Optical Scan Calibration With Real-Time Focus Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical systems in biological or chemical analysis face challenges in maintaining calibration without significantly affecting processing times, especially in dynamic environments where thermal and mechanical changes occur, leading to reduced image quality and increased turnaround times.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic optical calibration method and system that recalibrates the imaging assembly in real-time during the scanning process, using alignment features and focus tracking modules to maintain image quality and alignment, thereby compensating for thermal and mechanical changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If frequent calibration of optical systems is performed, then calibration accuracy is improved, but processing time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous focus tracking and image quality assessment during the sequencing process, allowing calibration to occur without interruption. The system continuously monitors image quality metrics and adjusts optical parameters in real-time, eliminating the need to stop processing for calibration while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs real-time feedback through image quality scoring and focus tracking, where calibration status is continuously monitored and used to adjust optical parameters. This closed-loop control enables the system to maintain calibration accuracy by responding to actual image quality conditions rather than following a fixed calibration schedule.
2Productivity
If calibration is performed during sequencing process, then productivity is improved, but measurement precision may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration process is integrated into the continuous sequencing workflow without interruption. Focus tracking and image quality assessment operate continuously alongside data collection, ensuring that calibration is performed at all stages of the process including regions affected by thermal expansion and mechanical drift.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses dynamic focus tracking that adapts to changing optical conditions in real-time. Rather than relying on static pre-calibration, the system continuously adjusts focus parameters based on real-time image quality feedback, enabling accurate calibration throughout the entire sequencing process despite thermal and mechanical changes.
3Device complexity
If static pre-calibration is used, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to thermal expansions and mechanical changes
Solution Approach 1:
Real-time image quality feedback and focus tracking create a closed-loop system that continuously monitors and corrects for thermal expansion and mechanical drift. This feedback mechanism maintains calibration reliability throughout the sequencing process by detecting and compensating for environmental changes as they occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-calibration through automated focus tracking and image quality assessment without requiring external intervention or complex manual adjustment mechanisms. The optical system uses its own imaging capability to monitor and correct its alignment, simplifying the overall system while maintaining high reliability.
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
Enhances image quality and reduces processing time by continuously adjusting the optical system to account for environmental changes, ensuring consistent performance throughout the scanning process.
Implementation Method 1
an optical system is used to direct an excitation light onto fluorescently-labeled analytes and to also detect the fluorescent signals that may be emitted from the analytes
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus includes a flow cell, an imaging assembly, and a processor. The flow cell includes a channel and a plurality of reaction sites. The imaging assembly is operable to receive light emitted from the reaction sites in response to an excitation light. The processor is configured to drive relative movement between at least a portion of the imaging assembly and the flow cell along a continuous range of motion to thereby enable the imaging assembly to capture images along the length of the channel. The processor is also configured to activate the imaging assembly to capture one or more calibration images of one or more calibration regions of the channel, during a first portion of the continuous range of motion. The processor is also configured to activate the imaging assembly to capture images of the reaction sites during a second portion of the continuous range of motion.