Particle Imaging System Using Scattering Light for Volumetric Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional plate-reading systems are incapable of imaging large volumes of fluid efficiently, requiring multiple image slices and increasing analysis time due to their limited field of view, and struggle to distinguish between 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 diverting the refracted source light away, allowing for accurate imaging of the entire fluid volume and incorporating agitation to differentiate between suspended particles and static artifacts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional plate-reading systems use microscope objectives to image fluid, then image quality is improved, but the field of view is limited to thin slices and analysis time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional optical microscopy that images thin 2D slices to a scattering-based imaging system that captures the entire 3D fluid volume simultaneously. By using light scattering from particles throughout the full depth of the well, the system achieves volumetric imaging without sequential slicing, thereby reducing analysis time while maintaining particle detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates the microscope objective component from the imaging system. By removing this limiting optical element, the system gains the ability to image the entire fluid volume at once without the depth-of-field constraints that require sequential slicing and increase analysis time
2Illumination intensity
If source light is directed through fluid to illuminate particles, then particle visibility is improved, but source light washes out scattered light and reduces imaging accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the direct source light path from the imaging detection path. By using scattering geometry where only scattered light reaches the imager and direct source light is blocked or diverted, the system achieves particle illumination without the source light washing out the scattered signal
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces scattered light as an intermediary between the source light and the imager. Instead of directly imaging illuminated particles, the system detects the light scattered by particles, which carries particle information without the overwhelming direct source light, thereby improving imaging accuracy
3Quantity of substance
If multiple image slices are captured to analyze entire fluid volume, then complete particle characterization is improved, but device complexity and analysis time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from 2D planar imaging requiring multiple stacked slices to 3D volumetric imaging in a single capture. By detecting light scattering from all depths simultaneously, the system achieves complete fluid volume characterization without complex multi-slice acquisition and processing
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 imaging and analysis of the entire volume of fluid, accurately counting and sizing particles while distinguishing between moving and static components, thereby improving analysis efficiency and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
implements 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, which is then directed to an imager
Data Source
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.