 kg and advantageously less than 10 kg, but particularly advantageously less than 2 kg. According to one embodiment, the measuring apparatus has a handle or a handle zone for guiding the measuring apparatus onto the food product to be analyzed. Alternatively or additionally, the food product to be analyzed may be run against or / and along the measuring apparatus to perform the analysis.

According to a development of the portable measuring apparatus, the components of the measuring apparatus, in particular the NMR detector, the control device, the operating device and the power supply device of the measuring apparatus are housed at least partly in the housing of the measuring apparatus. These components are housed with their volume, more than 50%, preferably more than 75% and particularly preferably up to 100% in the housing of the measuring apparatus. A measuring apparatus thus produced can advantageously be used because it is easily conducted with one hand against or on the food product to be analyzed. In addition, in this way the components are protected against damage and the influence of the environment such as humidity and dust. The measuring device is an autonomous measuring device, that is to say, autonomous in energy. An energy self-contained apparatus according to the invention is a measuring device which can, in particular temporarily, preferably during the period of analysis of the food product, operate independently of an electrical network, that is to say without a cable. The measuring apparatus has a power supply device in the form of a grid-independent / mains-independent energy store; the energy accumulator is in particular in the form of a battery and preferably a rechargeable battery. The power supply device supplies the meter for and during operation. The grid-independent energy storage unit may, according to an alternative embodiment, comprise a fuel cell, a capacitor, a hybrid supercapacitor or any other technical solution of interest as an energy store and / or a combination or multiplication of energy. such means. In particular, for the energy supply of the measuring apparatus accumulators are used with a chemical cell which provides a high power density / energy density. A high power density and / or high energy density, that is to say, allow a better use, more adapted to the high power demand of an NMR detector for the power supply of the measuring apparatus . It is currently, for example, a lithium or lithium-ion accumulator, in particular lithium-iron phosphate, lithium-manganese oxide, lithium-nickel-cobalt-manganese oxide, that is to say lithium , nickel, cobalt, manganese oxide, lithium sulfur, lithium polymer and lithium-oxygen for accumulators. In this embodiment, the power supply device is removably attached to the meter by a bonding interface by shape and / or force. Removable expression in this context means that the separation is non-destructive. Thus, the power supply device is preferably removable or exchangeable on the measuring apparatus. In a form of such an energy store, the removable power supply device can be recharged in or out of the meter by plugging into the power grid. According to one embodiment of the power supply device, in addition to the power supply of the measuring apparatus, it is also possible to supply other devices, in particular other measuring devices and / or other devices. machine tool devices or portable machine tools. The term "intended for" means that it is a means specially programmed or designed and / or equipped to perform a certain function. The fact that an object is provided to perform a certain function means in particular that the object fulfills this determined function in at least one application and / or operating state and that it is designed to perform this function. The mobile measuring apparatus comprises a control device for managing the operation of the measuring apparatus. The control device is connected to the other components of the measuring apparatus, in particular to the NMR detector, to the operating device, to the transmitting device and further, for example, by an input device, to the device of power supply and a data communication interface for transmitting the signals. The controller communicates during operation of the meter with such components. The control device is in particular a device which comprises at least one control electronics with means of communication with the other components of the measuring apparatus, for example means for controlling and / or regulating the NMR detector, means for data processing means, means for storing the data and / or other technically interesting means.

According to one embodiment, the control electronics of the controller is a processor connected to a memory that contains an operating program executed during the control operation. In particular, the electronic components of the control device are installed on a plate (circuit board) for example, in the form of a microcontroller.

To analyze the food product, the measuring apparatus has an NMR detector whose operation of the NMR detector is based on a nuclear physics effect according to which the atomic nuclei of the food product to be analyzed are placed in a first magnetic field with the reference Bo which is a field of alternative magnetic waves that are absorbed and emitted. Nuclear magnetic resonance is based on the precession (Larmor precession) of the nucleus of the analyzed foodstuff atoms, around the magnetic field lines of the first magnetic field, in particular constant and / or static; in particular the spins of the atomic nuclei of the food product analyzed are aligned by the first magnetic field. The energy in the form of a second electromagnetic field, especially an alternating field, for example, a pulsed magnetic field, is induced in the atomic nuclei which, with the precession of Larmor whose spin core is in resonance (quantum of energy) so that by absorption of this energy the atomic nuclei change the orientation of their spin relative to the first magnetic field. The second induced magnetic field is used to excite the spin of nuclei which, by absorbing energy, change their spin state. Equivalently, the emission of quantum of energy by the return of excited nuclei spins in another energy level lower, is an electromagnetic alternating field which is observed in particular with the aid of a detection device of the magnetic field variation, in particular of an antenna and / or a coil. Atomic nuclei include protons (H) and other nuclei that are active for nuclear resonance, such as, for example, 13C, 15N, 19F, 31P.

The NMR detector of the measuring apparatus thus makes it possible to excite the magnetic cores of the food product by electromagnetic alternating fields and to generate an output signal by virtue of their nuclear magnetic resonance effect. The excitation of the atomic nuclei means in particular that the energy of the electromagnetic field induces in particular of the alternating field produces a variation of the spin of the magnetic nuclei. It should be noted that this assumes that in particular variable magnetic fields are coupled to electric fields (Maxwell's equations) so that there is no distinction between the electric field and the magnetic field. For excitation of the nuclear magnetic resonance effect, the induced electromagnetic energy is important. One embodiment makes it possible to transmit this energy in the form of pulsed electromagnetic fields.

