Analyte Sensing Pixel Matrix Differential Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensors are susceptible to environmental conditions and manufacturing variations, leading to a need for an accurate and robust sensing unit for fluid detection.
Innovation Solution
A sensing unit comprising a processing circuit and an image sensor matrix with pairs of pixels, where one pixel generates a detection signal indicative of a specific analyte and the other pixel generates a signal indifferent to the analyte, allowing for accurate analyte detection through intra-pair signal relationships.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single sensor is used for analyte detection, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement precision is compromised due to susceptibility to environmental conditions and manufacturing variations
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing unit is segmented into multiple pixels arranged in pairs, where each pair consists of a first pixel sensitive to the analyte and a second pixel serving as a reference. This segmentation allows the system to distinguish between analyte-induced signals and environmental variations by comparing paired pixels, thereby improving measurement precision without requiring a completely complex sensing architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the sensor array are assigned different functional qualities: first pixels are optimized for analyte detection with specific sensitivity characteristics, while second pixels are designed as reference elements with identical structural properties but without analyte sensitivity. This local differentiation enables the system to compensate for environmental conditions and manufacturing variations through localized reference measurements.
2Reliability
If reference pixels are added to compensate for environmental variations, then the reliability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reference pixels are merged into the same pixel matrix as the sensing pixels, sharing identical structural, optical, and electrical characteristics except for the analyte sensitivity property. This merging approach allows the reference pixels to experience the same environmental conditions and manufacturing variations as the sensing pixels, thereby providing reliable compensation while avoiding the complexity of separate reference sensor assemblies.
Solution Approach 2:
The pixel matrix serves multiple functions simultaneously: first pixels detect analyte concentration, second pixels provide reference measurements for environmental compensation, and together they enable both absolute and relative sensing modes. This multi-functionality improves reliability without requiring entirely separate sensing and reference systems, thus managing device complexity.
3Measurement precision
If multiple pixels are used for differential sensing, then the measurement precision improves through intra-pair relationships, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The manufacturing process is optimized to create local quality differences only where needed: first pixels are manufactured with analyte-sensitive properties while second pixels are manufactured with identical structural properties but without analyte sensitivity. This localized differentiation reduces the need for high-precision matching across the entire pixel array, as only the sensitive property needs to be consistently applied to first pixels while second pixels serve as matched references.
Solution Approach 2:
The pixel pairs are pre-configured during manufacturing with identical structural characteristics except for the analyte sensitivity property. This preliminary configuration ensures that any differences in signal output between first and second pixels can be attributed to analyte presence rather than manufacturing variations, thereby improving measurement precision while managing manufacturing precision requirements through deliberate design rather than requiring ultra-precise manufacturing tolerances.
Data Source
AI summary
A sensing device that includes (a) an image sensor matrix that comprises a first pixel and a second pixel; wherein the first pixel is configured to generate a first detection signal indicative of a presence of a first analyte; wherein the second pixel is configured to generate a second detection signal that is indifferent to the presence of the first analyte; and (b) a processing circuit that is configured to determine the presence of the first analyte based on at least a relationship between the first detection signal and the second detection signal.