Flat Panel Detector Microbial Imaging System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current imaging techniques for microbial cells, such as CCD cameras and film emulsion, are inefficient and costly due to non-linear response, limited dynamic range, and require lengthy exposure times, while also failing to provide a single system for both image capture and microbial enumeration.
Innovation Solution
A flat panel imaging system with a housing and a flat panel detector array of photodiodes and transistors that captures light emitted or transmitted through microbial cells using fluorescent and chemiluminescent techniques, allowing for simultaneous image acquisition and enumeration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If CCD cameras are used for image capture, then image quality can be improved, but exposure time increases to 3-20 minutes and cost increases due to expensive optics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/optical imaging system (CCD camera with lenses) with a direct flat panel detector system. The flat panel detector comprises an array of photodiodes that directly convert light photons to electrical signals without requiring optical lenses or complex mechanical focusing mechanisms, thereby reducing exposure time from minutes to seconds while maintaining image quality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from sequential read-out (in CCDs) to parallel read-out (in flat panel detectors). Each photodiode in the array independently converts photons to electrical signals simultaneously, enabling rapid image capture in seconds rather than minutes, while the direct conversion process improves quantum efficiency
2Measurement precision
If CCD cameras are used for chemiluminescent detection, then sensitivity can be improved, but device complexity and cost increase due to required optics and cooling systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the complex optical system (lenses, mirrors, filters) and cooling mechanisms required by CCD cameras by using a flat panel detector with photodiodes that directly detect chemiluminescent light. The photodiodes convert light photons to electrical signals through the photoelectric effect, providing sensitive detection without mechanical or thermal management complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the unnecessary optical components and cooling systems from the detection apparatus. By using a flat panel detector that directly contacts or is positioned near the sample, the system eliminates the need for complex light paths, focusing optics, and temperature control mechanisms while maintaining or improving detection sensitivity
3Quantity of substance
If film emulsion is used for detection, then cost can be reduced, but dynamic range is limited and multiple exposures are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces analog film emulsion with a digital flat panel detector system. The photodiode array provides direct digital signal output with wide dynamic range, allowing simultaneous detection of both weak and strong signals in a single exposure. The system can capture signals across multiple orders of magnitude without requiring multiple exposures or chemical development processes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection medium from chemical film emulsion to electronic photodiode sensors. This enables digital signal processing with adjustable gain and offset, providing adaptability to detect both faint and intense signals within the same exposure, effectively expanding the dynamic range while maintaining cost-effectiveness
4Loss of energy
If linear scanner with multiple linear sensor arrays is used, then light collection efficiency can be improved, but scan time increases to 6-12 minutes per pass
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the detection area into a two-dimensional array of independent photodiode elements. Each photodiode independently detects light from its corresponding sample region, enabling parallel detection across the entire field of view. This eliminates the sequential scanning process while maintaining efficient light collection through direct coupling of each photodiode to its sample area
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional linear scanning to two-dimensional parallel detection. The flat panel detector comprises a matrix of photodiodes arranged in rows and columns, allowing simultaneous detection across the entire sample area. This dimensional change enables rapid imaging without the time penalty of sequential line-by-line scanning
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 system achieves rapid image capture with improved sensitivity, dynamic range, and quantum efficiency, eliminating the need for costly optics and reducing the time required for image acquisition to less than 10 seconds, while enabling both image capture and cell enumeration in a single, efficient process.
Implementation Method 1
a flat panel detector comprising an array of pixels each including a photodiode and transistor that convert photons received thereby to electrical signals
Implementation Method 2
a fluorescent light source configured to illuminate the cells on the cell medium so as to excite at least a portion of the cells and cause those cells to generate photons
Implementation Method 3
collecting light emitted by cells on the cell medium responsive to an excitation of the cells achieved via one of a chemiluminescence imaging technique and a fluorescence imaging technique
Data Source
AI summary
A flat panel imaging system for imaging cells provided on a cell medium is disclosed. The system includes a housing having a base portion and a lid that collectively form a closed environment to exclude external sources of light, and a flat panel detector encased in the base portion and having an array of pixels each including a photodiode and transistor. The system also includes a first light source that illuminates cells on the cell medium to excite at least a portion of the cells and cause those cells to generate photons that are captured by the array of pixels and a second light source to illuminate cells on the cell medium with a light different from the light from the first light source and that provides for a capturing of photons representative of photons transmitted through the cells on the cell medium.