By the appropriate choice of operating parameters of the NMR detector, using the measuring apparatus, using the measured operating signal, and by its appropriate exploitation, the properties of the food product are obtained directly, at least from its analyzed volume. Properties can be for example quality, origin, time. The operating device according to the invention is used to operate at least one measurement signal supplied by the NMR detector which is at least one device having an information input for receiving the measurement signals of the NMR detector, a processing unit of information for processing in particular, for exploiting the measurement signals received as well as an information output for transmitting the processed and / or operated measurement signals.

According to one embodiment, the operating unit has components including a processor, a memory and an operating program with operating and calculation routines. In particular, the electronic components of the operating device are installed on a plate (circuit board) in particular on a common board with the control device.

According to one embodiment, the operating device is a microcontroller. In addition, the controller and the operating device can be embodied as a single component. The operating device exploits the measurement signals provided by the NMR detector and derives information relating to the food product analyzed.

A transmitting device of the measuring apparatus is a means for transmitting variable information by acoustic, optical and / or tactile means to the operator. The transmitting device serves to output at least those information intended for the operator of the control apparatus which has been obtained by using the measuring apparatus applied to the food product. The transmission can be done, for example, by a display, a tactile display, an audible signal, a vibration generator and / or an LED display.

According to one embodiment of the transmitting device, the information is presented graphically or alphanumerically as a measurement result of the analysis. The transmitting device is housed in the housing of the portable measuring apparatus. In addition, the information to be transmitted, for example, the information concerning the food product analyzed can be transmitted to the control device and / or in particular to increase the user comfort, to a data processing system. The latter comprises at least one transmission of information to an external device such as a smartphone, a tablet PC, a PC as well as other external data processing devices which could be technically interesting, the transmission being done by via a data communication interface, connected to the operating device of the measuring apparatus. Thus, the transmitting device is housed directly in the housing of the measuring apparatus and may further be supplemented by external transmission devices. These latter possibilities of realization explicitly include the control, the exploitation and the emission of the determined information, by systems of transmission by wire and / or wireless, external, as well as for example remote controls, commands of computer , tablet PCs and / or other mobile devices such as mobile phones, smartphones and others.

Food products include any form of substance that for human or animal food. The term "food product" encompasses both liquid and solid food products. Examples of such food products are meat, fish, vegetables, fruits, processed food products, fruit juices, alcoholic beverages, and others. According to a development of the application, it is also possible to analyze packaged food products. The expression "use for analyzing a food product" means in particular that the measuring apparatus is used to obtain information from measurement signals provided by an NMR detector and to derive information concerning the properties, in particular the state of the foodstuffs. In particular, this exploitation of the measurement signals of the NMR detector makes it possible to obtain information concerning the origin and the type of breeding (wild or domestic livestock, organic or traditional) concerning the quality (distribution of the water, water, freshness or aging, impurities, compositions) concerning substances (products harmful to health, prohibited products, pesticides, fungicides, hormones, antibiotics) or similar components. This application information enables the operator of the control apparatus to determine the quality, origin, authenticity or the like of the food product in a simple manner by examination and analysis. The information obtained can be compared with the indications of the manufacturer who supplied the food product analyzed and thus verify the authenticity; it also makes it possible to detect fraud and / or deceptive labels, in a simple way by a brief examination of the food product.

To carry out the measurement, the portable measuring device, in particular the NMR detector, is applied close to the food product to be examined, or conversely, the food product is applied to the measuring apparatus. The use of the measuring device makes it possible to analyze a food product without damaging it, that is to say, in particular without destroying it, without contaminating it or undoing it. In particular, the nuclear magnetic resonance measurement method is a non-destructive measurement method, especially without contact so that a food product can be examined without any contact between the measuring apparatus and the product. The positioning of the measuring apparatus, in particular the NMR detector which it comprises and in particular of its NMR detector, in the immediate vicinity of the food product to be analyzed (or conversely) makes it possible to analyze it up to a depth of a few centimeters in the food product. This allows to analyze a packaged food product without destroying it (without opening it) its packaging. The portable, self-powered energy meter is a specialized measuring device, because compared to scientific NMR measuring devices, it has an optimized function, which is largely limited to the analysis of a food product. In particular, the operating device and its operating programs are oriented towards the analysis of food products, the exploitation of the information obtained and their presentation and transmission by the transmission device. By using the measuring device to analyze a food product, the measurement results, that is the information concerning the food product analyzed, are processed for the operator using the measuring apparatus, this treatment is carried out internally to the device and the measurement is processed directly, which allows to obtain on the spot quick and unambiguous information and especially before it would be provided by other devices such as computers or an independent analysis of the food product made by laboratories. The advantage lies in the simple and intuitive use of the measuring device because it does not require any training of the operator.

In addition, the dimensions, the power supply and the construction of the measuring device for the placement of the NMR detector for the mobile, portable and self-powered application of the measuring apparatus are adapted to the analysis of foodstuffs. According to one embodiment of the measuring apparatus, it has a flat bearing surface for receiving a food product. Alternatively or in addition, the measuring apparatus comprises in the housing, a receiving means for receiving a bottle containing a beverage, in particular a neck bottle and / or for a bottle bottom and / or for receiving a food product. to analyze. This housing or receiving means may have, in one embodiment, a round and / or cylindrical shape. According to an alternative embodiment, the housing has an open shape in C. The use of the portable, energy-autonomous measuring device designed specifically for the application, namely the analysis of food products makes it possible to carry out fast and non-destructive, that is to say to perform an economic analysis, particularly interesting, accurate and complete food product, on the spot, for example, in a warehouse, a store, a supermarket or in similar conditions. Advantageously, the use according to the invention of the portable, energy-autonomous measuring device enables rapid and precise analysis of food products at any place, that is to say also outside of a laboratory.

