Optical Assay Homogeneity Imaging for Inhomogeneous Sensing Surfaces

The patent applies preliminary action by capturing a homogeneity image of the sensing surface before performing the actual optical assay measurements. This preliminary imaging step identifies inhomogeneities (such as non-uniform binding spots, air bubbles, or optical path defects) in advance, allowing the system to exclude affected regions from subsequent measurements. By detecting and flagging problematic areas beforehand, the assay can proceed with only the homogeneous regions, thereby maintaining measurement accuracy while avoiding the time-consuming need to repeat entire assays.

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the sensing surface into multiple sub-areas or regions of interest (ROIs) and evaluating the homogeneity of each segment independently through homogeneity images. Rather than statistically processing entire spots as single units, the system segments the surface and assesses each segment's homogeneity separately. This allows precise identification of locally inhomogeneous regions, enabling selective exclusion of only the affected segments while retaining data from homogeneous segments, thereby maintaining both reliability and precision.

The patent applies merging by combining the homogeneity evaluation function with the existing optical assay measurement system. The homogeneity image capture and evaluation are integrated into the same optical path and timing structure as the assay measurements themselves. By utilizing the existing imaging infrastructure and synchronizing homogeneity checks with assay readouts, the system performs both functions simultaneously or in tightly coupled sequence, minimizing additional time overhead while maintaining measurement accuracy through comprehensive homogeneity assessment.