Buffy Coat Imaging with Oblique Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual extraction of blood sample component layers after centrifugation is time-consuming, expensive, and requires significant skill due to difficulty in distinguishing layer boundaries, especially for the thin buffy coat layer, and is hindered by reflections that complicate image analysis.
Innovation Solution
An automated blood sample processor with a liquid level height sensor and optical imaging system using a camera and algorithms to determine the precise location of component layers, employing a specific illumination source with wavelengths less than 570 nm to maximize contrast and differentiate the buffy coat layer from other layers, allowing for automated collection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual extraction of blood sample component layers is performed, then the operator can collect the layers, but the process becomes time-consuming and requires considerable skill due to difficulty in distinguishing layer boundaries
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical extraction with an automated system that uses optical imaging and image processing algorithms to detect layer boundaries and control the extraction process. The automated pipette system executes extraction based on digitally determined boundary locations, eliminating the need for manual skill in boundary detection and extraction execution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital representation (image) of the physical blood sample layers and processes this copy to determine boundary locations. The optical imaging system captures the layer structure, and algorithms analyze the image data to identify boundaries, replacing direct visual inspection with digital image analysis.
2Illumination intensity
If common illumination is used for imaging the blood sample, then the sample can be visualized, but reflections interfere with the image requiring complex hardware or software filtering
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the illumination parameters by using oblique illumination at a specific angle rather than direct perpendicular lighting. This angular parameter change reduces specular reflections from the liquid surfaces while maintaining sufficient illumination for image capture, improving contrast without requiring complex filtering systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful effect of reflections into a beneficial imaging condition by using oblique illumination. The angle of illumination is specifically chosen to minimize reflection interference while maximizing the visibility of layer boundaries, turning a potential problem into an advantage for boundary detection.
3Manufacturing precision
If the buffy coat layer is the fraction of interest, then specific components can be extracted, but the layer is typically relatively thin making it difficult to distinguish boundaries
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual boundary detection with automated optical imaging and image processing. The system captures images of the blood sample layers and uses algorithms to automatically identify boundary locations, providing precise measurement of the thin buffy coat layer that would be difficult to detect visually.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary optical imaging system between the blood sample and the detection process. The imaging system captures optical information from the layers, and image processing algorithms analyze this intermediate representation to precisely locate boundaries, enabling accurate detection of the thin buffy coat layer.
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 accurate and efficient detection and collection of discrete component layers, particularly the buffy coat layer, reducing manual effort and error, and improving image analysis by minimizing reflection interference.
Implementation Method 1
Commonly, reflections interfere with the image and require complex hardware or software filtering
Implementation Method 2
using a camera to image the container with the centrifuged blood sample therein
Implementation Method 3
Blood samples are often analyzed or processed by centrifuging the blood sample to separate out particular components of the blood sample into component layers
Data Source
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AI summary
A blood sample processor for imaging a centrifuged blood sample is provided including a transparent container with the centrifuged blood sample therein. An illumination source is position to illuminate the centrifuged blood sample at a non-right angle to the transparent container. A digital camera disposed opposite the transparent container images the centrifuged blood sample and the image is processed to determine the relative locations of component layers of the centrifuged blood sample.