According to a development, the measuring apparatus is used to analyze a food product and the operating device of the measuring apparatus uses the measurement signal provided by the NMR detector, in particular the spectrum and / or the relaxation time of the measurement signal resulting from the excitation of the nuclei of the food product analyzed by the NMR detector.

According to the invention, the mobile measuring apparatus is used for analyzing a food product, in particular for analyzing various characteristics such as, for example, quality, impurities, authenticity, composition or similar characteristics. The use of the measuring apparatus makes it possible to measure spectra and / or relaxation times using the NMR detector, and which constitute the signature or a characteristic of the food product analyzed and more specifically the signature or a dependent characteristic. of the atomic structure of the food product. The operating device is specially designed for fast operation of the measurement signals provided by the NMR detector. Fast means that the operation is especially in less than 10 minutes, preferably less than 60 seconds and in a particularly preferred manner, in less than 5 seconds.

By the appropriate choice of operating parameters of the NMR detectors, it will be possible with a spectrum and / or relaxation times of the response signal, to conclude directly on the properties of the food product analyzed. According to a chemometric approach, one can, for example, by exploiting a principal component analysis (PCA analysis) examine the food product without knowing the practical cause-and-effect relationships. This is done using spectrum or multiple spectra, chemical offsets, coupling constants, correlations and / or relaxation times or similar elements as input data for operation. Point clouds or ranges that are graphically represented and that can be exploited, in particular interpreted by comparing them with reference data, are obtained in a simple and rapid manner. For example, according to an application of the measuring apparatus with an operating device, it will be possible to use the measurement signals supplied by the NMR detector to obtain at least one information on a list of information and in particular an operation with resolution in depth; this list contains at least the following elements: the relative and / or absolute content of carbon hydride / hydrocarbons and / or the state of the chemical bonds and / or the gradient of the concentration of a substance and / or a bond and / or an element in the food product and / or the dynamic processes of the chemical bonds and / or the relative and / or absolute moisture content and / or other characteristic biochemical parameters of the food product.

The information concerning the bonding states in the food product makes it possible to ascertain in which material or which components the food product is constituted. For example, one can in this way detect different components, inclusions or the like and distinguish them. Similarly, a concentration of material in the analyzed food product can be determined if the NMR detector is calibrated before measurement. According to one embodiment, this concentration of material is compared with an authorized limit value (threshold) and if this limit value is exceeded, the measuring device emits a warning signal.

By detecting and exploiting chemical binding dynamics processes over time, methods such as moisture diffusion and / or decomposition of a food product can be analyzed. Conclusions about possible deterioration can be made and infer information about fresh food products. In addition, the meter can also be used to characterize the water / moisture content of a food product. The information relating to the relative and / or absolute water content as well as that relating to a moisture gradient or water content in the food product makes it possible to make reliable use of the food product, in particular with regard to its freshness, aging and drying. , the risk of mold development and / or holding. Other characteristic biochemical parameters that can be exploited with the measuring device and its operating device include the water content, the fat content, the sugar content, the salt content and the density of the product. food or similar parameters. This provides information on, for example, the following: - the amount of water contained in packaged meat, - the fat content of cheese, yoghurt, milk, cakes or nuts, - the sucrose content / fructose (sugar content) of a food product, - the amount of calories based on the fats and sugar contained in the food product, - the amounts of lactose, allergens, processed fats, cholesterol contained in a foodstuff, - the methanol contained in an alcoholic product, - the quantity of melamine in milk powder and thus also the quantity of milk powder of a food product, - the quantity of biocides / insecticides contained in fruit, cereals , vegetables, - the content of foreign bodies in a food product which are not allowed (eg wood chips, metal shavings, poisons or the like), - the degree of filling of the packaging with the food product (filling level and filling volume).

According to the desired information, the NMR detector measures a spectrum and / or a relaxation curve and / or relaxation times and the operating device then performs the targeted operation of such measurement signals to obtain the desired information.

According to a development, the measuring apparatus is used to analyze a food product and for this purpose the operating device of the measuring apparatus contains determined information, in particular a spectrum and / or a relaxation time, for comparing them with data. reference data provided by a reference database.

This allows particularly simple and complete operation and / or evaluation and / or interpretation of the measurement signal provided by the NMR detector. By way of example, one can compare a spectrum and / or relaxation curves thus obtained, in particular relaxation times at reference spectra, reference relaxation curves or reference relaxation times. The comparison of the measurement signals with known reference data and determined in detail allows a quick and simple association of the measurement signal to deduce some information. The comparison with known reference data also makes it possible not only to work at a very high operating speed, but to obtain a particularly precise result, that is to say a particularly precise information concerning the food product analyzed. . For example, a comparison with a reference spectrum makes it possible to detect very easily and quickly the offset of the measured spectrum so that this offset will provide information concerning the food product analyzed.

Advantageously, by comparing the measurement signals obtained and the reference data, it will be very easy to detect the deviations of the measurement signals from the reference data. If these deviations exceed a defined tolerance, this may serve as an index of an irregularity and / or a discrepancy concerning the food product analyzed.

The reference data, in particular the reference curves and / or the reference values and / or the reference spectra, can be stored internally to the apparatus in a data bank, in a memory, in particular the memory of the device order and / or operation. According to a variant or a further embodiment, the reference data can also be recorded in a databank external to the device, which will advantageously always be updated; it is, for example, a databank of a computer, a server or other data memory and / or a data processing apparatus which will be considered as technically interesting . In particular, the comparison of the measurement signals obtained with reference data can be done over the internet with the measuring device. Alternatively or additionally, the reference data stored in the apparatus can also be updated by accessing the internet of the measuring apparatus, for example by balancing with a reference databank external to the apparatus.

