Semiconductor Biosensor Base Calling from Mixed Cluster Pixel Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solid-state imaging systems for biological or chemical analysis, such as DNA sequencing, are limited by the number of pixels, leading to high costs and reduced accuracy due to constraints in throughput, as they can only detect one cluster per sensor and are expensive with a large benchtop footprint.
Innovation Solution
A device with a biosensor array that can detect multiple clusters per sensor pixel, using a signal processor to classify results from multiple clusters based on pixel signals generated during illumination stages, allowing for increased throughput and accuracy without the need for extensive optical assemblies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional solid-state imaging systems use one cluster per sensor pixel, then measurement precision is maintained, but productivity is limited and device complexity increases due to requiring more pixels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection task by dividing the pixel signal into multiple components corresponding to different clusters. The signal processor separates and independently analyzes signals from multiple clusters within a single pixel area, enabling simultaneous detection of multiple clusters while maintaining measurement precision for each individual cluster.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from spatial multiplexing (multiple pixels) to signal-dimensional multiplexing. By utilizing the temporal and spectral dimensions of the pixel signal, the system can detect multiple clusters within a single pixel, effectively adding a new dimension to the detection capability without increasing pixel count.
2Productivity
If conventional systems increase the number of pixels to detect more clusters, then productivity improves, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes each pixel multi-functional by enabling it to detect multiple clusters simultaneously. The same pixel and its associated optical path serve multiple detection purposes, eliminating the need for additional pixels and their corresponding optical components, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining high throughput.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the detection functions of multiple pixels into a single pixel by combining the signals from multiple clusters within that pixel. This consolidation reduces the total number of optical components needed, simplifying the optical assembly while achieving the same or higher throughput.
3Productivity
If conventional systems use more pixels to achieve higher throughput, then productivity improves, but loss of substance increases due to more materials required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the pixel detection system by implementing advanced signal processing algorithms that can extract multiple cluster signals from a single pixel output. This parameter change in signal analysis methodology allows higher throughput without requiring additional physical pixels and their associated materials.
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 solution enables higher throughput and accuracy in detecting nucleic acid arrays by processing pixel signals from multiple clusters, reducing costs and footprint, and improving sequencing efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an array of sensors configured to generate a plurality of sequences of pixel signals... Each sensor generates a pixel signal in each base calling cycle that represents light gathered in one base calling cycle from one or more clusters
Data Source
AI summary
A device for base calling is provided. The device includes a receptacle configured to hold a biosensor having a sample surface holding a plurality of clusters during a sequence of sampling events, an array of sensors sensing information from clusters disposed in corresponding pixel areas of the sample surface during the sampling events and generate sequences of pixel signals and a communication port configured to output the sequences of pixel signals. The device also includes a signal processor coupled to the communication port and configured to receive and process at least one pixel signal in the sequences of pixel signals that mixes light gathered from at least two clusters in a corresponding pixel area, and to base call each of the at least two clusters using the at least one pixel signal.