Flat Panel Detector for Gel Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional gel and blot imaging techniques face limitations such as non-linear response, limited dynamic range, and high costs due to the use of film emulsion and CCD cameras, which result in time-consuming and inefficient image capture processes, especially for chemiluminescent detection where fast exposure and low noise are required.
Innovation Solution
A flat panel imaging system utilizing an array of photodiodes and transistors to directly collect and convert light from gel or blot samples into digital signals, eliminating the need for costly high-efficiency optics and enabling faster image acquisition with improved sensitivity and dynamic range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If film emulsion is used for chemiluminescent detection, then the imaging procedure can capture images, but the response is non-linear and dynamic range is limited requiring multiple exposures which increases time and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical film emulsion system with a digital flat panel detector system that directly converts light photons to electrical signals. This substitution eliminates the non-linear response and limited dynamic range of film emulsion while providing immediate digital image capture without requiring multiple exposures, thereby resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from analog film density to digital signal intensity, enabling linear response across a wide dynamic range. The flat panel detector can capture signals across multiple orders of magnitude in a single exposure, transforming the detection mechanism to overcome film emulsion's parameter limitations.
2Measurement precision
If CCD cameras are used for chemiluminescent detection, then light detection efficiency can be improved, but operation at low frame rate and low temperature is required which increases device complexity and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the complex CCD camera system with a flat panel detector that uses a different detection mechanism based on photodiode arrays. This replacement maintains high light detection efficiency while eliminating the need for complex cooling systems and low frame rate operation requirements, thereby reducing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the unnecessary components of the CCD system (cooling mechanisms, complex readout electronics) by adopting a flat panel detector that inherently provides the required performance without these additional elements, simplifying the overall device architecture.
3Measurement precision
If CCD cameras with optical lenses are used to focus large blot to small CCD chips, then image capture is possible, but the optical lens increases cost, size, and vertical space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the optical lens focusing system with a flat panel detector that has a large active area capable of directly receiving light from the entire blot surface without optical concentration. This substitution eliminates the need for lenses, mirrors, and associated mounting structures, dramatically reducing device footprint while maintaining full image capture capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a point-focus optical system (lens concentrating light onto small CCD chip) to a planar detection system where the detector surface directly matches the blot area. This dimensional change from 3D optical path to 2D direct contact eliminates the need for vertical space and complex optical components.
4Measurement precision
If CCD cameras are used for image capture, then digital images can be obtained, but exposure time is long (3-20 minutes) which reduces productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the CCD camera's sequential electron transfer and readout mechanism with a flat panel detector that can read out all pixels simultaneously or in parallel channels. This substitution enables much faster image capture while maintaining or improving image quality through the direct conversion of photons to electrical signals across the entire detector array.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables continuous or near-continuous readout of the detector array, allowing for rapid sequential imaging without the frame rate limitations of CCD cameras. The flat panel detector can maintain signal integration while rapidly reading out data, providing both high image quality and fast imaging speed.
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
The flat panel imaging system achieves faster image capture times, increased sensitivity, and improved signal-to-noise ratio, reducing the need for extensive sample amounts and reagents, while providing a compact and cost-effective solution for gel and blot imaging.
Implementation Method 1
an array of photodiodes and transistors that collect light generated from the gel sample
Implementation Method 2
illuminating the gel sample using a light source integrated into the flat panel imaging system and collecting light emitted by the gel sample responsive to an excitation of the gel sample by light provided by the light source
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for generating a digital image in fluorescence gel imaging is disclosed. The method includes providing a gel sample and placing the gel sample on a flat panel detector having array of photodiodes and transistors that collect light generated from the gel sample. The gel sample is illuminated using a light source integrated into the flat panel imaging system and light emitted by the gel sample responsive to an excitation of the gel sample by light provided by the light source is then collected, with the light emitted by the gel sample being collected by the array of photodiodes of the flat panel detector and converted to electric charges to generate light data. The light data is then processed to generate a digital image of the gel sample.