Automated Microscope Blood Analysis Motor Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current automated microscope systems for blood analysis are not designed for high-volume applications, suffer from positional and alignment errors due to manual focus and stage movement, and are prone to errors from ambient vibrations and temperature changes, making them time-consuming, costly, and prone to human error.
Innovation Solution
A computer-controlled microscope system with low-friction, reproducible motion in X, Y, and Z directions, using linear induction motors and voice coil technology for precise positioning, and a carousel system for slide handling, which minimizes errors and automates tedious tasks, allowing for high-quality digital imaging and analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual focus and stage movement are used, then the system is simple and inexpensive, but positional and alignment errors are introduced and the process is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical focus and stage movement with computer-controlled motors. The system uses motorized Z-axis focus control and X-Y stage positioning mechanisms that are controlled by software, eliminating manual manipulation while achieving precise and reproducible positioning without the errors associated with manual operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-positioning and self-focusing through automated control algorithms. The computer-controlled motors automatically adjust the stage position and focus based on programmed coordinates, enabling the system to service itself without human intervention for routine positioning tasks.
2Reliability
If conventional microscope mechanisms are used, then the device is simple, but backlash effects make reliable and reproducible positioning difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates conventional mechanical transmission mechanisms (gears, belts, lead screws) that produce backlash by using direct-drive motor systems. The computer-controlled motors provide direct coupling to the stage and focus mechanisms, ensuring that every control command results in the precise intended movement without mechanical play or inconsistency.
3Productivity
If manual cell counting is performed, then the system is simple, but the task is time-consuming and prone to human error
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual inspection and counting with automated digital imaging and computer-based cell identification. The system captures images of the blood smear, uses software algorithms to identify and count cells based on their visual characteristics, and automatically generates results, dramatically increasing speed and eliminating human error.
4Measurement precision
If high-power immersion objective is used, then imaging quality is improved, but the system becomes dirty and requires careful maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional oil immersion technique with a dry objective lens system. The computer-controlled high-resolution camera and optimized optical path enable high-quality imaging without requiring immersion oil, thereby eliminating the contamination and maintenance issues associated with oil-based immersion methods.
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 system enables rapid, accurate, and cost-effective automated analysis of blood cells, reducing technician time and error, while being robust and adaptable for high-volume clinical use, with the ability to produce high-quality digital images and pre-classify cells, thus improving diagnostic efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
computer controlled, reproducible and low friction motion in the X, Y and Z directions that is computer controlled
Implementation Method 2
voice coil technology for precise positioning
Implementation Method 3
The base of the apparatus is a low cost polymer concrete material that is stable to temperature changes and is energy absorbent
Implementation Method 4
stable to temperature changes and is energy absorbent
Implementation Method 5
the apparatus is mounted upon polymeric shock absorbers
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method of automated blood cell analysis uses technologies from other systems to create a new, robust, improved type of automated microscope, which uses electronic motors and a closed loop control system to minimize ambient factors, such as jarring and temperature changes. Pre-stained blood smear slides are first coated with a thin film of oil and are loaded into a carousel from which they can individually be analyzed. The slides are moved under a low magnification microscope; an optimal area of examination is determined; a focal plane map is calculated for that area, and the positions of white blood cell candidates are computed. The slide is then moved under a high power microscope where a refined focal plane map is computed and the individual white blood cell candidates are imaged. The cells are preclassified and the images are made available for analysis by the technician. Additionally, samples of red blood cells, equivalent to what the technician would do manually, are imaged and presented to the technician for evaluation. The technician may make notes on those cells, both red and white blood cells and archive them.