According to a development, the measuring apparatus is used to analyze a food product and the emission device of the measuring apparatus functions in particular as a display for presenting the information obtained, in particular a spectrum and / or a relaxation time. and / or a discrepancy between the information obtained and the reference data provided by a reference databank; this information can be issued and in particular displayed.

Using the information presented on the transmission device, the operator of the measuring device can, after performing the examination of the food product, arrive at a result that is understood intuitively.

According to a preferred embodiment, the information relating to a food product analyzed is issued in an intuitively understandable manner, in particular in a manner processed for the operator of the measuring apparatus. An intuitive program is especially that which allows the operator without prior information, to perform the analysis of the food product and then to deduce information, preferably an assessment based on the information displayed.

According to one embodiment, the information obtained is processed, for example, in the form of a color presentation. Thus, it will be possible, for example, to use red to highlight a significant difference in a target quantity examined, for example the quality, for example using reference data provided by a reference databank. On the other hand, the yellow color indicates a deviation within an acceptable tolerance range and the green color indicates that the deviation is within an acceptable or problem free range. Alternatively or in addition, the transmission of the information obtained can be in the form of a short message presented on the display. This short message may for example contain a specification of the reference data used to evaluate the food product analyzed as well as an assessment of the deviation if it is determined as well as recommendations derived from it, such as "not clean. consumption "or" corresponds to the manufacturer's own instructions for consumption ".

According to a development, the measuring apparatus is used for analyzing a food product and for this the measuring device analyzes the food product locally, in particular in position resolution and / or in depth resolution.

An analysis determined locally, laterally is for example using a position determination device of the measuring device to enter at least the instantaneous position of the measuring device, particularly related to the food product. The position also represents the orientation of the measuring apparatus, particularly with respect to the food product. The device that determines the position of the measuring apparatus is, for example, constituted, in particular by one or more sensors selected from the group of sensors for detecting at least one inclination, an angle, a distance, a translation, an acceleration as well as sensors sensitive to the speed of rotation. The position determining device is, for example, made in the form of wheels fitted to the housing of the measuring apparatus. If the product moves with respect to the measuring device, it allows to capture the variation of position. According to an alternative or complementary embodiment, the analysis can be done with location resolution by an electrical control, pivoting and / or by an NMR detector, which pivots mechanically. A mechanically pivoting NMR detector is a particularly simple embodiment of a NMR detector with direction resolution and thus with position resolution.

According to one embodiment, the NMR detector, which is mechanically pivotable, can also be automatically pivoted by an electronic circuit combined with motors or actuators. In addition, the NMR detector can also measure with position resolution by its electrical control in that, for example, a defined distortion of the first magnetic field is carried out by gradient coils (shim coil).

An in-depth resolution analysis of the food product is, for example, to linearly move the NMR detector mechanically in the direction of the depth. This makes it possible to move the sensitive zone inside the analyzed food product, which is characteristic of the NMR detector, so that in a simple and particularly economical manner it will be possible to carry out a depth resolution measurement. As a variant, by modifying the emission frequency of the alternating electromagnetic field in the food product analyzed, it is possible to shift the sensitive zone in the food product, from which the measurement signals of the NMR detector arrive, in the direction of the depth. , that is, in the direction in the food product analyzed.

By using the measurement signal for the local resolution analysis of a food product, the operating device makes it possible to exploit the measurement signals of the NMR detector as a function of the position of the measuring apparatus, in particular referred to the food product and / or depending on the depth in the food product. This makes it possible to correlate the information used with the position of the measuring device on the food product. In addition, by successive changes of position of the measuring apparatus with respect to the food product, it is possible to enter multi-dimensional cards containing the information used as a function of the position of the measuring apparatus, in particular cards reported in foodstuff.

Similarly, depth resolution information can be determined, for example, from the plots in the food product, i.e., within the food product. According to one embodiment this allows, for example, to determine the moisture curves in a food product and to use them to appreciate the use of the measuring apparatus with position resolution. In particular with position resolution and / or depth resolution, the analysis of a food product makes it possible to obtain in a particularly efficient and effective way complete information concerning the food product. For example, by relative or comparative measurement of moving the meter over the food product, the basis of position dependent variations for the measurement signals provided by the NMR detector is analyzed. The irregularities and / or mismatches hidden in the food product result in the movement of the measuring device on the food product to unequivocal variations and measurement signals that depend on the position. From such comparative measurements it will be possible to obtain very simply and quickly information concerning the homogeneity of the food product.

In addition, thanks to the analysis with depth resolution of a food product, it will be possible to neutralize the packaging of the food product to the extent that it exists, to exclude it with certainty from exploitation. For example, one can first make a depth resolution measurement from which the thickness of the layer constituted by the package is deduced. Then, a nuclear magnetic resonance measurement will be made at a depth in the food product that excludes the influence of the package on the measurement signal provided by the NMR detector.

Through a depth-resolution analysis of a food product, the gradient of the property exploited in the food product is determined. According to a development, it is possible, for example, to determine in a non-destructive manner a temperature gradient in the food product. In particular, in the case of frozen food products, it will thus be possible to detect breaks in the cold chain, from the defects of homogeneity of the distribution of the internal temperature, ruptures which have, for example, occurred during transport of the food product.

According to a development, the measuring apparatus is used to analyze a food product and with an input device the indications concerning the food product are specified by entries made by the operator, for then using the measuring apparatus.

An input device is, in particular, a means enabling an operator of the measuring apparatus to introduce information concerning an optical, gestural and / or tactile acoustic input and to transmit it to the control device of the measuring apparatus. For example, the input device may consist of an actuating element, a keyboard, a display, in particular a touch screen, a voice input module, a gesture recognition unit and / or a navigation device (for example: example a mouse). Alternatively or in addition, the input device may also be external to the measuring apparatus, for example, in the form of an external data processing apparatus such as a smartphone, a tablet PC, a PC or analogue which is connected to the control device of the measuring apparatus by a data communication interface.

