Blood Cell Imaging Analysis Using Mixed Coherent Light Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hematology analyzers require manual, highly skilled personnel for abnormal sample analysis due to the need for high magnification morphological assessment, which is not automated.
Innovation Solution
A device and method utilizing coherent and partially coherent light sources, optics, detectors, and machine learning algorithms to analyze blood cells using electromagnetic radiation wavelengths, enabling automated cell counting, sizing, and differentiation without high magnification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If flow cytometry is used to count cells through an aperture, then rapid measurement of cell count, size, and type is achieved, but manual analysis by highly skilled personnel is required when abnormalities are detected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines flow cytometry with digital imaging technology, merging the rapid cell measurement capability with automated visual inspection. The system integrates a camera to capture images of cells as they pass through the aperture, allowing automated analysis of both normal and abnormal cells without requiring manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces digital imaging as an intermediary between flow cytometry detection and manual analysis. The imaging system captures visual data of cells, which is then processed by image recognition algorithms to identify abnormalities, serving as a mediator that automates the previously manual assessment process.
2Measurement precision
If manual staining and imaging at higher magnification is performed, then accurate identification of abnormal cells is achieved, but the process requires highly skilled personnel and increased time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary imaging of cells during the flow cytometry process itself, capturing images before any manual analysis is needed. This preliminary action allows the system to pre-identify potential abnormalities using automated image recognition, reducing the time required for subsequent manual verification and focusing expert analysis only on suspicious cases.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical process of manual staining and high-magnification microscopy with automated digital imaging and image processing algorithms. The system uses computer vision technology to automatically identify and characterize abnormal cells, substituting human expertise with automated computational analysis that operates faster and without fatigue.
3Loss of information
If high magnification morphological assessment is used, then detailed cell structure analysis is achieved, but automation is not possible and skilled personnel are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional two-dimensional microscopy images to three-dimensional spatial information by capturing images at multiple focal planes as cells pass through the aperture. This dimensional approach allows automated analysis to reconstruct detailed morphological features while maintaining the ability to perform high-throughput automated processing, combining detail retention with operational simplicity.
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
Facilitates fast and reliable identification and counting of different blood cell types, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets, with reduced reliance on manual intervention.
Implementation Method 1
one or more coherent light sources and one or more partially coherent light sources, wherein the light sources are collectively configured to emit a first wavelength of electromagnetic (EM) radiation and a second wavelength of EM radiation
Implementation Method 2
one or more optics positioned to receive light from the imaging chamber
Implementation Method 3
The one or more detectors are configured to detect (i) fluorescence emission
Implementation Method 4
The one or more detectors are configured to detect (ii) EM radiation backscatter from, and/or EM radiation transmission through, a plurality of blood cells
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and devices for analyzing a sample from a subject are provided. A device includes one or more coherent light sources and one or more partially coherent light sources. The light sources are configured to emit first and second wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation towards an imaging chamber configured to hold blood cells. The light sources are aligned to illuminate a single common area of the imaging chamber. The device includes optics positioned to receive light from the imaging chamber, and a detector in optical communication with the optics. The detector is configured to detect fluorescence emission and backscatter from blood cells when present in the imaging chamber. The device includes mixers/unmixers configured to replicate and mix first and second signals representative of the responses to the first and second wavelengths after interacting with the plurality of blood cells to generate spectro-spatial responses.