Dynamic Background Shift Correction in Optical Analyzers
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Optical measurement signals in automated sample analyzers are prone to background shifts due to events like cuvette movement or contamination, which can lead to imprecise or faulty measurement results, and existing correction techniques are less reliable when background signals vary over time or by wavelength.
Innovation Solution
A method that detects background shifts by analyzing sets of optical measurements taken at different points in time, splitting them into groups based on signal changes, and using linear or non-linear correlation to determine background signals and shifts, allowing for automatic detection and correction during runtime.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If bi-chromatic correction technique is used to reduce background signal influence, then measurement precision is improved, but reliability deteriorates when background signals vary over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from static background correction (bi-chromatic technique assuming constant background) to dynamic background tracking by continuously monitoring signal changes over time. The system adapts to time-varying background conditions by detecting shifts and applying real-time corrections, making the correction mechanism responsive to changing conditions rather than relying on fixed wavelength-based assumptions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the system continuously monitors optical measurement signals for changes indicative of background shifts. When a shift is detected, the system automatically adjusts the correction approach by applying determined background shifts to subsequent measurements. This closed-loop feedback ensures reliability is maintained even when background conditions change over time.
2Measurement precision
If background correction techniques are applied, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the measurement system to automatically detect and correct its own background shifts without external intervention or complex additional hardware. The system uses its existing optical measurement capabilities to monitor for background changes, determine the magnitude of shifts, and apply corrections autonomously. This self-service approach maintains measurement precision while avoiding the need for complex external correction devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the existing optical measurement system perform multiple functions: it not only measures sample analytes but also simultaneously monitors for background shifts and performs self-correction. By utilizing the same optical channels and detection systems for both measurement and background monitoring, the patent avoids adding separate complex correction hardware, thereby maintaining measurement precision without proportionally increasing device complexity.
3Reliability
If background shifts are detected and corrected during runtime, then reliability is improved, but loss of time increases due to additional measurement steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs background shift detection and correction continuously during the measurement process rather than requiring separate pre-measurement or post-measurement correction steps. By monitoring optical signals in real-time and applying corrections on-the-fly, the system maintains continuous useful action (measurement) without interruption. This approach improves reliability by catching background shifts as they occur while minimizing time loss since corrections are applied during rather than after measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent detects background shifts at the earliest possible moment during the measurement sequence, allowing correction to be applied to subsequent measurements before erroneous data is generated. By performing preliminary detection of background changes during runtime rather than waiting for post-measurement analysis, the system can proactively correct ongoing measurements, improving reliability while minimizing time loss since corrections prevent rather than remedy erroneous results.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method for determining a background shift, the method including obtaining a plurality of sets of optical measurements of a sample taken by the analyzer for samples at different points in time, each set including at least one measurement taken in a first channel and another measurement taken in a second channel different from the first channel, the plurality of sets of optical measurements including one group of sets and another group of sets, the measurements in the one group of sets showing a higher signal change than the measurements in the other group, determining a first background signal based on a relation of measurements in the first and second channels in the one group, determining a second background signal based on a relation of measurements in the first and second channels in the one group and the other group and determining a background shift based on the first and second background signals.