The entry of the indications concerning a food product advantageously adapts the processing of the information, in particular the exploitation of the measurement signal, the comparison of the measurement signal and / or information obtained with reference data or data. similar elements, to adapt it to the food product analysis. For example, depending on the input made by the operator we can choose a reference database. Furthermore, in particular, in connection with the specification, it will be possible to adapt the operating program of the control device, the regulation routines, the control routines, the operating routines and / or the calculation routines. The expression "indications concerning a food product" are, for example, those which characterize the food product itself (such as "fish", "beef") and / or the producer of the food product. have other properties, in particular physical and / or chemical properties of the food product which are indications which may be of interest and / or necessary, such as, for example, indications concerning "solid or liquid state", "to be kept in the refrigerator", "frozen products".

According to a development, the measuring apparatus is used to analyze a food product and this analysis of the food product is done using a standard sample provided inside the apparatus, in particular by using a sample of tetramethylsilane (TMS ), which is a standard used for the calibration of measuring instruments.

For a more precise examination of the food product, the measuring apparatus is calibrated, in particular the NMR detector. According to one embodiment, the calibration consists in using a sample or standard of material, preferably a sample of tetramethylsilane (TMS) placed inside the apparatus and which serves as a standard. All measurements made after sizing, including measurements made on a food product, will be used with reference to this sizing. The portable self-contained power meter according to the invention for analyzing food products comprises an NMR detector, a control device for controlling the measuring apparatus, an operating device for operating the measurement signal. provided by the NMR detector, a transmission device for transmitting the information obtained and a power supply device in the form of a battery, in particular a rechargeable battery, this measuring apparatus being characterized in that it comprises in particular an NMR detector and / or an operating device for analyzing a food product.

The above description of the use of the measuring apparatus, including explanations of the operating device and the NMR detector, also apply to the measuring apparatus itself.

According to one embodiment, the portable measuring apparatus has a memory for recording the measurement results and / or the working parameters. This memory can be in all forms of external and internal electronic memories including digital and in particular chips, such as USB keys, memory chips or memory cards, etc.

It is also proposed that the control device and / or the operating device of the measuring apparatus according to the invention comprise (s) a data communication interface, in particular for a wireless communication using which the measurement results provided by the meter and / or the operating parameters will be sent and / or received. Intentionally, the data communication interface uses a standard communication protocol for the transmission of electronic data, including digital data. Advantageously, the data communication interface is a wireless interface, including, for example, a WLAN interface, Bluetooth, NFC infrared, RFID, GSM or other wireless interfaces that can be technically interesting. Alternatively, the data communication interface may also include an adapter connected by wires, for example, a USB or micro-USB adapter. Advantageously, the data communication interface makes it possible to send, from the measuring apparatus to an external data device, for example a smartphone, a tablet PC, a PC, a printer or other device that is technically external. interesting or receive information from such devices. The embodiment according to the invention advantageously makes it possible to transmit reference data useful for the exploitation of the measurement signals supplied by the measuring apparatus. In particular, the reference data are called in the reference database, internal to the device. In addition, multiple additional functions are advantageously possible; they can be integrated or provided, in particular by direct communication with smartphones (especially programmed applications) or other portable devices. These can have functions of automatic mapping, updating, data processing, data preparation, data compensation to adapt them to other devices, etc. The subject of the invention is also a method for analyzing a food product using a self-contained portable energy measuring apparatus consisting of: i. specify the indications for a food product analyzed using an input device, ii. calibrate the NMR detector using a standard sample, in particular by using a sample of tetramethylsilane inside the apparatus, iii. apply the measuring device against the food product to be analyzed or apply the food product to be tested against the measuring device, iv. measuring at least one spectrum and / or a relaxation time resulting from the nuclear excitation of the food product to be analyzed, v. exploit the measurement signals of the NMR detector by comparing the measurement signals with reference data of a reference database, vi. issue operating results including information and / or a discrepancy between the information obtained and the reference data of a reference database.

drawings

The present invention will be described hereinafter, in more detail with the help of an example measuring apparatus according to the invention and its application, shown in the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a view in perspective of a mobile measuring apparatus according to the invention, Figure 2 is a view of a first side of the housing of the measuring apparatus according to the invention, Figure 3 is a schematic side view of the measuring apparatus according to the invention, FIG. 4a is a diagrammatic sectional view of an embodiment of the components constituting the NMR detector and generated magnetic fields, FIG. 4b is a diagrammatic sectional view of an alternative embodiment. components constituting the NMR detector and the magnetic fields generated, Figure 5 is a flow chart of an embodiment of the method of the invention.

