Annular Illumination Modules for Uniform Fluorescence Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fluorescence detection systems suffer from uneven fluorescence intensity distribution, particularly at the rims of the image, leading to inaccurate DNA condensation judgments, and are not easily upgradable for automatic detection due to severe optical operation distance limitations.
Innovation Solution
An automatic fluorescence detection system featuring a base with a detecting region, an optical assembly including a fluorescent image-capturing device, an illumination device with first and second annular illumination modules, and a field lens or concave reflector, which adjusts the optical field to achieve uniform fluorescence intensity across the detecting region, allowing for accurate DNA density testing and automation of specimen handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If conventional image-detecting method is used to capture fluorescent image, then the detection system can be implemented, but the fluorescence intensity at the rims of the image becomes weaker than at the central portion, causing non-uniformity
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination device is divided into multiple annular illumination modules with different radii, where each module illuminates a specific radial zone of the detecting region. This segmentation allows independent optimization of illumination for central and peripheral areas, resolving the non-uniformity issue by ensuring adequate fluorescence excitation across the entire detecting region including the rims
Solution Approach 2:
Different annular illumination modules are positioned at different distances from the center axis to provide localized illumination optimization. The first annular module illuminates the central area while the second annular module illuminates the peripheral area, ensuring each region receives appropriate illumination intensity for uniform fluorescence excitation
2Manufacturing precision
If improved fluorescence detection system is used to resolve uneven fluorescence intensity, then uniformity can be achieved when rim intensity reaches 80% of central intensity, but severe limitation on optical operation distances prevents automatic detection upgrade
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a vertical dimension by positioning annular illumination modules at different heights above the detecting region, in addition to different radial distances from the center axis. This multi-dimensional spatial arrangement allows optimization of both fluorescence uniformity and working distance, enabling automatic detection by providing sufficient space for automated specimen handling while maintaining uniform illumination across the detecting region
3Extent of automation
If spacing between optical components is reduced to enable automatic detection, then automation can be achieved, but the field lens or concave reflector cannot properly adjust the optical field for uniform illumination
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination system is designed with adjustable annular illumination modules that can dynamically position themselves at optimal distances from the center axis and at appropriate heights. This dynamic adjustability allows the system to maintain proper optical field adjustment capability through the field lens or concave reflector while providing sufficient working space for automatic specimen handling operations
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
The system ensures uniform fluorescence intensity between central and peripheral areas, achieving about 90% intensity consistency, thereby enhancing the accuracy of DNA density testing and enabling automated quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction processes.
Implementation Method 1
The field lens is disposed in correspondence with the detecting region. Spacing between the field lens and the detecting region is ranged from 15.0 cm to 30.0 cm.
Implementation Method 2
The concave reflector is disposed in correspondence with the detecting region. Lights emitted by the first annular illumination module and the second annular illumination module are reflected by the concave reflector and then project onto the detecting region.
Implementation Method 3
an image-detecting method. This image-detecting method generally introduces an excitation light to radiate the DNA so as to make dyes fluorescent, then to filter the excitation light by a color-filtering plate, to capture the fluorescent image by an image sensor
Data Source
AI summary
An automatic fluorescence detection system includes a base and an optical assembly. The base has a detecting region. The optical assembly includes a fluorescent image-capturing device, an illumination device and a field lens. The illumination device includes a first annular illumination module and a second annular illumination module surrounding a center axis of the fluorescent image-capturing device. Lights emitted by the first annular illumination module and the second annular illumination module travel along a light-traveling path to project onto the detecting region. A distance between the first annular illumination module and the center axis is smaller than that between the second annular illumination module and the center axis. The field lens is disposed in correspondence with the detecting region. Spacing between the field lens and the detecting region is ranged from 15.0 cm to 30.0 cm.