Planar Detection Device Segmentation for Low-Cost ROIC Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing detection devices face hardware constraints, such as limited signal lines and buffer size, which restrict the use of low-cost readout integrated circuits (ROICs) for detecting microorganisms over a wider area.
Innovation Solution
A detection device comprising a planar detection area with photodetection elements arranged in a matrix configuration, a light source, and a light-transmitting placement substrate, allowing for simultaneous drive signals and selection of detection signals across multiple sensor pixels, enabling efficient image generation and data acquisition without the need for high-cost ROICs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a planar detection device with a larger detection area is used to detect colonies in a wider area, then the detection area is improved, but the number of sensor pixels increases which requires more signal lines and larger buffer size, making low-cost ROICs inapplicable
Solution Approach 1:
The detection area is divided into multiple detection blocks, with each block processed by dedicated drive circuits. This segmentation allows the system to handle a large number of sensor pixels by dividing them into manageable groups, reducing the complexity of signal line management and buffer size requirements for low-cost ROICs while maintaining a large overall detection area
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a block dimension to organize sensor pixels, arranging them in a three-dimensional structure of blocks × pixels. This dimensional organization allows efficient memory addressing and signal line management by adding a block-level abstraction layer, enabling low-cost ROICs to handle large detection areas through structured data organization rather than requiring proportional increases in signal line count
2Ease of manufacture
If low-cost ROICs are used due to hardware constraints, then the cost is reduced, but the number of simultaneously coupleable signal lines and buffer size are limited, restricting the detection area
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the detection area into multiple blocks and processing them in an organized sequence, the system can expand the detection area beyond the limitations of low-cost ROICs. Each block is handled with dedicated drive circuits and structured memory addressing, allowing the effective detection area to scale without requiring proportional increases in expensive hardware resources
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a block dimension to the data structure, organizing sensor pixels into a hierarchical arrangement that low-cost ROICs can efficiently manage. This dimensional transformation enables the system to address large detection areas using limited signal lines and buffer memory by implementing structured scanning and memory mapping across multiple blocks
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 use of low-cost ROICs by reducing the number of simultaneously coupleable signal lines and buffer size requirements, effectively expanding the detection area while maintaining accurate image capture of microorganisms.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of sensor pixels including photodetection elements are arranged in a first direction and a second direction orthogonal to the first direction
Data Source
AI summary
According to an aspect, a detection device includes: a planar detection device including photodetection elements arranged in a planar configuration; a light source device disposed so as to face the planar detection device; and a light-transmitting placement substrate that is disposed between the planar detection device and the light source device and configured to allow objects to be placed thereon. The planar detection device includes: a detection area where sensor pixels including the photodetection elements are arranged in a first direction and a second direction orthogonal to the first direction; a drive circuit configured to simultaneously supply drive signals to the sensor pixels arranged in the first direction; and a selection circuit configured to select a detection signal for each of the sensor pixels arranged in the second direction. The detection area is divided in the second direction into detection blocks. The drive circuit is provided for each detection block.