Array Plate Scanning With Sub-Scan Focus Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing scanning technologies face challenges in acquiring a fluorescence image in focus across the entire surface of a protein or peptide array plate due to variations in glass thickness and tilt, requiring complex apparatuses with high-speed feedback control systems or multiple scanning iterations, which increase complexity and measurement time.
Innovation Solution
A scanning apparatus with an observation optical system that performs main and sub-scanning, along with an adjustment unit to correct for plate thickness and tilt during sub-scanning, using a piston-crank mechanism and confocal optical system to ensure focused imaging across the array plate surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If automatic focus adjustment using a focus sensor is performed simultaneously with two-dimensional scanning, then in-focus fluorescence image acquisition across the entire array plate surface is achieved, but apparatus complexity increases due to requirement of high-speed feedback control system with high-performance focus sensor and low-vibration actuator
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the scanning process into two distinct phases: a pre-scanning phase without optical information acquisition to map height variations, and a main scanning phase with optical information acquisition using the mapped height information for focus adjustment. This segmentation eliminates the need for complex simultaneous feedback control during main scanning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs height mapping and focus position determination in advance during a pre-scanning phase before the actual fluorescence measurement. This preliminary action allows the main scanning to proceed with predetermined focus adjustments, avoiding real-time feedback complexity.
2Measurement precision
If two-dimensional scanning is repeated multiple times while changing focusing position and setting parameters, then in-focus fluorescence image across the entire array plate surface is obtained, but fluorescence measurement time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent determines the optimal focusing position for each spot in advance during a pre-scanning phase, storing this information for use during the main scanning phase. This allows single-pass acquisition of in-focus images without repeated scanning iterations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the focusing position parameter dynamically during scanning based on pre-determined height information, allowing the optical system to maintain focus across the entire array plate surface in a single pass rather than requiring multiple scans at different fixed focus positions.
3Measurement precision
If confocal optical system with shallow depth of focus is used, then high measurement precision is achieved, but difficulty in acquiring in-focus fluorescence image across the entire array plate surface increases due to individual differences in glass thickness and tilt
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where height information is first acquired during pre-scanning, then used to determine appropriate focusing positions for each spot during main scanning. This feedback loop enables the confocal system to maintain its shallow depth of focus advantage while automatically compensating for plate variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different focusing positions locally to different spots on the array plate based on their specific height characteristics. Instead of using a single global focus setting, each spot receives a customized focus adjustment tailored to its local position and height, enabling the confocal system to maintain high precision across the entire surface.
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
Enables rapid acquisition of in-focus optical information by correcting for plate thickness and tilt, reducing measurement time and apparatus complexity while maintaining high accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
a method for identifying which spot has interacted by labeling the spots with a fluorescent probe
Data Source
AI summary
A scanning apparatus according to the present invention includes an observation optical system configured to radiate primary light toward one surface to acquire optical information related to at least a portion of a plurality of spots, a scanning unit configured to perform main scanning in which the observation optical system moves relative to an array plate 101 in a first direction and acquires the optical information and sub-scanning in which the observation optical system moves relative to the array plate 101 in a second direction intersecting the first direction without acquiring the optical information, and an adjustment unit configured to adjust a position of the observation optical system relative to the array plate 101 in an optical axis direction of the primary light. The adjustment unit performs the adjustment in a case where the scanning unit is in a period of the sub-scanning.