Microarray Grid Dot Marks for High-Resolution Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current microarray imaging systems face challenges in achieving high image resolution and scan speed due to decreasing detection area sizes and increasing numbers of detection areas, requiring advanced methods for image focusing, positioning, and splicing.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating marks with a two-dimensional pattern of grid dots into microarrays for image focusing, positioning, and splicing, and using an imaging system with a light guide, image capturing device, and filter element to capture high-resolution images efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the size of each detection area is decreased and the number of detection areas is increased, then the detection capacity and sample throughput are improved, but the image resolution and scanning accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The microarray is divided into multiple sub-regions with detection areas arranged in an array pattern. Marks are placed at specific locations (among or beside detection areas) to segment the imaging process into manageable sections, allowing high-resolution imaging of each sub-region while maintaining overall high throughput.
Solution Approach 2:
Marks are introduced as intermediary elements that facilitate both positioning and focusing functions. These marks serve as reference points that enable the imaging system to achieve high resolution without being constrained by the reduced size and increased number of detection areas.
2Device complexity
If traditional imaging methods are used without specialized marks, then the system complexity is reduced, but the focusing accuracy and positioning precision deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Marks are pre-positioned on the microarray substrate at specific locations before the imaging process. These marks are prepared in advance with known positions and patterns, enabling the imaging system to quickly locate and focus on detection areas without requiring complex real-time calibration procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The marks utilize optical contrast (effectively a form of visual differentiation similar to color changes) to be distinguishable from the detection areas. This allows the imaging system to easily identify and focus on the marks for positioning and focusing purposes without adding complex detection mechanisms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate marks are used for focusing, positioning, and splicing, then the functional completeness is improved, but the mark complexity and space occupation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The marks are designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: they serve as focusing targets, positioning references, and splicing markers. This multi-functionality is achieved through the specific two-dimensional pattern arrangement of grid dots, which provides sufficient information for all three functions without requiring separate mark types.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple functional elements (focusing targets, positioning references, and splicing markers) are merged into a single integrated mark structure. The two-dimensional pattern of grid dots combines these functions in one element, reducing the total number of marks needed and simplifying the overall system while maintaining full functionality.
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 solution enables high scan speed and accurate image capture by utilizing marks for focusing and positioning, and the imaging system for high-resolution image acquisition and splicing, addressing the limitations of existing technologies.
Implementation Method 1
The plurality of the detection areas are adopted to emit fluorescence when excited by the portion of the light
Implementation Method 2
The image capturing device is configured to capture an image of the microarray based on the at least one mark
Data Source
AI summary
A microarray including a plurality of detection areas and at least one mark is provided. The plurality of the detection areas are arranged in an array. The at least one mark is disposed among or beside the plurality of the detection areas. The at least one mark is configured for at least one of image focusing, positioning and splicing, wherein the at least one mark comprises a plurality of grid dots distributed in an area. The area comprises a plurality of zones arranged in an array, each of the plurality of the grid dots is disposed in one of the plurality of the zones, a number of the plurality of the grid dots is less than a number of the plurality of the zones, and the plurality of the grid dots form a two-dimensional pattern.