Biological Sample Analysis Using 2D and 3D Imaging Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for analyzing three-dimensionally distributed biological samples face challenges in achieving accurate results, with two-dimensional photographing providing high resolution but lacking stereoscopic structure analysis and three-dimensional photographing compromising on image resolution, leading to difficulties in detailed structure analysis.

Innovation Solution

An analysis method and apparatus that combines two-dimensional and three-dimensional photographing to acquire both two-dimensional and three-dimensional images, using indicators from two-dimensional analysis to enhance three-dimensional image analysis, and integrating results for comprehensive analysis, including cell counting and classification according to Veeck's classification.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If two-dimensional photographing is used, then image resolution is improved, but stereoscopic structure analysis capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage resolutionVSAvoidstereoscopic structure analysis capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines two-dimensional photographing (for high resolution) and three-dimensional photographing (for stereoscopic structure) into a unified analysis system. The image acquisition unit captures both 2D and 3D images of the same sample, and the analysis unit integrates these data to achieve both high-resolution detailed analysis and comprehensive stereoscopic structure analysis simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from purely two-dimensional analysis to three-dimensional analysis by acquiring 3D images and performing volumetric analysis. The analysis unit calculates three-dimensional distances, volumes, and spatial relationships between observed objects, enabling stereoscopic structure analysis while maintaining the option to use high-resolution 2D data for detailed examination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If three-dimensional photographing is used, then stereoscopic structure analysis capability is improved, but image resolution deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestereoscopic structure analysis capabilityVSAvoidimage resolution
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the advantages of both 3D and 2D photographing by acquiring both types of images and analyzing them together. The high-resolution 2D images compensate for the lower resolution of 3D images, while the 3D images provide the stereoscopic structure information needed for spatial analysis.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The analysis unit acts as an intermediary that processes both 2D and 3D image data. It uses the 2D analysis results (which have high precision) to guide and enhance the 3D analysis, transferring accurate measurement data between the two analysis dimensions to achieve overall high precision in the final results.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If only two-dimensional analysis is performed, then detailed structure analysis accuracy is improved, but comprehensive three-dimensional understanding deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetailed structure analysis accuracyVSAvoidthree-dimensional structural information
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extends the analysis from two dimensions to three dimensions by acquiring 3D images and performing volumetric analysis. The analysis unit calculates three-dimensional distances, volumes, and spatial relationships, preventing loss of 3D structural information while maintaining detailed analysis accuracy through integration with 2D data.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Adaptability or versatility

If only three-dimensional analysis is performed, then stereoscopic understanding is improved, but detailed structure analysis accuracy deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestereoscopic understandingVSAvoiddetailed structure analysis accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The analysis unit serves as an intermediary that transfers and integrates information between 2D and 3D analysis results. It uses the high-precision 2D analysis data to enhance the 3D analysis accuracy, ensuring that detailed structure analysis maintains high precision even when performing comprehensive 3D volumetric analysis.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 accurate three-dimensional analysis by leveraging high-resolution two-dimensional data for improved cell counting and shape identification, and comprehensive analysis that integrates the strengths of both two-dimensional and three-dimensional methods, enhancing the accuracy of biological sample analysis.

Implementation Method 1

two-dimensionally photographing the sample, to acquire a two-dimensional image

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

two-dimensionally photographing the sample, to acquire a two-dimensional image

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight transmission: Light

Implementation Method 3

three-dimensionally photographing the sample, to acquire a three-dimensional image

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical coherence tomography: Tomography

Implementation Method 4

three-dimensionally photographing the sample, to acquire a three-dimensional image

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight interference: Interference

Data Source

PatentUS20230274441A1Analysis method and analysis apparatus
Publication Date: 2023.08.31 SCREEN HOLDINGS CO LTD
  • US20230274441A1 patent drawing
  • US20230274441A1 patent drawing
  • US20230274441A1 patent drawing

AI summary

An analysis apparatus includes a two-dimensional photographing unit 20, a three-dimensional photographing unit 30, and a computer 50 serving as an analysis unit. The two-dimensional photographing unit 20 two-dimensionally photographs a sample, to acquire a two-dimensional image D2. The three-dimensional photographing unit 30 three-dimensionally photographs the sample to acquire a three-dimensional image D3. The computer 50 analyzes the two-dimensional image D2 and outputs a two-dimensional analysis result R2, first. Subsequently, the computer 50 analyzes the three-dimensional image D3 and outputs a three-dimensional analysis result R3. At that time, the computer 50 analyzes the three-dimensional image D3 using an indicator included in the two-dimensional analysis result R2. This can improve the accuracy of the three-dimensional analysis result R3. Consequently, a more accurate analysis result of the sample can be acquired than that acquired in a case in which either two-dimensional photographing or three-dimensional photographing is performed solely.