Camera-Based Reagent Detection for Biological Samples
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for analyzing biological and chemical samples, such as ELISA assays, face challenges with inefficient sample usage and delayed evaluation due to the need for multiple color filters, which hinder automation and increase processing time, especially when dealing with small sample volumes.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus using a camera, preferably a CMOS camera, captures multiple sample receptacles in a single image, allowing for simultaneous detection and evaluation of optically detectable signals from various reagents without the need for filter changes, enabling efficient sample analysis and increased automation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a photometer with multiple color filters is used to analyze different sample types and reagents, then measurement capability is improved, but processing time increases due to filter changes and automation is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical filter-changing system with a digital camera-based detection system. Instead of physically changing filters to capture different wavelength ranges, the system uses a camera with appropriate lighting and image processing to detect optical signals across multiple wavelengths simultaneously, eliminating filter change delays and enabling parallel measurement of multiple parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple measurement functions into a single imaging step. By capturing images that contain information about multiple reagents and sample types simultaneously, the system merges what would otherwise require sequential measurements with different filters into one operation, thereby reducing processing time while maintaining versatility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate measurements with various filters are performed, then comprehensive analysis is improved, but automation degree is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual or semi-automated filter selection and changing process with an automated imaging system. The camera-based system automatically captures optical signals and software automatically processes the images to extract measurement data for multiple parameters, achieving high automation without compromising analysis comprehensiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging system serves multiple measurement functions simultaneously. A single camera setup can detect various optical signals (absorbance, fluorescence, color changes) across different wavelength ranges by using appropriate lighting and image processing, making the system universal and highly automated without requiring separate dedicated systems for each measurement type.
3Loss of substance
If traditional photometric methods are used with small sample volumes, then sample conservation is improved, but measurement accuracy and completeness deteriorate due to insufficient sample for all required analyses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple measurements that would traditionally require separate sample aliquots into a single simultaneous measurement. By capturing images that contain information about multiple reagents and parameters in one shot, the system allows comprehensive analysis of all sample parameters from a single small sample volume, eliminating the need to divide the sample across multiple measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from sequential one-dimensional measurements (one parameter at a time with different filters) to simultaneous multi-dimensional measurement. The imaging approach captures spatial and spectral information in multiple dimensions simultaneously, allowing extraction of multiple measurement parameters from each pixel or region of the sample, thereby maximizing information obtained from minimal sample volume.
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 approach significantly reduces sample volume requirements, increases diagnostic parameter measurement, and enhances processing speed by allowing simultaneous evaluation of multiple spectra and reactions in a single step, improving throughput and automation.
Implementation Method 1
substances which upon reaction with a reagent deliver a detectable signal presenting as a color change and/or fluorescence
Implementation Method 2
color change... that result
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a device and a method for detecting substances which are present in biological or chemical samples, each substance producing an optically detectable signal upon reaction with a reagent. The device further comprises a sample carrier with at least two receptacles for receiving samples and is characterized in that at least part of the receptacle is equipped to receive at least 2 reagents each, and in that a camera for recording an image which shows at least one receptacle filled with at least two reagents for the detection of different substances, and an evaluation device for evaluating the samples which device is designed such as to evaluate each image by analyzing the signals in the image. Said method comprises the following steps: Introducing at least two reagents into one receptacle of a sample carrier, and optionally immobilizing the reagents, adding the sample to the receptacle, recording an image by means of a camera such that the image shows the receptacle which is loaded with at least two reagents, and evaluating the image by analyzing the color spectrum of the samples in the image.