Blood Sample Entity Identification via Temporal Motion Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for analyzing blood samples struggle to accurately distinguish between platelets and intra-erythrocytic parasites like Plasmodium and Babesia, leading to potential false positives and inaccuracies in blood counts.
Innovation Solution
The method involves acquiring first and second images of a blood sample at different times and using a computer processor to determine relative motion between erythrocytes and entities within the sample. This allows the processor to differentiate between extra-erythrocytic and intra-erythrocytic entities based on their motion and location.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If microscopic examination of blood samples is performed to detect parasites, then detection capability is improved, but accuracy in distinguishing between platelets and intra-erythrocytic parasites deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by capturing multiple images of blood samples at different time points and analyzing motion between frames. Platelets exhibit characteristic motion patterns (moving with blood flow) while intra-erythrocytic parasites remain stationary relative to the erythrocyte membrane. This temporal dimension of motion analysis enables accurate distinction between the two entities that are visually similar in single static images.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional static imaging to three-dimensional temporal analysis by acquiring images at multiple time points. This adds the time dimension to the analysis, allowing the system to differentiate entities based on their motion behavior over time rather than relying solely on spatial characteristics in a single image.
2Illumination intensity
If staining is applied to highlight parasites, then visibility of parasites is improved, but false positives increase due to similar appearance of platelets and parasites
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses dynamic motion analysis to distinguish between platelets and parasites, eliminating the need for differential staining. By capturing images at multiple time points and analyzing motion patterns, the system can reliably identify parasites based on their lack of motion relative to erythrocytes, while platelets show characteristic motion with blood flow. This approach maintains high visibility of both entities while achieving accurate differentiation without false positives.
3Productivity
If monolayer preparation is performed to examine majority of cells, then examination coverage is improved, but motion analysis capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains monolayer preparation to examine the majority of cells while preserving motion analysis capability. The monolayer structure allows cells to remain in a plane suitable for high-throughput imaging, while the temporal sequence of images captures motion dynamics. This combination enables simultaneous achievement of high examination coverage and accurate motion-based differentiation between platelets and parasites.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and methods are described including acquiring first and second images of a blood sample at respective times and determining whether, between acquisitions of the first and second images, there was motion of an entity, by comparing the first and second images to one another. At least partially in response thereto, the entity is identified, and an output is generated on the output device, at least partially in response to identification of the entity. Other applications are also described.