Microtiter Plate Reader Optical Component Characterization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current microtiter plate readers rely on manual identification of optical components using barcodes, which is inefficient and does not provide comprehensive information on user-specific components, lacking automatic and reliable identification methods for optical characteristics.
Innovation Solution
A microtiter plate reader apparatus equipped with a light source, detectors, and a processor to measure optical components in different positions, determining their characteristics based on beams transmitted, reflected, or emitted, and storing this information for user access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If barcodes are used for component identification, then component identification is enabled, but no further information on optical component characteristics is provided and user-specific components without manufacturer barcodes cannot be identified
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-characterization by automatically measuring optical components using the apparatus's own photometer and fluorescence channels. The device measures excitation and emission spectra of filters and dichroic mirrors without requiring external databases or barcode information, enabling the system to identify and characterize components autonomously
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical barcode reading system with an optical measurement system. Instead of using optical scanners to read barcodes, the system uses light sources and detectors to directly measure the optical properties of filters and mirrors, substituting a physical/optical measurement approach for a mechanical information retrieval approach
2Productivity
If manual identification methods are used, then user-specific components can be identified, but the process is inefficient and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary characterization of optical components during installation or setup by measuring their excitation and emission spectra and storing this information in memory. This preliminary action eliminates the need for repeated manual identification or database lookups during subsequent measurements, significantly reducing identification time
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from optical measurements to automatically identify and characterize components. The photometer and fluorescence channels provide feedback signals about the optical properties of filters and dichroic mirrors, which the processor uses to automatically update component information without user intervention
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate filter slides are used for excitation and emission filters, then optical filtering functionality is provided, but the apparatus requires multiple components and increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of separate filter slides into a single integrated filter assembly where excitation and emission filters are positioned in the same optical path. This merging reduces the number of separate components while maintaining the ability to perform both excitation filtering and emission filtering through coordinated use of the filters in the combined assembly
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
Enables accurate and automatic identification and characterization of optical components, enhancing reliability and accuracy beyond manufacturer-provided data, especially for user-specific components, improving measurement precision and compatibility.
Implementation Method 1
a light source configured to form a measuring beam in a measuring channel
Implementation Method 2
the optical component is a dichroic mirror, reflecting the second beam to the first detector
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus for measuring an optical component (160, 170, 190) of the apparatus, the apparatus comprising a radiation source (130) configured to form a measuring beam in a measuring channel (140), wherein the measured optical component configured to be in a first position outside the measuring channel and in a second position in the measuring channel; a first detector (110) configured to receive beams in the measuring channel; a second detector (150) configured to receive beams in the measuring channel; at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code. The at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to select at least one of the first detector and the second detector to receive beams in the measuring channel, the measuring channel (140) being integrated to a photometer or a fluorescence channel of the apparatus; receive a first beam, using the selected detector, in the measuring channel, wherein the measured optical component is in the first position; receive a second beam, using the selected detector, in the measuring channel, wherein the measured optical component is in the second position; and determine the characteristics of the optical component based on the first beam and the second beam.