Auto Analyzer Scattering Light Noise Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current auto analyzers fail to enhance sensitivity in low-concentration measurements using scattering light, as existing methods either do not effectively process reaction process data or result in decreased signals due to noise from air bubbles and dirt, especially when photoreceivers are positioned to receive scattering light at angles less than 35° relative to the optical axis.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves using two scattering light photoreceivers, where one is positioned closer to the optical axis (main angle) and the other farther away (sub-angle), with noise reduction achieved by subtracting estimated noise from the sub-angle photoreceiver's data from the main angle photoreceiver's data, and amplifying signals by processing the difference between scattering and transmitted light data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If scattering light measurement is used to enhance sensitivity for low-concentration substances, then measurement sensitivity is improved, but noise from air bubbles and dirt increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the scattering light measurement into two separate detection channels: a main angle photoreceiver for detecting scattering light at a primary angle, and a sub-angle photoreceiver for detecting scattering light at a secondary angle. This segmentation allows the system to process signals from multiple angles independently and combine them to suppress noise while enhancing sensitivity for low-concentration substance detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary data processing mechanism that receives signals from both main angle and sub-angle photoreceivers. This intermediary processor combines the signals in a specific manner that cancels out noise components (from air bubbles and dirt) while preserving and amplifying the signal from the actual agglutination reaction, thereby acting as a mediator between the noisy measurement environment and the clean measurement result.
2Illumination intensity
If photoreceivers are positioned to receive scattering light at angles less than 35° relative to the optical axis, then signal strength is improved, but noise from air bubbles and dirt increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the light detection into multiple angular positions by placing photoreceivers at different angles (main angle and sub-angle, both less than 35° relative to the optical axis). This segmentation enables the system to capture scattering light signals at optimized angles for sensitivity while using the multi-angle approach to distinguish true signals from noise through differential processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs asymmetric positioning of photoreceivers at specific angles less than 35° relative to the optical axis, rather than symmetric placement. The main angle and sub-angle photoreceivers are positioned at different asymmetric angles to optimize signal capture while minimizing noise, and the asymmetric angular arrangement allows differential processing to cancel noise components.
3Productivity
If measurement is performed while cells are rotating, then productivity is improved, but measurement precision decreases due to short measurement time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains continuous rotation of the cell disk during measurement, ensuring uninterrupted throughput. The useful action of light measurement continues without interruption as cells pass through the measurement position, and the photoreceivers continuously detect scattering light signals throughout the rotation, maintaining both productivity and precision through continuous data acquisition.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary signal processing and noise cancellation by combining data from multiple photoreceivers before final analysis. The system collects and processes signals from main angle and sub-angle photoreceivers in advance, performing differential calculations to eliminate noise components before determining the final measurement result, thereby maintaining precision even with short measurement times during rotation.
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 reduces noise and enhances sensitivity in auto analyzers, allowing for precise measurements even in short periods by correcting noise and amplifying signals, thereby improving measurement precision for low-concentration substances.
Implementation Method 1
irradiate a sample, or a reaction solution in which a sample and a reagent are mixed, with light from a light source, measure the amount of transmitted light with respect to a single wavelength or a plurality of wavelengths obtained as a result to calculate the absorbance, and determine component amounts based on the relationship between absorbance and density in accordance with the Lambert-Beer law
Implementation Method 2
there have been attempts to enhance sensitivity by measuring the amount of scattering light, instead of measuring the amount of transmitted light as is done in ordinary analyses
Implementation Method 3
a system in which transmitted light and scattering light are separated using a diaphragm, and absorbance and scattering light are simultaneously measured
Implementation Method 4
a method in which integrating spheres are placed in front of and behind a reaction container, the respective average light amounts of forward scattering light and back scattering light are measured, and changes in turbidity caused by cell misalignment are corrected
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3A
Figure 3B~3C
AI summary
There is provided a data processing method that reduces influences of air bubbles and dirt while maintaining changes in light amounts. Two scattering light photoreceivers are disposed in the forward direction. A photoreceiver 33a closer to the optical axis is taken to be a main angle photoreceiver, and a photoreceiver 33b further from the optical axis is taken to be a sub-angle photoreceiver. Noise is estimated based on the reaction process data of the sub-angle photoreceiver, and noise is reduced by subtracting the estimated noise from the reaction process data of the main angle photoreceiver.