Particle Imaging System Using Refracted Light Scattering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional plate-reading systems are incapable of imaging large volumes of fluid simultaneously due to their limited field of view, requiring multiple image slices and increasing analysis time, and struggle to differentiate between suspended particles and static artifacts.
Innovation Solution
A plate-reading system that uses an illumination system with refracted source light to produce scattered light, which is directed to an imager while the refracted source light is diverted away, allowing for accurate imaging of the entire fluid volume and distinguishing between moving particles and static artifacts through agitation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional plate-reading systems use microscope objectives with short field of view, then imaging detail is improved, but the volume of fluid that can be imaged simultaneously is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from 2D surface imaging to 3D volumetric imaging by using light scattering principles. Instead of focusing on a thin slice at a specific depth, the system captures scattered light from particles throughout the entire fluid volume, enabling simultaneous characterization of particles at all depths within the well.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces light scattering as an intermediary mechanism to overcome the depth of field limitation. By detecting light scattered by particles rather than directly imaging particles, the system can capture information from the entire fluid volume without requiring the entire volume to be in focus simultaneously.
2Measurement precision
If multiple image slices are obtained to analyze entire fluid volume, then complete particle characterization is improved, but analysis time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple depth information into a single image capture by detecting light scattered from all depths simultaneously. Instead of acquiring and processing multiple sequential image slices, the system combines volumetric particle information into one photograph, dramatically reducing analysis time while maintaining complete particle characterization.
3Illumination intensity
If source light is directed through fluid to illuminate particles, then particle visibility is improved, but source light washes out scattered light reducing contrast
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the scattered light component from the total light reaching the detector. By using optical filtering and detection geometry that selectively captures scattered light while rejecting direct source light, the system maintains high particle visibility without the source light washing out the scattered light signal.
4Device complexity
If traditional illumination systems are used, then system simplicity is maintained, but ability to differentiate particles from static artifacts is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic agitation of the fluid to differentiate particles from static artifacts. By agitating the fluid and capturing images before and after agitation, the system can distinguish moving particles from stationary artifacts based on their different responses to agitation, improving measurement precision while adding only moderate system complexity.
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 the simultaneous characterization of the number and size of particles in the entire volume of fluid, improving analysis efficiency and accuracy by preventing source light from washing out scattered light and allowing for a larger depth of field.
Implementation Method 1
an illumination system including optics configured to refract source light and to direct the refracted source light through a well containing a fluid
Implementation Method 2
The refracted source light interacts with particles suspended in the fluid to produce scattered light
Data Source
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AI summary
A system is described to facilitate the characterization of particles within a fluid contained in a vessel using an illumination system that directs source light through each vessel. One or more optical elements may be implemented to refract the source light and to illuminate the entire volume of the vessel. As the refracted source light passes through the vessel and interacts with particles suspended in the fluid, scattered light is produced and directed to an imager, while the refracted source light is diverted away from the imager to prevent the source light from drowning out the scattered light. The system can therefore advantageously utilize an imager with a large depth of field to accurately image the entire volume of fluid at the same time, facilitating the determination of the number and size of particles suspended in the fluid.