Image Sensor Heating for Sample Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image acquisition devices struggle with temperature regulation of samples, particularly when imaging particles like proteins, due to inadequate control of ambient temperature, leading to degradation of sample properties over time.
Innovation Solution
An acquisition device with a support for receiving samples, equipped with an image sensor that also functions as a heating means and a temperature sensor, utilizing a feedback loop to regulate temperature and maintain a setpoint, ensuring stable conditions for imaging without disturbing the optical path.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If ambient temperature control is used for the fluidic chamber, then the device complexity is reduced, but the temperature regulation precision deteriorates leading to sample degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the heating function with the image sensor by utilizing the sensor's backside as a heating element. This integration eliminates the need for separate heating components while achieving precise temperature control of the sample in the fluidic chamber, thereby resolving the contradiction between device complexity and temperature regulation precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback control system using a temperature sensor to monitor the fluidic chamber temperature and adjust the heating power accordingly. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables precise temperature regulation despite the simplified device structure, maintaining sample properties without requiring complex external temperature control systems.
2Measurement precision
If a separate heating system is added to the acquisition device, then the temperature regulation precision improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the heating function with the existing image sensor structure, specifically utilizing the sensor's backside as a heating element. This merging approach achieves precise temperature control without adding separate heating systems, thereby improving temperature regulation precision while avoiding increased device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The image sensor serves dual functions: capturing images and providing heating control. By making the sensor self-sufficient for both detection and temperature regulation, the patent eliminates the need for additional heating components, thus improving temperature precision without complicating the device structure.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the image sensor is continuously powered on to maintain temperature, then the temperature stability improves, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic heating cycles controlled by a feedback system. The image sensor is powered on intermittently to provide heating when needed to maintain temperature stability, rather than continuous operation. This periodic action maintains temperature stability while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous powering.
Solution Approach 2:
The feedback control system monitors temperature and activates the image sensor's heating function only when temperature deviation is detected. This feedback-based intermittent operation maintains temperature stability by providing heating only when necessary, thereby reducing overall energy consumption while preserving temperature constancy for sample imaging.
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 solution allows for precise temperature control of the sample, preventing degradation and enhancing the quality of acquired images by maintaining optimal conditions for the sample's properties, thus improving the imaging process.
Implementation Method 1
the image sensor (30) forming a heating means (32) for the receiving support (28)
Implementation Method 2
the image sensor (30) forming a heating means (32) for the receiving support (28), and a temperature sensor (34) for the receiving support (28)
Implementation Method 3
a heating control element (36) for the receiving support (28), on the basis of the temperature measured by the temperature sensor (34)
Data Source
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AI summary
This device (24) for acquiring an image of a sample (22) comprises: a support (28) for receiving the sample (22), exhibiting a transparent face (52), and an image sensor (30), able to acquire an image of the sample (22), the image sensor (30) being disposed opposite said transparent face (52). The device (24) furthermore comprises a means for heating the reception support (28), a temperature sensor able to measure a temperature of the receiving support (28) and a facility (36) for regulating the heating of the reception support (28), as a function of the temperature measured by the temperature sensor.