Cell Analyzer Synchronizing Images and Waveforms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cell analyzers face difficulties in accurately analyzing cells of varying shapes and sizes due to blurred cell contours and uncertain nucleus positions, especially when relying solely on light receiving amount analysis, which necessitates visual inspection by operators.
Innovation Solution
A cell analyzer system that includes an imaging unit for capturing cell images, a light source for irradiation, a light receiving unit for signal output, a waveform data storage unit for light intensity changes, and a control unit to display both cell images and corresponding waveform graphs, enabling synchronized alignment and marker display for enhanced analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If only light receiving amount analysis is used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to inability to accurately analyze cells of varying shapes and sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines light receiving amount analysis with image analysis by integrating both analysis methods in the cell analysis system. The control unit performs both light receiving amount analysis and image analysis on the same cell sample, merging the advantages of both methods to achieve accurate analysis of cells with varying shapes and sizes while maintaining reasonable device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds the image dimension to the traditional light receiving amount analysis. By capturing cell images and performing image analysis in addition to light receiving amount analysis, the system transitions from one-dimensional light intensity measurement to two-dimensional analysis combining light data and visual image data, thereby improving measurement precision.
2Measurement precision
If image data is output for visual analysis, then measurement precision can be improved, but ease of operation deteriorates because cell contours are blurred and nucleus positions cannot be determined
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit performs image analysis on the captured cell images to automatically determine cell contours and nucleus positions, then uses this analyzed information to enhance the displayed image data. The system provides feedback by overlaying analysis results (such as contour lines or position markers) on the original images, making it easier for operators to perform visual analysis while maintaining high measurement precision.
3Measurement precision
If both image data and waveform data are stored separately, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional storage and processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit merges image data and waveform data by performing coordinated analysis on both data types and integrating their results. The system stores both data types but processes them in an integrated manner, combining the structural information from images with the functional information from light receiving amounts to achieve comprehensive cell analysis without excessive complexity.
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
This system facilitates precise cell analysis by aligning and adjusting cell images and waveform data for better visualization, aiding in the discrimination of cancerous cells by clearly displaying cell size, DNA amount, and nucleus position, thereby improving analysis accuracy and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a light source that irradiates the sample flowing through the flow cell with light; a light receiving unit that receives light from the cell irradiated with the light from the light source
Data Source
AI summary
A cell analyzer includes a flow cell through which a sample containing a cell flows; an imaging unit that captures the cell contained in the sample flowing through the flow cell; a cell image storage unit that stores a cell image captured by the imaging unit; a light source that irradiates the sample flowing through the flow cell with light; a light receiving unit that receives light from the cell irradiated with the light from the light source and outputs a signal corresponding to a light receiving amount; a waveform data storage unit that stores data indicating change in the light receiving amount obtained based on the output signal; a display unit; and a control unit that controls the display unit to display the cell image and a graph representing a waveform of data for the cell in the cell image and/or a marker corresponding to the data.