Optical Detector for Biological Sample Movement via Signal Rectification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for monitoring the active dynamics of three-dimensional cell and tissue cultures are time-consuming, subjective, and require complex imaging optics and computing efforts, making them unsuitable for quickly monitoring large numbers of samples, especially in multiwell plates, and are sensitive to small displacements and sample shape deviations.
Innovation Solution
A method using an optical wide-field illumination device and a detector with a divided detection surface to derive and rectify detection signals over time, producing a non-spatially resolved signal that detects movement-induced changes in brightness across the entire sample, avoiding the need for complex image analysis and enabling parallel analysis of multiple samples.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If automated imaging methods are used to detect movement in biological samples, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and measurement time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential information needed for movement detection (brightness changes over time) from the complex imaging process. Instead of capturing and analyzing full images, the system measures only intensity variations at specific positions, eliminating the need for complex imaging optics and image analysis algorithms while maintaining movement detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/imaging-based detection system with an optical measurement system that directly detects brightness changes. Instead of using microscopes, cameras, and complex image processing, the invention uses simple optical detectors to measure intensity variations, substituting a simpler optical mechanism for a complex mechanical imaging system.
2Measurement precision
If automated imaging methods are used to detect movement in biological samples, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases due to repositioning and focusing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary positioning and setup once, then maintains the measurement configuration for continuous monitoring. The detection system is initially aligned with the sample, and subsequent measurements are taken at the same fixed positions without repositioning or refocusing, enabling rapid sequential measurements while maintaining precision.
3Measurement precision
If conventional imaging methods are used to monitor large numbers of samples in multiwell plates, then measurement precision is maintained, but productivity decreases due to geometric and installation space constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal detection system that can measure multiple samples simultaneously using a single detector configuration. The simplified optical setup can be positioned over entire multiwell plates and detect brightness changes in multiple wells at once, allowing one device to serve multiple measurement functions and dramatically increasing throughput compared to individual microscope-based measurements.
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
This approach provides a robust, contact-free, and cost-effective method for detecting movements in biological samples, improving sensitivity and reproducibility, and is suitable for high-throughput screening environments by simplifying the optical setup and reducing interference sensitivity.
Implementation Method 1
an optical wide-field illumination device for illuminating the sample
Implementation Method 2
a detector for detecting radiation coming from the sample
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a detector for detecting optical radiation, preferably radiation emanating from a biological sample (9; 9a, 9b). The detector (3) has a detection area (3a) which is divided into several detection areas (4a). The detector is further configured to derive detection signals (4c) of individual detection areas (4a) with respect to time (S1), then rectify them (S2), preferably by calculating the magnitude or squaring, and summ or average the derived and rectified detection signals of all detection areas (S3) and then provide them as an output signal (6c).