Appeal No. 2005-2057 Page 2
Application No. 09/906,362
Biological assays involving fluorescent molecules or scattering structures often
use optical detection and imaging. In particular, sensing may be accomplished by
means of an intensity-based scanning system or a "SPEX Flourolog." (Id. at 3.)
Unfortunately, explains the appellant, these sensing systems "are all relatively high
cost." (Id.)
Accordingly, the appellant's invention analyzes signals that exhibit time decay
such as a luminescent signals. More specifically, the invention employs "[r]elatively
inexpensive area sensor detectors" to detect signals. (Id. at 27.) The detected signals
are processed to determine the characteristics thereof. (Id.)
A further understanding of the invention can be achieved by reading the following
representative claim.
1. A method for analyzing a fluorescent signal, said method comprising:
(a) detecting said fluorescent signal using at least two
predetermined integration periods that are offset by ninety degrees with
respect to a fundamental excitation frequency, and
(b) determining the characteristics of said fluorescent signal by
processing said fluorescent signals detected during said at least two
integration periods.
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