Diffractive Sensor Imaging for Automated Analyte Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing diffractive sensors for detecting target analytes require manual comparison of diffraction images, which is time-consuming and prone to human error, limiting their application to fast and reliable automated or semi-automated detection.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus comprising a laser source, support device, and vision system for automatically capturing and comparing diffraction images from a diffractive sensor, with integrated washing and drying mechanisms to ensure accurate and efficient detection of target analytes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual comparison of diffraction images is used, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity and reliability deteriorate due to time-consuming operations and human error

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection speedVSAvoidapparatus complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical comparison process with an automated vision system that captures diffraction images and a control unit that performs digital comparison algorithms. This substitution of mechanical/manual operations with automated optical and computational systems resolves the contradiction by dramatically increasing detection speed and reliability while accepting the necessary increase in device complexity through integrated imaging and processing components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The apparatus enables self-service automation where the control unit automatically captures diffraction images, processes them through comparison algorithms, and generates detection results without requiring manual intervention. The system serves itself by integrating the full detection workflow from image capture to analysis, eliminating human error and accelerating productivity while managing complexity through integrated automation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If automated detection is implemented, then productivity and reliability improve, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidapparatus complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces subjective manual image comparison with an automated vision system and control unit that perform objective digital analysis. This substitution ensures consistent, reproducible results by eliminating human variability in interpretation, thereby improving detection accuracy and reliability while managing complexity through systematic automated processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit implements feedback mechanisms by capturing diffraction images, comparing them against reference patterns, and generating detection results that can be validated and reviewed. This feedback loop ensures high reliability through systematic analysis and allows for quality control while managing complexity through structured processing workflows.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If washing and drying mechanisms are integrated, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates washing and drying mechanisms that perform preliminary preparation of the diffractive sensor before diffraction image capture. This preliminary action removes contaminants and ensures optimal sensor conditions, thereby improving measurement precision and detection accuracy while managing manufacturing complexity through integrated preparation systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 fast, reliable, and automated detection of target analytes by comparing diffraction images, reducing human error and enhancing the efficiency of detection processes.

Implementation Method 1

a beam of monochromatic, polarized light (LASER) to pass through the sensor 1, such a beam of light is diffracted into a diffraction image visible to the naked eye

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDiffraction: Diffraction

Data Source

PatentUS20260071958A1Apparatus For Detecting Target Analytes In A Sample Applied On A Diffractive Sensor

Publication Date: 2026.03.12 DG GROUP SPA

AI summary

The present invention relates to an apparatus (100) for the detection of at least one target analyte in a sample to be analysed applied to a diffractive sensor (1), including a housing (101) delimiting within it a dark chamber (102); a support device (105) suitable for supporting and integrally holding the diffractive sensor (1), said support device (105) being movable within the dark chamber (102) and between the inside and outside of the dark chamber (102); a source (103) of laser light suitable for emitting laser light with a wavelength within the visible spectrum in the darkroom (102); a screen (107) arranged in the dark chamber (102); a vision system (111) configured to capture images on the screen (107); and a control unit operatively connected to the laser source (103), the support device (105) and the vision system (111).