Reference Light Sensor Signal Correction for Laboratory Instruments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laboratory instruments face challenges in producing reproducible and comparable test results due to variations in light source intensity, which are exacerbated by manufacturing tolerances and lack of continuous monitoring, leading to inefficient and costly calibration methods.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that incorporates a reference light sensor proximate to the sample holder to measure initial and reference light intensities, allowing for the calculation of sensitivity and subsequent correction of signal light intensities, using a calibrated light source test-system to ensure consistent results across instruments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If reference channels are used to monitor light source intensity, then continuous monitoring is possible, but the reference channels themselves are subject to large manufacturing tolerances and cannot provide accurate correction without calibration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates an optical copy of the light path by placing a reference light sensor that receives light through an optical coupling (e.g., beam splitter or separate optical path) that mirrors the sample detection path. This reference sensor captures the light source intensity without being in the direct sample measurement path, allowing independent monitoring and correction of light source variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The reference light sensor acts as an intermediary element that mediates between the light source and the sample measurement system. It provides indirect information about light source intensity that can be used to correct the actual sample measurements, separating the monitoring function from the measurement function.
2Measurement precision
If calibrated light sensors are inserted into the laboratory regularly for light intensity measurements, then accurate light source monitoring is achieved, but the process is time and cost intensive and does not allow continuous monitoring
Solution Approach 1:
The reference light sensor is permanently integrated into the laboratory instrument and performs self-monitoring of the light source intensity continuously during operation. This eliminates the need for external calibrated sensors to be inserted periodically, as the system serves its own monitoring needs through the integrated reference sensor.
Solution Approach 2:
The reference light sensor enables continuous monitoring of light source intensity throughout the instrument's operation, rather than periodic measurements. This continuous data stream allows for real-time correction of light source variations, improving both accuracy and efficiency.
3Productivity
If multiple laboratory instruments are installed to handle workload, then diagnostic capacity is increased, but test result comparability decreases due to variations between instruments
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by continuously measuring light source intensity with the reference sensor and using this information to correct sample measurements. The control device adjusts the sample light intensity values based on the reference light intensity variations, ensuring that measurements from different instruments can be compared reliably.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter being measured by introducing a reference measurement of light source intensity alongside the sample measurement. By monitoring and correcting based on light source intensity parameter variations, the system compensates for instrument-to-instrument differences and maintains result comparability across multiple devices.
4Ease of manufacture
If light source components are manufactured with standard tolerances, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but light intensity consistency between instruments deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/manufacturing solution (tighter tolerances on light source components) with an optical/electronic solution (reference light sensor and software correction). Instead of relying on precise manufacturing to ensure consistent light output, the system uses the reference sensor to detect and correct for variations, allowing standard manufacturing tolerances while maintaining instrument consistency.
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
This approach enables simple, reliable, and cost-efficient correction of signal light intensities, enhancing the reproducibility and comparability of test results across different laboratory instruments, thereby improving the reliability of diagnostic tests.
Implementation Method 1
The reference light sensor is configured to measure an initial light intensity of emitted light towards the sample plane and at least one reference light intensity of emitted light towards the sample plane
Implementation Method 2
The detector is configured to measure a signal light intensity of emitted light from the sample plane
Implementation Method 3
The light source is configured to emit light towards the sample plane
Data Source
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AI summary
A method to correct signal light intensities measured by a detector (10) of a detection unit (12) in a laboratory instrument (14) is presented. The detection unit (12) comprises a light source (20), a sample plane (22) comprising a sample holder (24) configured to hold at least one sample vessel (23) comprising a test sample to be illuminated, a reference light sensor (26), and the detector (10). Based on a basic light intensity of a newly manufactured light source (20) and an initial light intensity measured by the reference light sensor (26) the sensitivity of the reference light sensor (26) can be determined. And signal light intensities measured by the detector (10) can be corrected based on the determined sensitivity and subsequently measured reference light intensities of the reference light sensor (26) in order to generate comparable test results.