Assay Imaging System Particle Loading Control via Frequency Spectrum Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current assay analysis systems face challenges in accurately determining particle quantity and distribution within an imaging region, which affects data accuracy and the performance of focusing routines due to overpopulation, clustering, and varying particle densities, leading to issues with autofocus and image resolution.
Innovation Solution
The system employs successive imaging with discrete Fourier transforms to generate frequency spectra and convolved spatial images, integrating specific portions to determine when to terminate particle loading and evaluate the presence of sufficient particles, and optimizes the focal position by analyzing the width of the primary lobe in the frequency spectrum.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the imaging region is overpopulated with particles, then the particle quantity increases, but particle crowding causes light reflection and falsely conveys brighter intensity, reducing measurement precision
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors particle distribution and intensity signals, using feedback to detect when particle crowding occurs and adjusts imaging parameters or particle loading to maintain optimal conditions for accurate measurement
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging system dynamically adjusts its operation based on real-time particle distribution conditions, modifying imaging parameters to compensate for varying particle densities and maintain measurement accuracy across different loading conditions
2Quantity of substance
If the number of particles within an imaging region is not enough, then the particle quantity decreases, but statistically significant data cannot be obtained, making imaging and data processing ineffective
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary assessment of particle loading conditions before full imaging and data analysis, determining whether sufficient particles are present to warrant continued processing, thereby avoiding wasted computational resources on inadequate samples
3Quantity of substance
If the number of particles within the imaging region is insufficient, then the particle quantity decreases, but the accuracy of the autofocus routine is affected, which in turn affects image resolution
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates preliminary particle loading verification and autofocus validation steps before full imaging, ensuring that both sufficient particles are present and optimal focus is achieved, thereby preventing degradation of image resolution
4Quantity of substance
If spatial-domain image analysis with thresholding is used for particle counting, then particle quantity can be determined, but the process becomes complicated when particle brightness varies significantly and requires time-consuming neighborhood pixel assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces complex spatial-domain image analysis with frequency-domain signal processing, substituting the mechanical approach of pixel-by-pixel thresholding and neighborhood assembly with more efficient spectral analysis methods that handle varying brightness more robustly
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 allows for real-time monitoring of particle quantity and distribution, ensuring optimal loading conditions and focusing performance, thereby enhancing data accuracy and image resolution in assay analysis systems.
Implementation Method 1
generating a frequency spectrum of the image via a discrete Fourier transform
Implementation Method 2
optical imaging instruments may be used to analyze fluid assays induced with particles. More specifically, optical imaging instruments may be configured to image particles within an illuminated region
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods, storage mediums and systems (MS&S) are provided which successively image an imaging region of an assay analysis system (AAS) as particles are loaded into the imaging region, generate a frequency spectrum of each image via a discrete Fourier transform, integrate a same coordinate portion of each frequency spectrum and terminate the loading of particles upon computing an integral which meets preset criterion. In addition, MS&S are provided which send a signal indicative of whether enough particles are in an imaging region for further processes by an AAS based on the magnitude of integral calculated from an image's frequency spectrum. MM&S are also provided such that the steps of generating a frequency spectrum of each image and integrating a portion of each frequency spectrum are replaced by generating a convolved spatial image with a filter kernel and integrating a same coordinate portion of each convolved spatial image.