Integrated Fluorescence Scanner for Stable Spectral Illumination
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing high throughput fluorescence microscopy instruments are poorly integrated systems with unnecessary complexity, maintenance requirements, and inefficiencies due to separate control systems and conventional lighting technologies like arc lamps, which are spectrally unstable and costly.
Innovation Solution
An integrated fluorescence scanner combining a solid-state light engine, microscope, imaging device, and motion control into a compact network appliance, featuring a solid-state light source for stable and intense light, automated operation, and embedded computer for efficient scanning protocols.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional arc lamps are used for illumination, then broad spectral coverage is achieved, but spectral instability and high maintenance costs occur
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination system is segmented into multiple independent LED modules, each emitting at a specific wavelength. This allows the system to provide broad spectral coverage through combination of discrete wavelength sources while maintaining spectral stability through individual module control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from continuous spectrum arc lamps to discrete wavelength LED sources, changing the fundamental parameter of light emission. This enables precise wavelength selection and stable spectral output by controlling individual LED modules rather than relying on the unstable continuous spectrum of arc lamps
2Adaptability or versatility
If fully featured microscope systems are used, then comprehensive analysis capabilities are achieved, but system complexity and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential fluorescence scanning components from a full microscope system, removing unnecessary mechanical stages, complex optical trains, and redundant controls. This creates a streamlined system that maintains comprehensive analysis capabilities while significantly reducing complexity and maintenance requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated scanner is designed to perform multiple fluorescence analysis functions within a single compact platform, eliminating the need for separate specialized instruments. The system provides comprehensive analysis capabilities through software-controlled multi-functionality rather than through multiple separate hardware components
3Measurement precision
If separate control systems are used for various components, then independent control precision is achieved, but coordination complexity and setup requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control of illumination, detection, and scanning functions into a single integrated control system. This unified approach maintains precise control over all components while eliminating the coordination complexity and setup requirements associated with multiple separate control systems
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 integration provides shorter assay times, higher throughput, enhanced reproducibility, and robustness with reduced maintenance, enabling efficient high-throughput fluorescence microscopy.
Implementation Method 1
The present invention provides an integrated fluorescence scanner which incorporates a light engine, microscopes, imaging devices, and motion control into a network appliance that allows for automation of fluorescence microscopy. In an embodiment, the integrated fluorescence scanner includes a solid-state light engine which can provide intense, pure, and stable light across the spectrum required for imaging fluorophores of interest.
Implementation Method 2
The excitation light excites fluorophores in the specimen causing the fluorophores to emit fluorescent light (usually at a longer wavelength).
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated fluorescence scanning system is provided. The integrated fluorescence scanner combines an embedded computer, light engine, microscope, and motion stage into a compact rack-mountable network appliance that allows for automation of fluorescence microscopy. In an embodiment, the integrated fluorescence scanner includes a solid-state light engine which can provide intense, pure, and stable light across the spectrum required for imaging of all fluorophores of interest. The embedded computer allows for autonomous operation, and network appliance features including synchronous multi-scanner operation and monitoring, multisite operation via a single control terminal, and calibration for inter and intra instrument consistency.