Blood Analyser Image Plane Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current blood sample analysis methods are lengthy, require numerous steps, and extensive resources, particularly for determining blood counts like complete blood count, which can be inefficient and inaccurate.
Innovation Solution
A blood analyser configured with a memory, interface, and processors to obtain image data of a prepared blood sample, select images associated with specific planes, characterize cell regions, and determine blood parameters, allowing for faster and more accurate analysis with reduced chemical usage and equipment needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional blood analysis methods are used, then blood parameters can be determined, but the analysis is lengthy and requires numerous steps and extensive resources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the core function of blood cell analysis from complex conventional systems by using digital image processing to directly capture and analyze blood cell images. This eliminates numerous intermediate steps in traditional methods, allowing rapid determination of blood parameters including platelet concentration, red blood cell count, and white blood cell count from a single image or small number of images.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates digital copies of blood samples through imaging systems, replacing physical manipulation of actual blood cells with digital image analysis. This allows multiple analyses to be performed on the same sample simultaneously without consuming additional sample material or requiring repeated physical handling, significantly reducing analysis time and resource requirements.
2Measurement precision
If conventional blood analysis equipment is used, then accurate blood parameters can be determined, but extensive equipment and resources are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a multi-functional system where a single device performs multiple blood analysis functions including platelet counting, red blood cell counting, white blood cell counting, and various blood parameter calculations. The digital image processing system can analyze different cell types and provide comprehensive blood profiles from one imaging session, eliminating the need for multiple specialized instruments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical and physical analysis systems with optical and computational methods. Instead of using flow cytometry, electrical impedance, or other mechanical separation and detection methods, the system uses digital image capture and computer-based analysis to determine blood parameters, significantly simplifying the physical equipment while maintaining or improving measurement precision.
3Reliability
If flow cytometry or coulter counter is used, then single cells can be analysed, but the system requires narrow tubes and is prone to clotting requiring frequent maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the analysis function from the problematic flow system by using direct imaging of blood samples in their natural state. This eliminates the need for narrow tubes, pumps, and flow control mechanisms that cause clotting and require frequent maintenance. The system analyzes cells in static or minimally disturbed samples, removing the mechanical components that create reliability issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates digital representations of blood cells through imaging, replacing the need for physical cell transport through narrow tubes. This digital copying approach allows analysis of cells in their natural configuration without forcing them through constrictions that cause clotting, significantly improving system reliability and reducing maintenance requirements.
4Quantity of substance
If conventional blood sample preparation is used, then blood parameters can be determined, but large dilution ratios and numerous chemicals are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses digital imaging to create visual copies of blood cells, eliminating the need for chemical staining and dilution procedures. The imaging system can capture and analyze blood cells in their natural state or with minimal preparation, replacing chemical-based differentiation methods with optical and computational analysis, thereby reducing chemical usage and sample consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces chemical-based blood cell differentiation and visualization methods with optical imaging and digital processing. Instead of using stains, dyes, and chemical reagents to distinguish cell types, the system uses image capture and computer-based analysis to identify and count different blood cell types, significantly reducing chemical requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A blood analyser and related methods, in particular a method of analysing a blood sample is disclosed. The blood analyser comprises a memory, an interface, and one or more processors. The blood analyser is configured to obtain image data of a prepared blood sample; select a first image associated with a first image plane of the prepared blood sample from the image data; characterize the first image, wherein the characterization of the first image comprises to determine a first set of cell regions belonging to the first image plane; and determine a first blood parameter based on the first set of cell regions.