Chaotic Wave Sensor for Real-Time Microbe Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting microbes, such as microbe cultivation, mass spectrometry, and optical methods, are time-consuming, require expensive equipment, and are not accessible to the general public due to their complexity.
Innovation Solution
A chaotic wave sensor apparatus that uses a wave source to irradiate a sample, a detector to capture laser speckle patterns, and a controller to analyze temporal correlations of these patterns in real-time, allowing for the detection of microbe properties without the need for antigen-antibody targets or gene amplification techniques.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If microbe cultivation method is used, then microbe detection is achieved, but measurement time is long and equipment complexity is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical/cultivation-based detection methods with optical measurement principles. By using light scattering characteristics and image processing algorithms, the system achieves rapid microbe detection without requiring prolonged cultivation periods, thus reducing measurement time while maintaining detection accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital copy of the microbe's optical characteristics through image capture and processing. Instead of physically cultivating and observing microbes, the system captures optical images and extracts feature information, creating a digital representation that enables rapid identification and measurement without time-consuming physical processes
2Measurement precision
If mass spectrometry method is used, then microbe detection is achieved, but equipment cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive, complex mass spectrometry equipment with inexpensive optical components such as cameras and light sources. The detection system uses readily available optical devices and software algorithms, eliminating the need for costly specialized equipment while maintaining microbe detection capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes complex mechanical and chemical analysis systems with optical measurement systems. By using light scattering and image processing, the system achieves microbe detection without requiring sophisticated mass spectrometry instrumentation, thereby reducing equipment complexity and cost
3Measurement precision
If optical method (Raman spectrometry or multispectral imaging) is used, then microbe detection is achieved, but system complexity and measurement time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential optical information needed for microbe detection, eliminating unnecessary complex optical components. By focusing on basic light scattering characteristics and using simple image capture devices, the system achieves effective detection without requiring sophisticated Raman spectrometry or multispectral imaging equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive, complex optical systems with inexpensive optical components and software-based analysis. The detection method uses standard cameras and light sources combined with image processing algorithms, eliminating the need for costly specialized optical instrumentation while maintaining detection effectiveness
4Measurement precision
If complex optical systems are used, then measurement precision is improved, but accessibility to general public decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes microbe detection accessible to the general public by using inexpensive, easily obtainable optical components and simple operation interfaces. The system requires no specialized training or complex equipment, allowing anyone to perform microbe detection using basic cameras and software, thus dramatically improving accessibility while maintaining detection precision
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 enables low-cost, compact, and widely applicable microbial detection systems that reduce measurement time and costs, providing real-time analysis of microbial presence and concentration.
Implementation Method 1
a detector configured to detect a laser speckle that is generated when the wave is multiple-scattered by the sample
Implementation Method 2
a detector configured to detect a laser speckle that is generated when the wave is multiple-scattered by the sample
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a sample property detecting apparatus including: a wave source configured to irradiate a wave towards a sample; a detector configured to detect a laser speckle that is generated when the wave is multiple-scattered by the sample, at every time point that is set in advance; and a controller configured to obtain a temporal correlation that is a variation in the detected laser speckle according to time, and to detect properties of the sample in real-time based on the temporal correlation, wherein the detector detects the laser speckle between the sample and the detector or from a region in the detector.