Description of embodiments

Figures 1 and 2 show two views of an embodiment of the measuring device 10, autonomous energy, portable, according to the invention; this apparatus is shown on the one hand in perspective view and on the other hand in a schematic view from above. The exemplary measuring apparatus 10 consists of a housing 12. The housing 12 houses an input device 14 in the form of actuating elements 14 'for connecting and disconnecting the apparatus 10, start and configure a measurement operation and enter the operating parameters. The housing 12 includes an output device 16 for outputting information as well as working parameters in the form of a display 16 '. The measuring apparatus 10 comprises a handle 18 for its transport and guidance. The handle 18, the actuating elements 14 'and the display 16' are on a first side 20 of the housing of the measuring apparatus 10 (also referred to as the front side); this side is typically turned towards the user when the meter is used. The power supply of the measuring apparatus 10 is provided by a power source 22 in the form of a rechargeable battery (see FIG. 3) which is in a recess in the second side 40 of the housing (called -after rear side of the measuring apparatus) and which is opposite the first side 20 of the housing; this energy accumulator 22 is independent of the electrical network. The energy accumulator 22, which is autonomous, makes it possible to operate the measuring apparatus 10 at least temporarily, autonomously in energy, that is to say without connecting it to the network and thus without using a cable. The exemplary measuring apparatus 10 comprises a lithium-ion battery whose high energy and power density is advantageous for powering the measuring apparatus 10. According to an alternative embodiment, the accumulator 22 is preferably located in the handle 18 of the measuring apparatus 10. Preferably, the energy supply device has a removable interface formed by a connection by the shape and / or the force so that the energy accumulator 22 (generally it is several such accumulators) can be removed and replaced. In addition, the energy accumulator 22 charges in and / or outside the meter 10 by plugging into the power grid. The measuring apparatus 10 has a position determining device in the form of four wheels 24 which make it possible to roll the measuring apparatus 10 on the surface 44 of a food product 42 (see in particular FIG. 3). Sensors sensitive to the rotation of the wheels 24 capture the movement of the measuring apparatus 10 and make it possible to relate the results of the measurements to the position of the measuring apparatus 10, in particular with respect to the food product 42. portable measuring apparatus 10 on the upper surface 44 of a food product 42 to be examined, the position variation of the measuring apparatus 10 is determined by a method applied by the measuring apparatus 10 on the food product 42. The position data are transmitted to an operating device 30 for further exploitation.

A support element 26, in particular a system plate or circuit board housed in the housing 12 carries different components of the measuring apparatus 10 and in particular an NMR detector 32, a control device 28 for controlling the measuring apparatus 10, an operating device 30 for operating the measurement signals provided by the NMR detector 32 and a data communication interface 54 connected to the control device and / or operating (see in particular Figure 2).

The NMR detector 32, which will be described in more detail in the description of FIGS. 4a and 4b, serves to excite the nuclear magnetic resonance of the nuclei of the material of the food product 42. According to the invention, the resonance signal, measured, in particular, a spectrum of relaxation curves and / or relaxation times, at least to distinguish and examine the food product 42 in a nondestructive manner. This makes it possible to obtain information concerning among other things the quality, origin, origin or similar parameters of the food product 42.

The controller 28 includes means with a control electronics for communicating with the other components of the meter 10, for example control and regulating means of the NMR detector 32, the operating device 30 or the like. The control device 28 comprises in particular a unit with a processor, a memory and an operating program placed in the memory. The controller 28 adjusts at least one operating parameter of the controller 10 based on at least one input made by the user, the operating device 30 and / or the data communication interface. 54.

The operating device 30 for exploiting the measurement signals provided by the NMR detector 32 comprises in particular an information input, an information processing and an information output (these means are not detailed). Advantageously, the operating device 30 comprises at least one processor, a memory containing the recording of the operating program, and in particular it makes it possible to operate a measurement signal of the NMR detector 32 and thus provide information concerning the quality, the origin, origin or similar parameters of the food product 42. In addition, the operating device 30 includes correction and / or calibration tables, stored in memory and making it possible to interpret the results of operation, to transform them by calculation, to interpolate or to extrapolate and also to calibrate the measuring apparatus 10, in particular the operating programs relating to a food product 42. The results of operation are emitted by the operating device 30 for further processing by the controller 28 either directly to the user of the meter 10 or by sending the data at the data communication interface 54. In particular, the results of operation and / or the signals can be compared to reference data stored in a reference data band using the data communication interface. 54.

Figure 3 shows an embodiment of the portable measuring apparatus 10 of Figures 1 and 2 in a simplified schematic side view. The NMR detector 32 comprises two devices for generating magnetic fields, in particular a permanent magnet device 46, 46 '(see FIGS. 4a, 4b) which generates a first magnetic field 34 (Bo) and a high frequency coil 48 ( see Figures 4a, 4b) which generates a second magnetic field 36. The NMR detector 32 is configured so that the first magnetic field 34 is substantially parallel to the second side 40 of the housing while the second magnetic field 36 is substantially perpendicular to the lines of the field of the first magnetic field 34. The two magnetic fields combine in an extended area in which the sensitive area 38 of the NMR detector 32 is located and in particular in a layer-shaped area. The manual measuring apparatus 10 is positioned with its second housing side 40 in the immediate vicinity against the food product 42 being examined so that the distance between the second side 40 of the housing and the upper surface 44 of the food product 42 is reduced. minimum. In this way, the magnetic fields 34, 36 can penetrate into the food product 42 and the sensitive zone 38 bears against the food product 42.

By varying the second magnetic field 36 generated by the second device, that is to say, in particular by varying the high frequency coil 48 and / or the frequency and / or the intensity and / or by varying the voltage in the second the high frequency coil 48 can be modified the sensitive area 38 in its distance relative to the second side 40 of the housing (in the direction 66 towards the interior of the food product) and thus change the distance between the sensitive zone 38 in the food product Relative to its surface 44. Alternatively and / or in addition, the NMR detector 32 can be repositioned in the housing 12 of the measuring apparatus 10 to change the distance between the NMR detector 32 and the second side 40 of the housing and thus the distance between the sensitive zone 38 in the food product 42 and its upper surface 44. Particularly advantageously, depth profiles are established in this manner for the information to be used. For example, it is possible to obtain, by a depth profile, the moisture curve in the food product 42 with information concerning the progression of a decomposition process.

