Optical Detector Tester With Variable Light Intensity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for testing the operational reliability of optical detectors in microfluidic systems, such as those used in lab-on-a-CD devices, are time-consuming and expensive, and unreliable test results can occur if the optical detector fails to accurately measure light intensity, leading to inconsistent biochemical test outcomes.
Innovation Solution
A disk-shaped tester with multiple light emitting units and light density filters emitting light beams of varying intensities, coupled with optical sensors and a controller to maintain consistent light intensities and detect any abnormalities in the optical detector's operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional testing methods are used for optical detectors, then testing can be performed, but the testing process is time-consuming and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring multiple light emitting units with different light intensities and light density filters before actual testing. The system prepares a standardized set of light sources with known characteristics, allowing rapid testing without needing to prepare test samples or calibrate equipment during the testing process itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by varying light intensity parameters across multiple light emitting units. Each unit emits light at different intensities, and light density filters further modify these parameters. This creates a standardized range of light conditions that can quickly assess detector performance across different operating points without time-consuming adjustments.
2Reliability
If traditional testing methods are used for optical detectors, then testing can be performed, but the testing cost is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs cheap short-living objects by using inexpensive light emitting units such as LEDs that have well-defined lifetimes and can be easily replaced. Rather than investing in expensive, complex testing equipment, the system uses multiple low-cost light sources with different intensities that can be quickly swapped out if needed, significantly reducing the overall testing system cost while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies copying by creating multiple replicas of light emitting units with identical or similar characteristics. Instead of using one expensive reference light source, the system uses several copies of simpler light emitting units, each potentially with slightly different intensities. This allows redundant testing and verification without the cost of a single high-precision reference instrument.
3Productivity
If light intensity is not accurately measured, then testing is faster, but the test results are not reliable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by incorporating optical sensors that continuously monitor the light intensity emitted by each light emitting unit. The system measures the actual light output and uses this feedback information to verify detector responses against expected values. This automated feedback mechanism ensures measurement precision is maintained without requiring manual calibration or slow verification procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies universality by designing optical sensors that can measure light intensity across multiple wavelengths and conditions. The same sensor system works for all light emitting units regardless of their specific intensity or wavelength characteristics, providing a universal measurement capability that maintains accuracy across the entire testing range without requiring specialized equipment for each test condition.
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 tester efficiently and cost-effectively verifies the normal operation of optical detectors, ensuring reliable biochemical test results by adjusting light intensities and measuring them accurately, thereby preventing unreliable test outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the light sources may include a light emitting diode (LED)
Implementation Method 2
a light density filter changing the light intensity of the emitted light beam
Implementation Method 3
Each of the optical sensors may include a photo diode
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a tester for testing an optical detector. The tester includes a plurality of light emitting units which emit light beams to the optical detector, wherein the light beams have light intensities different from each other, and a power supply unit which supplies electric power to the plurality of light emitting units.