Compact Optical Imaging System Using Lateral Illumination for Digital Assays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical imaging systems for digital immunoassays are large, expensive, and complex due to the need for multiple optical filters and actuators, limiting their sensitivity and dynamic range, and increasing the cost and size of the devices.
Innovation Solution
A compact optical imaging system using light scattering optics with a single filter and simplified structure, employing a light source that applies light scattering for bead detection, reducing the size and cost while maintaining performance comparable to conventional systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional optical imaging systems use multiple optical filters and actuators for bead detection, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the complex actuator mechanisms and multiple optical filters from the system. By using a simplified optical path with a single filter that can be rapidly exchanged, the system achieves bead detection without requiring the complicated multiple-filter-and-actuator architecture of conventional systems, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The single optical filter in the patent is designed to serve multiple functions by being rapidly exchanged to match different detection requirements. This universal approach replaces the need for multiple dedicated filters and actuators, allowing one filter component to perform what would traditionally require a complex multi-component system, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
2Measurement precision
If conventional optical imaging systems use multiple optical filters and actuators, then measurement precision is improved, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the bulky actuator mechanisms and multiple optical filters from the system architecture. By extracting these complex components and replacing them with a simplified single-filter design that can be rapidly exchanged, the system achieves the same bead detection capability in a much smaller volume, directly addressing the size reduction goal.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of multiple optical filters and actuators into a single, simplified optical path with one filter component. This consolidation combines what would traditionally be separate, space-consuming components into a compact integrated design, significantly reducing the overall system size while maintaining detection precision.
3Measurement precision
If conventional optical imaging systems use multiple optical filters and actuators, then measurement precision is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the expensive actuator mechanisms and multiple optical filters from the system. By removing these costly components and replacing them with a simplified single-filter design, the system achieves comparable bead detection accuracy at a lower manufacturing cost, directly addressing the cost reduction objective.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a rapidly exchangeable single filter design that can be quickly replaced rather than requiring expensive, complex multi-filter systems with actuators. This approach uses simpler, more economical filter components that can be rapidly swapped, reducing the overall system cost while maintaining the measurement precision needed for accurate bead detection.
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 compact system achieves comparable or superior performance to conventional systems, with a detector volume and cost significantly reduced, enabling more efficient and cost-effective digital immunoassay analysis.
Implementation Method 1
a light source that applies light scattering to the assay for bead detection
Implementation Method 2
The single filter is positioned to receive light reflected from a sample in the detection vessel
Data Source
AI summary
A compact optical imaging system including a single filter and a light source that provides lateral illumination for bead detection in digital assays. The light source is configured to emit light toward the detection vessel. The single filter is positioned to receive light reflected from a sample in the detection vessel, that originated from the light source, and receive an output from a sample in the detection vessel. A detector is configured to receive a portion of the reflected light and a portion of the output that passes through the single filter.