Luminescence Imaging for Objective Temperature-Time Metrics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sensing technologies face limitations due to complex manufacturing processes, low sensitivity, and subjective data interpretation in applications such as temperature monitoring and molecular diagnostic tests, which require improved methods for precise temperature-time metrics and objective analysis.
Innovation Solution
The development of luminescence imaging systems that utilize a source of electromagnetic radiation to excite emissive species, producing non-steady-state emissions detectable by an array of photodetectors, with processing circuitry to generate time-encoded signals and identify characteristics based on comparisons of these signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If visual analysis using human eye is used for lateral flow assays, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to high variability and subjectivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/visual inspection method with an automated imaging system using a smartphone camera and image processing algorithm. The system captures images of the lateral flow assay and uses automated image analysis to detect and quantify results, eliminating human subjectivity while maintaining ease of operation through smartphone-based implementation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary image processing system between the lateral flow assay and the user. This intermediary automatically analyzes the assay results by processing captured images, providing objective measurements while keeping the overall system simple and easy to operate through smartphone integration
2Ease of operation
If thermally activated color changes in dosimeter labels are used for temperature monitoring, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to limited utility and lack of precise temperature-time metrics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic pulsed light excitation instead of continuous illumination, enabling time-resolved detection of luminescence decay. This periodic action allows the system to measure both temperature and time exposure by analyzing the decay characteristics of the luminescent signal at different time points
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds the time dimension to temperature monitoring by measuring luminescence decay over time. Instead of only spatial color changes, the system captures temporal information through time-resolved detection, providing precise temperature-time metrics through multi-dimensional analysis
3Measurement precision
If complex manufacturing processes are used for sensors, then measurement precision may be improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a smartphone camera, which is a universal multi-functional device, to perform sensing functions. Instead of requiring specialized complex sensors, the system leverages the existing camera hardware to capture luminescence images, significantly reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining measurement precision through software-based analysis
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the smartphone's existing camera and processing capabilities to serve the sensing function. The device uses its own built-in resources (camera, processor, display) to perform measurement, analysis, and result presentation, eliminating the need for additional specialized components and reducing overall system 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
These systems enhance sensitivity and accuracy in temperature monitoring and diagnostic assays by providing precise temperature-time metrics and objective analysis, overcoming the limitations of existing technologies.
Implementation Method 1
a source of electromagnetic radiation configured to emit radiation to excite non-steady-state emission in emissive species during emission time periods
Implementation Method 2
excite non-steady-state emission in emissive species during emission time periods (e.g., emission lifetime)
Implementation Method 3
an electromagnetic radiation sensor comprising a plurality of photodetectors arranged in an array of rows and columns, wherein the electromagnetic radiation sensor is configured to sense the non-steady-state emission
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments described herein generally relate to: sensing and/or authentication using luminescence imaging; diagnostic assays, systems, and related methods; temporal thermal sensing and related methods; and/or to emissive species, such as those excitable by white light, and related systems and methods.