Wet-Phase Optical Analysis Chip Imaging With Dual-Wavelength LEDs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing analysis apparatuses using LEDs for detecting coloration reactions and acquiring correction values face instability in light emission due to heat generation, leading to variations in photometric values.
Innovation Solution
An analysis apparatus with a support table and light source unit that includes two light-emitting elements emitting different wavelengths, arranged to have distinct center positions and minimal overlap, allowing simultaneous imaging and stabilization of light emission for accurate quantitative analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If LEDs are repeatedly turned on and off in short time for sequential detection and correction value acquisition, then the measurement process can be completed, but the light emission amount becomes unstable due to heat generation causing photometric value variation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the detection of coloration reaction and acquisition of correction value into a single simultaneous measurement process. By having the first light-emitting element detect the coloration reaction while the second light-emitting element simultaneously acquires the correction value, the system eliminates the need for sequential operations that cause LED thermal instability, thereby resolving the contradiction between measurement completion and light emission stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains continuous light emission from both light-emitting elements throughout the measurement process. Instead of turning LEDs on and off sequentially, both elements emit light continuously during the same measurement interval, ensuring stable light output while completing both detection functions simultaneously, thus resolving the instability issue.
2Reliability
If two light-emitting elements are arranged side by side for simultaneous measurement, then light emission stability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the light source unit into two independent light-emitting elements with distinct functions: the first light-emitting element for detecting coloration reaction and the second light-emitting element for acquiring correction values. This segmentation allows each element to be optimized for its specific purpose while operating simultaneously, improving stability without requiring complex integration mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a multi-functional measurement system where the same optical detection apparatus serves dual purposes: measuring coloration reaction intensity and acquiring correction values for background compensation. By making the measurement system universal for both functions simultaneously, the patent avoids adding separate dedicated systems, thus managing device complexity while improving reliability.
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
Stabilizes light emission and enables high-accuracy quantitative analysis by correcting brightness values using non-reactive wavelength light, reducing variations caused by LED heat fluctuations.
Implementation Method 1
a first light-emitting element and a second light-emitting element that emit first measurement light and second measurement light having different wavelengths, respectively
Implementation Method 2
an area sensor that is arranged to face the light source unit for a wet phase with the support table interposed therebetween and that captures an image showing a reaction state between the specimen sample and the reagent in the flow passage by receiving the measurement light for transmission
Implementation Method 3
emits measurement light for transmission to be transmitted through the flow passage of the wet-phase analysis chip
Data Source
AI summary
An analysis apparatus includes: a support table that supports a wet-phase analysis chip having a flow passage in which a specimen sample and a reagent react or a flow passage that holds a reaction product; a light source unit for a wet phase that emits measurement light for transmission through the flow passage; and an area sensor facing the light source unit with the support table interposed therebetween and that captures an image showing a reaction state by receiving the measurement light, wherein the light source unit includes a first light-emitting element and a second light-emitting element that emit first measurement light and second measurement light having different wavelengths, respectively, in which an irradiation region of the first measurement light and an irradiation region of the second measurement light in the flow passage are within an imaging range of the area sensor and have different center positions.