Biological Sample Electrical Model Using Sub-Circuit Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for analyzing biological samples, such as electrical impedance tomography, face challenges in accurately determining electrical output signals and optimizing electrode settings to improve analysis performance and data quality.

Innovation Solution

A model representing the electrical properties of biological samples is created using sub-circuits that correspond to different cellular structures, allowing for the prediction of expected output signals and adjustment of electrode settings to enhance analysis accuracy and sensitivity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a model with sub-circuits representing cellular structures is used to determine expected output signals, then measurement precision and analysis accuracy are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccuracy of electrical output signal determinationVSAvoidcomplexity of electrical model with sub-circuits
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electrical model is segmented into multiple sub-circuits, where each sub-circuit represents a specific cellular structure (e.g., cell membrane, cytoplasm, organelles). This segmentation allows the complex biological system to be modeled through manageable modular components, each with specific electrical properties that can be independently characterized and combined to achieve high measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediate computational layer that processes raw electrode measurements through the sub-circuit model to derive expected output signals. This intermediary processing step acts as a mediator between the physical measurement system and the final analysis results, enabling accurate signal determination while managing model complexity through systematic computation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If electrode settings are adjusted based on expected output signals from the model, then analysis performance and sensitivity are improved, but the time required for optimization increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensitivity of biological sample analysisVSAvoidtime for electrode setting optimization
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary computations using the sub-circuit model to predict expected output signals before actual measurements are taken. By pre-calculating the relationship between electrode settings and expected signals, the system establishes an optimized measurement protocol in advance, reducing the time required during actual analysis while maintaining high sensitivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The model-generated expected output signals provide feedback information that guides the adjustment of electrode settings. This feedback mechanism enables iterative optimization where predicted performance informs configuration adjustments, allowing the system to converge on optimal settings efficiently rather than through trial-and-error approaches.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP4000510A1Apparatus, methods and computer programs for determining electrical output signals for biological samples
Publication Date: 2022.05.25 NOKIA TECHNOLOGIES OY
  • EP4000510A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4000510A1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4000510A1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

Examples of the disclosure relate to apparatus, methods and computer programs for analysis of biological samples. The apparatus comprising means for: obtaining a model representing electrical properties of a biological sample where the biological sample comprises a plurality of different cell types and the model comprises a plurality of different sub-circuits where the sub-circuits represent individual structures within cells of the biological sample such that the sub-circuits have electrical properties corresponding to the electrical properties of the cells; using the obtained model to determine expected output signals obtained in response to an electrical signal provided between two or more electrodes positioned on the biological sample; and using the expected output signals to adjust one or more settings of the electrodes.