Figure 4a is a schematic sectional view of a detail of an exemplary embodiment of the measuring apparatus 10 with the NMR detector 32 and the food product 42 examined. Two permanent magnets 46, 46 'perpendicular to the second side 40 of the housing and which are arranged in antiparallel position, generate a first magnetic field 34, including static which is substantially parallel to the surface of the second side 40 of the housing. This first magnetic field 34 for orienting the nuclear resonance of the atomic nuclei of the food product 42 for example a magnetic field strength, in particular of 0.5 Tesla; the permanent magnets 46, 46 'are made of a Neodym-Iron-Boron alloy. According to an alternative embodiment, the magnetic field 34 is generated by an electromagnet. The second device that generates the second magnetic field of this embodiment is constituted by a high frequency coil 48. As soon as this coil is traversed by a current, it induces an electromagnetic field, including the second magnetic field 36. The two magnetic fields are combined in an area which is substantially outside the housing 12 of the measuring apparatus 10. The sensitive area 38 of the NMR detector 32 is also in the field of superposition of the magnetic fields 34, 36. Depending on the the frequency of the electromagnetic field 36 induced and the intensity of the static magnetic field for the first magnetic field 34 defines the sensitive zone in the ideal case by a surface in which the intensity of the first magnetic field 34 is constant and in particular has a defined value. In reality, the surface is actually in stratified form because of frequencies that are not exact. Since the magnetic field lines 34 are not exactly parallel to the second side 40 of the housing, the sensitive area 38 is, therefore, curved according to the magnetic field lines. The curvature and shape of the first magnetic field 34 and thus of the sensitive area 38 can be influenced and in particular homogenized using other means, for example, a shim coil 56 and a magnetic screen 58.

The surface 40 of the housing 12 of the measuring apparatus 10 of this embodiment is a flat surface against which the food product 42 can be applied.

Figure 4b schematically shows a sectional view of a detail of an alternative embodiment of the measuring apparatus 10 and the NMR detector 32 with a food product 42 to be examined. In this case, the first magnetic field 34, in particular static generated by the first device constituted here by the two permanent magnets 46, 46 '(in a North-South / North-South orientation) constituted by two permanent magnets 46, 46' parallel at both lateral and collinear sides, is substantially parallel to the second side 40 of the housing of the measuring apparatus 10; the second magnetic field 36 generated by the second device which is here a high frequency coil 48 is substantially perpendicular to the first magnetic field 34. Between the two permanent magnets 46, 46 'is a high frequency coil 48 whose winding plane is colinear to the extension direction of the permanent magnets 46, 46 'and parallel to the second side 40 of the housing. These arrangements are in close proximity to the second side 40 of the housing. As soon as the coil is traversed by current, it induces an electromagnetic field, in particular the second electromagnetic field 36. The two magnetic fields combine in an area which is, essentially, outside the housing 12 of the Measuring apparatus 10. This sensitive area 38 of the NMR detector 32 is also located in the environment of the magnetic fields 34 and 36. As a function of the frequency of the first induced electromagnetic field 36 and the intensity of the static magnetic field generated by the first magnetic field 34, the range is defined in the ideal case by a surface in which the intensity of the first magnetic field 34 is constant and in particular it has a defined value. In reality, the surface is not exactly stratified because of frequencies that are not exact. Since the magnetic field lines 34 are not exactly parallel to the second side 40 of the housing, the whole of the sensitive area 38 (thus corresponding to the magnetic field lines is curved). The curvature and shape of the first magnetic field 34 and thus of the sensitive area 38 may be homogenized by other means, for example a Shim coil 56 and a magnetic screen 58.

The surface 40 of the housing 12 of the measuring apparatus 10 of this embodiment is not a planar surface, but has a cavity (or recess 50) formed especially for receiving a food product 42 to be examined. The cavity 50 and the arrangement of the NMR detector 32 are tuned so that the food product 42, for example a bottle containing a beverage, can enter the cavity 50. The sensitive area 38 of the NMR detector 32 according to one embodiment the cavity 50 is a closed cylindrical cavity; the cavity itself is surrounded by a cylindrical permanent magnet for example in the form of a Halbach network. Thus, the permanent magnet surrounds the food product 42 placed in the measuring apparatus 10 over its entire length and on its periphery. In addition, a first particularly uniform magnetic field 34 (Bo) is generated. Alternatively or additionally, the first magnetic field 34 of this embodiment may also be generated by one or more round coils or round magnets. Other embodiments of the measuring apparatus 10, in particular its NMR detector 32, which are designed for specific types of application and / or specific modes of use, may also be envisaged. It is possible, for example, to use a U-shaped or C-shaped permanent magnet. The more sensitive zone 38 of the NMR detector 32 must penetrate into the food product 42, the more advantageous the measurement apparatus will be with small dimensions because the necessary magnetic field strength Bo drops very sharply with the decrease in the depth of penetration of the magnetic field 34.

