Combination Imaging System for Electrophoretic Assays
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Solution Overview
Problem
In electrophoresis assays, protein standards that are not chemiluminescent are difficult to record, as they are not visible with electronic imaging systems, leading to inconvenient tracing methods and higher costs for chemiluminescent standards.
Innovation Solution
A combination imaging system with a contact area image sensor and a camera that captures digital images in both chemiluminescent and colorimetric modes, combining them to record both chemiluminescent protein signals and non-chemiluminescent protein standards in a single composite image, using a housing with a lid to shield the sensor from ambient light.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If non-chemiluminescent protein standards are used, then cost is reduced, but they cannot be recorded by electronic imaging systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a contact area image sensor for chemiluminescent light detection with a camera for colorimetric imaging into a single hybrid imaging system. This merging allows both chemiluminescent protein signals and non-chemiluminescent protein standards to be captured simultaneously in a single composite image, resolving the contradiction between cost reduction and recording capability.
2Loss of information
If chemiluminescent protein standards are used, then recording capability is improved, but cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the imaging function into two distinct components: a contact area image sensor for detecting chemiluminescent light and a camera for capturing colorimetric images. This segmentation allows the system to use inexpensive non-chemiluminescent protein standards while maintaining full recording capability through the camera component, thereby reducing cost while preserving information capture.
3Loss of information
If photographic film is used, then recording of protein standards is achieved, but the process becomes inconvenient and manual
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical process of physical film handling, tracing, and manual marking with an automated electronic imaging system. The hybrid sensor-camera system automatically captures both chemiluminescent and colorimetric images and combines them digitally, eliminating manual operations and significantly improving ease of operation while maintaining recording capability.
4Device complexity
If a single imaging mode is used, then device complexity is reduced, but both chemiluminescent and colorimetric imaging cannot be performed simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal imaging device that performs multiple functions: the contact area image sensor detects chemiluminescent light while the camera captures colorimetric images, and both functions operate simultaneously within a single integrated system. This multi-functionality allows the device to handle both imaging modes without increasing operational complexity, as the system is designed to perform both tasks concurrently.
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
Enables efficient and cost-effective recording of protein standards, improving the visualization of protein separations by combining chemiluminescent and colorimetric images, reducing the need for expensive chemiluminescent standards and simplifying the imaging process.
Implementation Method 1
The proteins may be tagged with antibodies such that the proteins of interest emit light by chemiluminescence
Implementation Method 2
the second digital image records the intensity of light reflected from the target
Implementation Method 3
the lid shields the contact area image sensor from ambient light when the lid is in the closed position
Data Source
AI summary
A combination imaging system includes a housing having a base and a lid, the lid having a closed position against the base and having an open position. The imaging device further includes a contact area image sensor. The lid shields the contact area image sensor from ambient light when the lid is in the closed position. The imaging device also includes a camera. The camera includes a lens, and the field of view of the camera encompasses at least a portion of an imaging area of the contact area image sensor when the lid is in the open position. The device may be especially useful for capturing a chemiluminescent image of an electrophoretic assay result, and capturing a colorimetric image of the same result, so that non-chemiluminescent protein standards may be located with respect to chemiluminescent analytes of interest.