Fluorescence Scanner Directional Error Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fluorescence readers face errors due to direction-dependent noise and mechanical issues during scanning, leading to unreliable data, especially when using multiple color dyes and automatic gain control, which can be slow to correct.
Innovation Solution
A scanning technique that scans rows in both directions and adjusts quantities to reduce directional errors, using a computerized method with a processor and memory to execute instructions for obtaining fluorescent intensity values in both directions and correcting for errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a fluorescent reader scans a surface on a line-by-line basis in a single direction, then scanning speed is improved, but direction-dependent errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the scanning process into multiple passes, with each pass scanning in a different direction. By segmenting the overall scanning task into directional components and combining the results, the system achieves both high speed and reduced direction-dependent errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic scanning in alternating directions. The reader performs multiple scans with varying scan directions in a periodic manner, allowing error reduction through directional diversity while maintaining efficient scanning throughput.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple color dyes are utilized with automatic gain control, then measurement capability is improved, but error amplification occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the system monitors signals from multiple color dyes and uses automatic gain control to adjust amplification levels. By implementing feedback-based gain adjustment, the system maintains measurement capability while reducing error amplification through adaptive signal normalization.
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 technique effectively reduces direction-dependent errors and noise in fluorescence data, improving data reliability and scanning speed while maintaining a relatively low cost.
Implementation Method 1
light such as that from a laser is directed onto a target, which may include molecules capable of fluorescing. The emitted fluorescent light is then detected and analyzed
Implementation Method 2
The emitted fluorescent light is then detected by florescence detection devices such as confocal scanning microscopes and imagers that utilize detection elements such as photomultiplier tubes (PMTs), avalanche photo-diodes (APDs), and charge-coupled devices (CCDs)
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a computer programmed to carry out a method for reducing directional error in scanned intensity values. The method includes scanning some rows of a substrate in a first direction, and some rows of the substrate in a second, different, direction, in order to obtain intensity values exhibited by various regions of the various rows. The intensity values from rows scanned in the first direction are analyzed, and the intensity values from rows scanned in the second direction are analyzed, in order to determine the directional error. The intensity values from rows scanned in the first direction and the intensity values from rows scanned in the second direction are then adjusted to reduce the directional error.