Blood Cell Imaging With Multi-Wavelength Spectro-Spatial Analysis
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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 using coherent and partially coherent light sources with detectors to emit and receive electromagnetic radiation at multiple wavelengths, combined with machine learning algorithms, for automated cell counting, sizing, and differentiation based on spectro-spatial responses.
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 system segments the analysis process into automated routine cell counting and manual expert review for flagged abnormalities. The flow cytometer automatically processes normal samples while triggering manual intervention only when anomalies are detected, optimizing both speed and accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces automated imaging and machine learning algorithms as intermediaries between the flow cytometer and manual review. These intermediaries capture images of flagged cells and pre-analyze them using AI, reducing the burden on manual reviewers and enabling semi-automation of the abnormality analysis process.
2Measurement precision
If manual staining and imaging at high magnification is performed, then accurate cell differentiation is achieved, but the process is time-consuming and requires highly skilled personnel
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary automated imaging and analysis of all cells before manual review. Machine learning models pre-differentiate cell types and flag only uncertain cases for manual review, eliminating the need for all manual high-magnification analysis while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical microscopy with automated digital imaging systems and machine learning algorithms. These systems capture cell images and automatically differentiate cell types based on morphological features, substituting human expertise with computational analysis for routine cases.
3Measurement precision
If high magnification microscopy is used for morphological assessment, then detailed cell structure visualization is achieved, but the field of view is limited and processing throughput decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from two-dimensional high-magnification microscopy to multi-dimensional automated imaging with machine learning analysis. By capturing images at multiple magnifications and using AI to analyze morphological features across different scales, the system achieves detailed assessment without the throughput limitations of manual high-magnification review.
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
Enables automated cell type identification and counting without high magnification, providing fast and reliable results for blood cell types and urine analytes, reducing the need for 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
The one or more detectors are configured to detect (i) fluorescence emission
Implementation Method 3
EM radiation backscatter from, and/or EM radiation transmission through, a plurality of blood cells
Implementation Method 4
one or more optics positioned to receive light from the imaging chamber
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.