Fourier Scattering Microbead Code Reading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for reading codes on microbeads are expensive due to the need for high-resolution optical techniques, making them costly and inefficient for encoding and decoding.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus using Fourier plane analysis to read codes on microbeads, which projects the code onto a Fourier plane using a transform lens and a CCD device, eliminating the need for high-resolution imaging optics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If high-resolution optical techniques are used to read codes on microbeads, then measurement precision is improved, but device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical imaging optics with a computational approach using a transform lens to project the code onto a Fourier plane, where a CCD device captures the transformed pattern. This substitution of mechanical high-resolution imaging with optical transformation and computational analysis resolves the contradiction by achieving code reading precision through Fourier analysis rather than direct high-resolution imaging, thereby reducing optical system cost and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter space by transforming the code from spatial domain to frequency domain using Fourier transformation. Instead of resolving fine spatial details with expensive optics, the system captures the Fourier transform of the code pattern, where information is encoded in frequency components. This parameter transformation allows standard optics and CCD devices to achieve the same information extraction capability, resolving the cost-precision contradiction.
2Measurement precision
If high-resolution imaging optics are used to read microbead codes, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for complex high-resolution imaging optics by substituting them with a transform lens and Fourier plane analysis system. The code information is extracted from the Fourier transform pattern captured by a standard CCD device, replacing the need for expensive imaging lenses and high-resolution detectors. This mechanical substitution directly reduces device complexity while maintaining measurement precision through computational analysis of the transformed pattern.
3Device complexity
If Fourier plane analysis is used instead of high-resolution imaging, then device cost is reduced, but measurement precision may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent successfully maintains measurement precision by substituting mechanical high-resolution imaging with computational Fourier analysis. The transform lens projects the code onto the Fourier plane, where the frequency components encode the same information as the spatial pattern. A standard CCD device captures this transformed pattern, and computational algorithms extract the code with high accuracy. This substitution proves that precision is maintained through information transformation rather than direct high-resolution capture, while significantly reducing device cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from spatial resolution to frequency domain analysis. Instead of requiring high spatial resolution optics, the system captures the Fourier transform where code information is embedded in frequency components. This parameter change allows standard optical components to achieve the same measurement precision, disproving the notion that Fourier plane analysis compromises accuracy while reducing system cost.
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
This approach reduces the cost of code reading and decoding by using less expensive optics and allows for the use of translationally invariant codes on microbeads, enabling efficient encoding and decoding without the need for expensive imaging systems.
Implementation Method 1
The light scattered from the microbead is directed through an optical arrangement having a transform lens for projecting the code on the Fourier plane
Implementation Method 2
first scattering input light off (reflected or transmitted) the microbead. The light scattered from the microbead is directed through an optical arrangement
Data Source
AI summary
A method, optical arrangement, and apparatus for reading a microbead having a code. The method includes reflecting an incident light from the microbead to provide an output light. The output light is projected on a Fourier plane. The method also includes reading the code from the Fourier plane.