FIG. 5 shows a flowchart which is an exemplary embodiment of the method of the invention for examining or analyzing the food products 42 using a portable, self-powered measuring device 10. According to a first process step 100, the measuring apparatus 10 is connected and after a short ramp-up time, the operating mode is empty. Then, in the process step 102, using the input device 14 the data concerning a food product to be analyzed 42 is specified. In the process step 104, the NMR detector 32 is calibrated using a tetra sample. -methyl-silane housed in the measuring apparatus 10 which is then ready to analyze the food product 42. To measure a nuclear magnetic resonance signal in the food product 42 is placed the measuring apparatus 10 according to the process step 106, with its second housing side 40 flat close to the food product in particular in contact with its upper surface 44; here it corresponds to the geometric realization of the measuring apparatus 10 of the embodiment of Figure 4a. For this, the magnetic fields 34, 36 generated by the NMR detector 32 pass through the second side 40 of the housing to exit the measuring apparatus 10 and enter the food product 42; the sensitive zone 38 bears against the food product (see in particular FIGS. 3 and 4a). Magnetic field variations resulting from the nuclear magnetic resonance effect of the excited atomic nuclei in the food product 42, that is to say resulting from the absorption and / or emission of electromagnetic fields by the atomic nuclei related to a variation of their energy state, are detected using the high frequency coil 48 of the NMR detector 32 (process step 108). This measurement signal, in particular the measurement signal representing the spectrum and / or relaxation curves, is transmitted to the operating device 30 which prepares it with an operating program, in particular by filtering and / or smoothing. Next, the measurement signal of the NMR detector is evaluated by comparing the measurement signal with reference data of a reference data band (process steps 110). Measured spectra and / or relaxation curves and / or relaxation times are compared to reference spectra or reference relaxation curves or reference relaxation times. The detection of concordance and / or of difference between the measurement signal and the reference data makes it possible in this step to quickly and accurately exploit the measurement signal for the information concerning the food product 42 analyzed. The operating results, in particular the information obtained and / or the deviation of the information determined with respect to the reference data of the reference databank, are then transmitted to the operating device 16 (process step 112). The measurement result used, that is to say the information concerning the analyzed food product 42 is presented to the operator on the display 16 'and can also be sent to a data processing device by the operator. intermediate of the data communication interface 54. The display on the display 16 'can be graphical, numeric and / or alphanumeric, for example in the form of a measurement value, a measurement value curve, a signal pattern, a duration, an image data, or a gradient representation or a combination of such display modes. Alternatively or additionally, it is possible to represent, with the aid of a signal display, in particular, for example, a photo-luminescent diode which puts forward a target quantity by a color coding (for example red, yellow, green ).

The process is repeated for a next analysis of food product 42 as indicated by arrow 114.

NOMENCLATURE OF THE MAIN ELEMENTS 10 Measuring device 12 Enclosure 14 Input device 14 'Actuating element 16 Emitting device 16' Display 18 Handle 20 First side of the housing of the apparatus 22 Energy accumulator 24 Wheel 26 support / circuit board / circuit board 28 Control unit 30 Operating device

32 NMR detector 34 First magnetic field 36 Second magnetic field 38 Sensing area 40 Second side of the device housing 40 'Permanent magnet device 42 Food product 44 Top surface 46 Permanent magnet device 48 High frequency coil 50 Cavity 54 Interface 56 Magnetic Compensation Coil 58 Magnetic Screen 100-112 Process Steps 114 Arrow

Claims (9)

1 °) Application of a measuring device (10) autonomous energy, portable, comprising a housing (12) with at least one NMR detector (32), a control device (28) for controlling the measuring apparatus (10), an operating device (30) for operating the measurement signal provided by the NMR detector (32), an operating device (16, 16 ') for transmitting information obtained and a device for power supply (22) of the measuring apparatus (10) in the form of a battery, in particular a rechargeable battery, for analyzing a food product (42). 2 °) Application of the measuring apparatus (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the measurement device (10) is operated by means of the evaluation device (30). provided by the NMR detector (32), in particular a spectrum and / or a relaxation time of the measurement signal resulting from the nuclear excitation of the food product (42) analyzed by the NMR detector (32). 3 °) Operation of the measuring apparatus (10) according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the operating device (30) of the measuring apparatus (10) compares the information obtained, in particular a spectrum and / or a relaxation time to reference data of a reference databank. 4) Application of the measuring apparatus (10) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that with the transmitting device (16, 16 ') of the measuring apparatus (10), in particular by means of a display (16 '), the information obtained is transmitted and in particular the information obtained, in particular a spectrum and / or a relaxation time and / or a difference of information obtained with respect to data. reference databank. 5 °) Application of the measuring apparatus (10) according to one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the foodstuff (42) is analyzed with the aid of the measuring apparatus (10). a location resolution, in particular a position resolution and / or a depth resolution. 6 °) Application of the measuring apparatus (10) according to one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the information relating to an input device (14, 14 ') is specified. a food product (42) through service inputs and / or supplied to the measuring apparatus (10). 7 °) Application of the measuring apparatus (10) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that before analyzing the food product (42) is used a standard sample provided within the apparatus, in particular by using a sample of tetramethylsilane inside the apparatus for calibrating the measuring apparatus (10). The energy-independent measuring apparatus (10) for use according to one of claims 1 to 7, comprising a housing (12) housing at least one NMR detector (32), a control device (28), ) for controlling the measuring apparatus (10), - an operating device (30) for operating the measurement signal supplied by the NMR detector (32), - a transmitting device (16, 16 ') for transmitting determined information, and - a power supply device (22) in the form of a battery, in particular a rechargeable battery, measurement apparatus (10), characterized in that it notably comprises an NMR detector (32 and / or an operating device (30) for analyzing a food product (42). 9 °) A method of analyzing a food product (42) using a self-contained portable energy meter (10) according to claim 8, characterized by at least the following steps consisting of i. specifying the indications for a food product (42) analyzed using an input device (14, 14 ') (process step 102), ii. calibrating the NMR detector (32) using a standard sample, including using a sample of tetramethylsilane provided within the apparatus (process step 104), iii. applying the measuring apparatus (10) against the food product (42) to be analyzed or applying the food product (42) to be tested against the measuring apparatus (10) (process step 106), iv. measuring at least one spectrum and / or relaxation time resulting from the nuclear excitation of the food product to be analyzed (42) (process step 108), v. exploiting the measurement signals of the NMR detector (32) by comparing the measurement signals with reference data of a reference databank (process steps 110), vi. issuing the operating results including information and / or a discrepancy between the information obtained and the reference data of a reference database (process step 112).