Cell Counting Device Using Fluorescence Distribution Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies fail to accurately determine the density and count of live phytoplankton cells in ballast water, leading to false positives and lack of real-time monitoring capabilities, which is crucial for preventing the introduction of invasive species and adhering to discharge standards.
Innovation Solution
A cell counting device that uses a light source to generate pulses of light and a detector to receive light signals from sub-samples, calculating the variable fluorescence (Fv) through regression analysis to estimate the number of photoactive cells, allowing for accurate cell density determination and triggering treatment if thresholds are exceeded.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If variable fluorescence measurement is used to determine cell concentration, then the measurement process is simple and quick, but the accuracy of cell density determination deteriorates due to high variability in fluorescence per cell
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the sample into multiple sub-samples and performs separate fluorescence measurements on each. By analyzing the distribution of fluorescence values across multiple sub-samples rather than relying on a single bulk measurement, the system can distinguish between high cell density with low fluorescence per cell and low cell density with high fluorescence per cell, thereby improving measurement accuracy while maintaining rapid analysis.
2Productivity
If a pass or fail result based on variable fluorescence threshold is used, then the discharge standard compliance is quickly determined, but false positives occur when few highly emissive cells are present
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the distribution pattern of fluorescence values from multiple sub-samples as feedback to refine the cell density estimation. By analyzing how fluorescence values are distributed across sub-samples rather than simply comparing total fluorescence to a threshold, the system can identify false positive cases where a few highly emissive cells skew the total fluorescence reading, thereby improving the reliability of discharge compliance determination.
3Device complexity
If current fluorescence-based technology is used, then the equipment and method are simple, but real-time monitoring of cell density is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary segmentation of the sample into multiple sub-samples before measurement. This preliminary action enables the system to rapidly collect fluorescence data from multiple sub-samples and immediately analyze the distribution pattern, providing real-time cell density monitoring capability without requiring complex additional equipment beyond the basic fluorometer.
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
The device provides accurate and real-time estimation of phytoplankton cell density, reducing false positives and enabling effective ballast water treatment, thus preventing ecological damage and ensuring compliance with discharge standards.
Implementation Method 1
a light source to generate pulses of light and a detector to receive light signals from sub-samples, calculating the variable fluorescence (Fv)
Implementation Method 2
a detector to receive light signals from sub-samples, calculating the variable fluorescence (Fv) through regression analysis
Data Source
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AI summary
Cell counting device A cell counting device and a method of using a cell counting device are disclosed. The cell counting device comprises a chamber for receiving a sample, at least one light source to emit light towards a section of the chamber. The section of the chamber comprises a sub-sample of the sample. The cell counting device also comprises a light detector to receive a light emitted from the section of the chamber and to generate an electronic signal associated with the received light, and a controller. The controller is configured to estimate the number of photoactive cells in the sample by calculating the distribution of variable fluorescence [Fv] values of a predetermined number of sub- samples about the mean Fv value.