CCD Reference-Level Clamp Circuit for Reduced Assay Crosstalk

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional CCD camera systems for multi-well assay plates suffer from excessive crosstalk between analyte measurements, where the measurement of one analyte affects the measurement of another.

Innovation Solution

A CCD camera system with an analog front end circuit and a reference level clamp circuit configured to fully reset the reference level between sequential image data point readings, reducing crosstalk by selecting a time constant to minimize interference between analyte measurements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional CCD camera systems are used for measuring analytes in multi-well assay plates, then the system can perform measurements, but excessive crosstalk occurs between analyte measurements where the measurement of one analyte affects the measurement of another

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanalyte measurement accuracyVSAvoidcrosstalk between analyte measurements

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The reference level clamp circuit performs preliminary action by fully resetting the reference level between sequential image data point readings. This reset action occurs before the next measurement is taken, ensuring that any residual signal from the previous analyte measurement is completely eliminated. The time constant is specifically selected to ensure complete reset, thereby preventing crosstalk contamination of subsequent analyte measurements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If the reference level is not fully reset between measurements, then the system can operate continuously, but crosstalk interference persists between sequential analyte readings

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous measurement capabilityVSAvoidanalyte measurement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The invention applies parameter changes by selecting a specific time constant for the reference level clamp circuit. This time constant parameter is optimized to ensure complete reset of the reference level within a defined period between measurements. By adjusting this time constant parameter, the system achieves both continuous operation capability and complete signal reset, eliminating crosstalk while maintaining productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS12461036B2Assay apparatuses, methods and reagents including devices and methods for reducing crosstalk between CCD measurements

Publication Date: 2025.11.04 MESO SCALE TECH LLC

AI summary

Apparatuses, systems, method, reagents, and kits for conducting assays as well as process for their preparation are described. They are particularly well suited for conducting automated analysis in a multi-well plate assay format. Also disclosed are systems, devices, and methods provided herein for using a CCD camera based system to generate measurements having reduced crosstalk between measurements of multiple spatially separated subjects. CCD camera based systems as provided herein use improved reference level clamping circuits configured to fully reset reference levels during CCD readout, thereby reducing a level of crosstalk between measurements.