Analytical Device Optical Calibration via Spatial Area Division
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current analytical apparatuses for detecting analytes in samples are not miniaturized and struggle with accurate calibration of light sources and light receiving units, leading to errors in signal measurement and limited applicability due to interference from sample components like hemoglobin or bilirubin, and are not suitable for multiplex detection.
Innovation Solution
A device with n light source units and at least n + 1 light receiving units is used to spatially divide the test area, control area, and background area, allowing for effective optical indication of reactions and accurate calibration of background noise, enabling miniaturization and multiplex detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single light source and single light receiving unit are used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to inability to accurately calibrate background noise and measure signal-to-noise ratio
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the measurement system into multiple independent units: n light source units (first through nth) and n+1 light receiving units (first through (n+1)th). Each light source unit pairs with specific light receiving units to measure specific areas (test area, control area, background area), enabling parallel independent measurements that improve precision without requiring a single complex scanning mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-point measurement approach to a multi-point spatial measurement approach. By arranging multiple light sources and receiving units at different positions, the system simultaneously measures test area, control area, and background area, adding a spatial dimension that enables accurate background noise calibration and signal-to-noise ratio measurement.
2Measurement precision
If multiple light sources and light receiving units are used to measure test area, control area, and background area separately, then measurement precision is improved through accurate calibration, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple light sources and light receiving units into an integrated measurement system. The n light source units and n+1 light receiving units work together to simultaneously measure test area, control area, and background area, combining what would otherwise require separate measurement steps into a single integrated operation, thereby reducing overall system complexity despite having multiple components.
Solution Approach 2:
Each light source unit and light receiving unit pair serves multiple functions: they can measure different areas (test, control, background), participate in calibration procedures, and enable signal-to-noise ratio measurement. This multi-functionality reduces the need for specialized separate components for each measurement task, effectively managing device complexity while maintaining high measurement precision.
3Measurement precision
If image devices such as CCD and CMOS are used to capture reaction images, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential measurement function from complex image capturing devices. Instead of using CCD or CMOS image devices that capture full images requiring sophisticated processing, the system uses simplified light source units and light receiving units that directly measure optical signals at specific locations, extracting only the necessary measurement capability while eliminating the complexity of image capture and processing systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/optical image capture system (CCD/CMOS sensors, lenses, image processing circuits) with a simpler optical measurement system consisting of light sources and photodetectors. This substitution maintains measurement precision for quantitative analysis while dramatically reducing device complexity and power consumption by eliminating the need for image capture and digital processing hardware.
4Adaptability or versatility
If scanning mechanism is added to move light source and light receiving unit, then adaptability is improved for measuring different areas, but device complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-positioning multiple light source units and light receiving units at different locations before measurement begins. The system is configured in advance with n light sources and n+1 receiving units arranged to cover test area, control area, and background area, eliminating the need for dynamic scanning or movement during measurement. This static pre-arranged configuration provides adaptability for measuring different areas while avoiding the complexity of scanning mechanisms.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration allows for accurate measurement and calibration of analytes, enabling both qualitative and quantitative analysis, and is suitable for multiplex detection, reducing errors and improving the operational efficiency of the analytical apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
n light source units, the reaction strip including the test area, the control area, and the background area, and at least n + 1 light receiving units
Implementation Method 2
at least n + 1 light receiving units
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is a device for detecting analytes in samples including: (a) n light source units generating light; (b) a reaction strip including (i) a test area illuminated with light from the light source unit and including a material reacting to the analytes, (ii) a control area illuminated with the light from the light source unit and including a control material, and (iii) a background area illuminated with the light from the light source unit, in which the test area and the background area are illuminated with the same one light and the control area and the background area are illuminated with the same one light to let the test area and the control area share the background area and the light illuminated to the test area and the background area and the light illuminated to the control area and the background area are the same or different; and (c) at least n + 1 light receiving units detecting light emitted from the test area, the control area, and the background area of the reaction strip, respectively.