Compact Chemiluminescence Scanner Using Bidirectional Averaging
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current chemiluminescence imaging techniques face challenges with high costs and complexity due to the need for cooled CCDs and large, expensive imagers, which are required to capture weak and non-constant optical signals from biomolecules, often resulting in inefficient light collection and image distortion.
Innovation Solution
A compact, flat-bed scanner using uncooled linear CCDs and high NA optics, which sweeps over the sample in two directions to average pixel readings and compensate for changing luminescence, allowing for efficient light collection and image construction without the need for deep cooling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If cooled CCDs and large imagers are used to capture weak chemiluminescence signals, then sensitivity is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature parameter from cooled to uncooled operation, eliminating the need for complex cooling systems while maintaining detection capability through alternative means (high NA optics and signal averaging). This resolves the contradiction by achieving sensitivity without the complexity of cooled CCDs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical cooling system with an optical enhancement system (high NA optics) and computational approach (signal averaging). This substitution eliminates moving parts and thermal management complexity while maintaining or improving sensitivity through better light collection efficiency.
2Measurement precision
If cooled CCDs and large imagers are used to capture weak chemiluminescence signals, then sensitivity is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational temperature from cooled to uncooled, which dramatically reduces manufacturing cost and eliminates the need for expensive cryogenic components. Sensitivity is maintained through high NA optics that improve light collection efficiency, offsetting the lack of cooling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs standard uncooled CCD sensors that are inexpensive and widely available, replacing expensive specialized cooled detectors. The system achieves comparable sensitivity through optical design rather than expensive detector hardware.
3Volume of moving object
If standard imaging methods are used, then device size is reduced, but light collection efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent concentrates optical quality in the critical region by using high NA optics positioned close to the sample. This local optimization of light collection efficiency allows the use of a compact scanner without sacrificing detection performance, as the high NA optics compensate for the reduced overall system size.
4Measurement precision
If long scan times are used to capture non-constant luminescence, then sensitivity is improved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic scanning in two opposite directions, collecting data during both forward and backward passes. This periodic bidirectional scanning doubles the data collection rate compared to unidirectional scanning, reducing total scan time while maintaining sensitivity through signal averaging across multiple passes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuous data collection during both forward and backward scanner movements, eliminating idle time. By utilizing the return trip for data acquisition, the system maintains productive action throughout the entire scanning cycle, effectively halving the scan time compared to methods that only collect data in one direction.
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 sensitive chemiluminescence imaging at a lower cost and smaller size, reducing scan time and minimizing distortion, while maintaining comparable sensitivity to high-end CCD imagers.
Implementation Method 1
a detector bar of linear CCDs and high working numerical aperture (NA) optics is swept in close proximity to a sample exhibiting chemiluminescence in order to capture light
Implementation Method 2
Chemiluminescence emitted optical signals are typically characterized by: being 1) weak and 2) non-constant over time
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, devices, and methods for accurately imaging chemiluminescence and other luminescence are disclosed. A compact, flat-bed scanner having a light-tight enclosure, one or more detector bars of linear charge-coupled device (CCD) or complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) imaging chips, and high working numerical aperture (NA) optics scans closely over a sample in one direction and then the opposite direction. Averages or other combinations of intensity readings for each pixel location (x, y) between the two or more passes are averaged together in order to compensate for luminescence that varies over time. On-chip pixel binning and multiple clock frequencies can be used to maximize the signal to noise ratio in a CCD-based scanner.