Avalanche Photodiode Detector for Sequential Absorption and Fluorescence Cell Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electro-optical devices for biological analysis, particularly in hematological analysis, are complex, costly, and inefficient in differentiating and counting hematopoietic cells due to their large size and requirement for significant hardware resources.

Innovation Solution

A device with two light sources for absorption and fluorescence measurements, an impedance measuring device, and a single detection system with a configurable avalanche photodiode for simultaneous absorption and fluorescence measurements, allowing for reduced material resources and simplified operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If multiple separate detection devices are used for absorption and fluorescence measurements, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines absorption and fluorescence detection functions into a single detection device. The detector is configured to sequentially perform both absorption measurements (for cell counting) and fluorescence measurements (for reticulocyte identification), eliminating the need for separate detection systems while maintaining measurement accuracy through optimized optical paths and detector configuration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The detection device is designed with multi-functionality to perform both absorption and fluorescence measurements using the same optical path and detector. The system universally handles different measurement modes by adjusting detector configuration and light source activation, reducing device complexity while preserving the precision benefits of specialized measurement techniques

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If multiple separate detection devices are used for absorption and fluorescence measurements, then measurement reliability is improved, but production cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement reliabilityVSAvoidproduction cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges absorption and fluorescence detection into one integrated device, reducing production costs by eliminating duplicate components while maintaining measurement reliability through careful optical design and sequential measurement protocols that prevent interference between measurement modes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The detection device achieves multi-functionality for both absorption and fluorescence measurements, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost. The universal detector design with configurable parameters maintains the reliability of specialized measurements while avoiding the expenses of producing and maintaining multiple separate devices

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Device complexity

If a single detection device is used for both absorption and fluorescence measurements, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidmeasurement precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The detector configuration is dynamically adjusted based on the measurement mode. The system switches between absorption and fluorescence detection by modifying detector parameters and light source activation, allowing the single device to achieve the precision of specialized devices for each measurement type through optimized dynamic configuration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs absorption and fluorescence measurements in sequential periodic cycles. This periodic switching allows the single detector to dedicate its full capability to each measurement type in turn, maintaining high precision for both measurement modes while avoiding the need for simultaneous multi-functional operation that would compromise precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

4Device complexity

If sequential absorption and fluorescence measurements are performed with a single detector, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidmeasurement time
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements periodic switching between absorption and fluorescence measurement modes within a single detection cycle. This organized periodic action allows efficient alternation between measurement types, minimizing idle time and ensuring that each measurement mode receives optimal detection resources when activated

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The measurement process maintains continuity by seamlessly transitioning between absorption and fluorescence modes without significant idle time. The detector remains actively engaged in measurement throughout the sequence, and the optical system continuously monitors the sample, ensuring that the sequential measurement approach does not significantly extend total analysis time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 accurate classification and counting of various cell types, including reticulocytes and erythroblasts, with improved sensitivity and specificity, reducing production costs and operational complexity.

Implementation Method 1

at least two light sources capable of emitting in different spectral zones suitable for carrying out measurements, respectively, of absorption and fluorescence

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight emission: Light

Implementation Method 2

suitable for carrying out measurements, respectively, of absorption and fluorescence

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 3

suitable for carrying out measurements, respectively, of absorption and fluorescence

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluorescence: Fluorescence

Implementation Method 4

a single detection device, comprising a detector, an optical system and filtering means... the detector being configurable in internal gain

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric effect: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP2291636B1Electro-optic measurement device and method intended for classifying and counting microscopic elements
Publication Date: 2017.12.20 HORIBA ABX SAS
  • EP2291636B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2291636B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2291636B1 patent drawingFigure 5~7

AI summary

The invention relates to a biological analysis device (100) for measuring photoluminescence in a fluid present in a measurement cell (111). This device (100) comprises at least two light sources (121, 131) capable of emitting in different spectral ranges, suitable for carrying out absorption and fluorescence measurements respectively, and a detection device (140) comprising a detector (141), an optical system (142) and filtering means (144), these three latter components being mutually designed, according to the invention, to allow the measurement of absorption and/or fluorescence signals. According to the invention, the detector (141) can also be in an internal-gain configuration so as to allow fluorescence measurements and absorption measurements to be carried out sequentially.