SPAD Microorganism Detection Device with Event-Driven Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microorganism measurement devices in water face challenges with high power consumption and low detection accuracy due to constant imaging, especially when no microorganisms are present, and the use of single-pixel photomultiplier tubes that can react to non-target light sources.
Innovation Solution
A measuring device with a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit using a plurality of pixels for photoelectric conversion, including a SPAD element, that performs imaging only when a target object is detected, reducing power consumption by limiting imaging to a specific pixel range and using image features for accurate detection and identification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If constant imaging is performed to detect microorganisms, then detection coverage is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs imaging periodically or on-demand based on detection triggers rather than continuously. The light receiving unit detects fluorescent signals at specific intervals, and imaging is executed only when detection criteria are met, converting continuous imaging into periodic action to reduce power consumption while maintaining detection effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the fluorescent signal from microorganisms themselves as the trigger for imaging. The microorganisms' own fluorescence serves as the detection criterion that automatically triggers the imaging operation, eliminating the need for external continuous monitoring and enabling event-driven imaging that reduces overall power consumption
2Device complexity
If a single-pixel photomultiplier tube is used for detection, then device simplicity is improved, but detection accuracy deteriorates due to false positives
Solution Approach 1:
The light receiving unit is divided into multiple pixels instead of using a single photomultiplier tube. Each pixel independently detects fluorescent signals, and the system determines microorganism presence based on detection across multiple pixels or specific pixel patterns. This segmentation reduces false positives caused by scattered light while maintaining relatively simple device architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the light receiving unit continuously monitors fluorescent signals and provides feedback to the control unit. When the feedback indicates detection criteria are met (specific pixel patterns or intensity thresholds), the control unit triggers imaging. This closed-loop feedback system improves detection accuracy by distinguishing true signals from noise while keeping the overall device structure relatively simple
3Reliability
If imaging is performed regardless of microorganism presence, then detection reliability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection using the light receiving unit before executing imaging. The light receiving unit预先 detects fluorescent signals and determines whether imaging conditions are met. This preliminary action ensures that imaging is only performed when microorganisms are actually present, maintaining detection reliability while avoiding unnecessary power consumption from redundant imaging operations
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
The solution reduces power consumption and improves detection accuracy by performing imaging only when necessary and using image features for precise identification of microorganisms, preventing false positives and reducing the need for large, high-power photoelectric conversion elements.
Implementation Method 1
a light receiving unit configured to perform photoelectric conversion for incident light using an electron avalanche phenomenon by a plurality of pixels to obtain a light reception signal
Implementation Method 2
the light receiving unit includes a SPAD element as a photoelectric conversion element
Data Source
AI summary
A measuring device according to the present technology includes a light emitting unit configured to emit light to a fluid, a light receiving unit configured to perform photoelectric conversion for incident light using an electron avalanche phenomenon by a plurality of pixels to obtain a light reception signal, and a control unit configured to perform processing of detecting a target object in the fluid on the basis of the light reception signal and execute an imaging operation of the target object on condition that the target object is detected.