Blood Sample Defocus Detection Using Refractive-Index Features
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining defocus in image data related to prepared blood samples are lengthy, resource-intensive, and require advanced equipment, making them inefficient and unreliable.
Innovation Solution
A method using a blood analyzer with an imaging system and probing volume to identify optical features arising from refractive index differences between objects and the medium in the sample, allowing for rapid and reliable determination of defocus by analyzing the appearance of these features in image data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional optical systems are used to determine defocus in blood samples, then measurement precision can be maintained, but the analysis becomes lengthy and resource-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes color changes and optical feature variations in the image data to determine defocus. By analyzing changes in optical properties such as color and intensity patterns caused by defocus, the system can quickly identify focus status without lengthy traditional optical procedures, thus reducing analysis time while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical optical adjustment systems with computational image analysis. Instead of using mechanical means to test and adjust focus, the system uses digital image processing to analyze optical features and determine defocus computationally, significantly reducing time and resource requirements
2Measurement precision
If advanced equipment is used for defocus determination, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity and resource requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the imaging system to determine defocus using its own captured image data without requiring separate specialized defocus measurement equipment. The same imaging system that captures the blood sample images also provides the data needed for defocus analysis, eliminating the need for additional advanced equipment and reducing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the imaging system multi-functional by enabling it to perform both primary imaging and defocus determination tasks. The imaging system is designed to capture images that serve dual purposes: for blood sample analysis and for defocus assessment through optical feature analysis, thereby eliminating the need for separate specialized equipment
3Reliability
If traditional defocus determination methods are used, then reliability is maintained, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automated feedback mechanisms where the system continuously analyzes optical features in real-time and automatically adjusts or identifies focus status. This feedback loop eliminates the need for manual focus assessment by operators, making the system easier to operate while maintaining reliable defocus determination through continuous automated monitoring
4Measurement precision
If multiple imaging planes are analyzed to determine defocus, then measurement precision improves, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts specific key optical features from the image data that are most indicative of defocus status. By identifying and analyzing only the most relevant optical features rather than processing all image data from multiple planes, the system achieves accurate defocus determination with reduced computational burden, thereby maintaining productivity
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 fast, easy, and robust determination of defocus in image data, facilitating accurate and efficient analysis of blood samples without the need for additional markers, and allowing for automatic analysis.
Implementation Method 1
directing a light beam towards the prepared blood sample and detecting light leaving the prepared blood sample as a result thereof, e.g. including light which has been scattered, reflected, deflected, diffracted, etc., by objects in the prepared blood sample
Implementation Method 2
the optical feature originating from a difference in refractive index between the object and a medium of the prepared blood sample
Data Source
AI summary
A method is used to determine defocus in image data related to a prepared blood sample, via a blood analyzer. The image data includes data related to at least one imaging plane corresponding to a depth of the prepared blood sample; and is analyzed by identifying an object region that includes a group of pixels which corresponds to an object being physically present in the prepared blood sample. The image data is further analyzed by identifying an optical feature of the object region, the optical feature originating from a difference in refractive index between the object and a medium of the prepared blood sample, and the optical feature acting as an additional artifact in the image data that does not represent an object being physically present in the prepared blood sample. A direction of defocus in the image data is determined, based on an appearance of the identified optical feature.