Fluorescence Detection Device Ambient Light Shielding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for detecting low levels of luminescence and fluorescence are insufficiently sensitive and unstable, especially in the presence of ambient light, which can lead to false positives and overwhelmed signals, making it difficult to produce clear images in applications such as intraoral and skin imaging.
Innovation Solution
A detection device with a light-transmitting portion optimized to shield from ambient light, featuring a prism or reflective surface coated with filters to improve signal-to-noise ratio, and a sensitive light detection means, such as a CCD, that can be securely positioned around the surface of interest to detect low light signals effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If prior art devices are used to detect luminescence in ambient light, then the device can be simple and portable, but the detection sensitivity is insufficient and false positives occur due to ambient light overwhelming the signal
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into distinct functional segments: a light-tight housing structure that isolates the detection chamber from ambient light, a separate illumination system, and a detection system. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, achieving high detection sensitivity without excessive overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection chamber is created as a light-tight environment that excludes ambient light, analogous to creating an inert atmosphere. This controlled environment allows the weak luminescence signal to be detected without interference from external light sources, directly improving measurement precision.
2Measurement precision
If hand-held mobile devices are used for intraoral imaging, then the device is easy to operate, but the device is insufficiently stable to produce clear images over extended exposure times
Solution Approach 1:
The light-transmitting portion is designed to nest around the surface of interest (tooth), creating a stable, confined detection space. This nesting approach provides mechanical stability and consistent positioning during extended exposure times, enabling clear imaging while maintaining ease of application.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates filters that selectively transmit specific wavelengths of light while blocking others. This optical filtering allows the detection system to capture the luminescence signal clearly despite the mobile, hand-held operation, as the filters eliminate ambient light interference that would otherwise blur the image.
3Measurement precision
If the light-transmitting portion is positioned adjacent to and fits around the surface of interest, then ambient light is shielded from the detector, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light-transmitting portion utilizes flexible, thin-walled structures that can conform to the surface of interest while maintaining light-tight sealing. This approach achieves effective ambient light shielding without requiring complex rigid structures, thereby improving signal-to-noise ratio with moderate increase in device complexity.
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 device effectively detects low levels of luminescence and fluorescence while minimizing ambient light interference, allowing for clear imaging and reducing the risk of false positives, and is designed for use in environments with high ambient light, such as the mouth and skin.
Implementation Method 1
the light-transmitting portion comprises means for transmitting light along a path from a surface of interest to the light detection means
Implementation Method 2
the means for reducing ambient light prevents the signal from the surface of interest, which may be indicative of a disease state, from being mixed with ambient light
Implementation Method 3
featuring a prism or reflective surface coated with filters to improve signal-to-noise ratio
Implementation Method 4
prism or reflective surface coated with filters
Implementation Method 5
the proximal end comprises a light detection means... detecting low levels of luminescence and/or fluorescence
Implementation Method 6
detecting low levels of luminescence and/or fluorescence... low light signal generated by fluorescence or luminescence
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a detection device comprising a proximal end and a light- transmitting portion, wherein the proximal end comprises a light detection means and the light-transmitting portion comprises means for transmitting light along a path from a surface of interest to the Hghi detection means, characterised in that the light transmitting portion is optimised for use in detecting a low light signal generated by fluorescence or luminescence in conditions of ambient light; and wherein the device is adapted to detect the presence of a disclosing substance which has been applied to a surface of interest.