Automated Z-axis Imaging for Biologic Fluid Samples
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual focus adjustment in biologic fluid sample analysis is labor-intensive and inefficient, relying heavily on technician experience, making it impractical for commercial laboratory applications, and existing automated systems struggle with rapid and accurate focus at different heights within a sample chamber.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for imaging biologic fluid samples within a chamber, involving positioning the chamber and objective lens relative to each other along the Z-axis at a controlled velocity, allowing for continuous focus search within a defined range, utilizing a programmable analyzer to coordinate the movement and imaging process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual focus adjustment is used to image biologic fluid samples, then image quality can be achieved, but the process is labor-intensive and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical focus adjustment with an automated imaging system that uses a positioner to move the chamber along the Z-axis at a controlled velocity while the image dissector captures images continuously. This substitution of manual mechanical operation with an automated motorized system resolves the contradiction by maintaining focus accuracy through controlled movement while dramatically improving imaging throughput.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous imaging during the chamber's movement through the focus search range, rather than stopping at discrete focus positions. The image dissector continuously captures images as the chamber moves at velocity, allowing the useful action of imaging to continue uninterrupted throughout the focus search, thereby improving productivity while maintaining measurement precision through post-processing analysis of the continuous image sequence.
2Measurement precision
If focus is adjusted at various heights within a sample chamber, then complete sample analysis is achieved, but the time required for analysis increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by moving the chamber through the entire focus search range at a controlled velocity before final image selection. The system captures images continuously during this preliminary movement phase, allowing subsequent software analysis to identify the optimal focus position from the pre-captured image sequence, thereby reducing the time needed for complete sample analysis at various heights.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous imaging action as the chamber moves through different heights within the sample chamber. Rather than stopping and focusing at each height level, the image dissector continuously captures images during the chamber's continuous movement, ensuring complete sample coverage while minimizing the total analysis time by eliminating repeated stop-start cycles.
3Ease of operation
If automated apparatus is used to analyze biologic fluid samples, then labor intensity is reduced, but focus speed and accuracy at different heights remain challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by moving the chamber at a controlled velocity through the focus search range rather than using static step-by-step focusing. The positioner dynamically adjusts the chamber position continuously, and the system captures images throughout this dynamic movement process, enabling rapid focus acquisition across different heights while maintaining accuracy through the controlled nature of the movement and subsequent image analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces traditional mechanical focusing mechanisms with a positioner-controlled continuous movement system. Instead of mechanically adjusting the objective lens or stage in discrete steps, the chamber is moved continuously at a controlled velocity, and focus determination is achieved through software analysis of the continuous image sequence, thereby improving both focus speed and maintaining accuracy in the automated apparatus.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for imaging a biologic fluid sample quiescently residing within a chamber is provided. The method includes the steps of: a) positioning the chamber at a Z-axis position relative to an objective lens having a lens axis, wherein the Z-axis is parallel to the lens axis; b) moving one or both of the chamber and the objective lens relative to one another at a velocity along the Z-axis; and c) creating one or more images of the biologic fluid sample as one or both of the chamber and the objective lens are moving at a velocity relative to one another within a focus search range along the Z-axis.