Automatic Calibration Apparatus for Cell Counting Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cell counting methods in biology and medicine, such as the dye exclusion method, are time-consuming, prone to variability, and lack accuracy due to reliance on human interpretation.
Innovation Solution
A calibration apparatus and method that uses estimation and determination circuitry to adjust a calibration factor, allowing for accurate estimation of cell numbers in dyed biological samples through repeated iterations based on different calibration factors until the estimated number approaches the actual number.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If manual cell counting is used, then no special equipment is required, but the process is time-consuming and results are variable due to human interpretation differences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical counting with an automated image processing system that uses digital cameras and computational algorithms to count cells, eliminating human interpretation variability while maintaining simplicity in equipment requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates digital copies of biological samples through imaging, allowing repeated analysis and processing of the same sample multiple times without degradation, thereby improving counting consistency and speed
2Productivity
If automated imaging methods are used, then counting speed increases, but accuracy decreases due to inability to assess cell characteristics with human judgment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the system continuously compares automated cell identification against ground truth data and adjusts its algorithms accordingly, improving accuracy over time while maintaining high throughput
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes parameters such as image resolution, staining intensity, and analysis thresholds to optimize both speed and accuracy, allowing the system to adapt to different sample types and counting requirements
3Measurement precision
If calibration factor adjustment is performed manually, then calibration can be performed, but the process is time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service calibration where the system automatically determines optimal calibration factors by analyzing standard samples and adjusting parameters without human intervention, thereby reducing calibration time while maintaining high accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary calibration using reference samples with known cell counts before actual measurement, establishing baseline parameters that can be applied to subsequent samples without repeated manual calibration
Data Source
AI summary
A calibration apparatus comprises estimation circuitry configured to estimate, based on a calibration factor, an estimated number of cells of a first type in a dyed biological sample containing an unknown number of cells. Determination circuitry determines the actual number of cells of the first type in the dyed biological sample. Processing circuitry adjusts the calibration factor. The estimation circuitry is configured with the processing circuitry to estimate the estimated number of the cells of the first type in the dyed biological sample one or more times, based on a different value of the calibration factor for each of the one or more times, until the estimated number of the cells of the first type approaches the actual number of cells of the first type.