Cell Detection Device with Speed-Change Mechanism for Low Concentration Samples
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cell detection devices require a long time to acquire images of cells present in low concentrations, such as circulating tumor cells, due to the need for reduced particle flow speeds, which decreases throughput and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A cell detection device that includes a speed-change mechanism to adjust the flow speed of the measurement specimen, allowing for efficient image capture of cells by separating the detection and image-capture processes, with the first round focusing on particle detection and the second round on image capture at a lower speed, enhancing throughput and accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the speed of particles flowing through the flow cell is reduced to increase image quality, then image quality is improved, but the time required to acquire cell images increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the detection process into two separate rounds: a first round for rapid particle detection and identification, and a second round for high-quality image capture of identified cells. This segmentation allows each round to be optimized independently - the first round uses faster flow speeds for throughput, while the second round uses slower flow speeds for image quality, resolving the contradiction between speed and quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The first round of particle detection serves as a preliminary action that identifies and flags cells of interest before the second round of image capture. By pre-identifying which particles are cells worthy of imaging, the system avoids the need to image all particles at high quality settings, thereby reducing total acquisition time while maintaining image quality for relevant cells.
2Measurement precision
If the speed of particles flowing through the flow cell is reduced to increase image quality, then image quality is improved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the analysis into two distinct phases: rapid particle detection (first round) and detailed image capture (second round). The first round maintains higher flow speeds to preserve throughput, while the second round reduces flow speeds only for identified cells requiring imaging, thereby maintaining overall productivity while achieving high image quality for relevant samples.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies different quality levels to different particles based on their identification in the first round. Only identified cells receive high-quality imaging in the second round, while other particles are processed more quickly. This local differentiation of quality requirements maintains high image quality where needed without compromising overall system throughput.
3Device complexity
If a single process is used for both particle detection and image capture, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and productivity cannot be simultaneously optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a two-round detection process where the first round focuses on particle detection and identification, and the second round focuses on image capture. This segmentation allows each round to be optimized for its specific function - the first round for rapid identification and the second round for high-quality imaging - thereby improving measurement precision without requiring completely separate systems.
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 approach significantly reduces the time required to acquire cell images, increasing the efficiency of the detection process and enabling the rapid analysis of cells like circulating tumor cells, thereby improving diagnostic capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
particles contained in a measurement specimen are irradiated with light, and the particles are detected
Implementation Method 2
particles contained in a measurement specimen are irradiated with light, and the particles are detected
Implementation Method 3
images of the particles are captured
Implementation Method 4
images of the particles in the measurement specimen flowing through the flow cell are captured
Data Source
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AI summary
A cell detection device and a cell detection method is provided with which it is possible to efficiently acquire images of cells to be measured. Cell detection device 10 comprises: flow cell 17 through which a measurement specimen that contains particles is caused to flow; particle detection part 20 for detecting the particles in the measurement specimen supplied to flow cell 17; particle sorting part 21 for sorting particles that satisfy a detection condition and other particles on the basis of the result of detection performed by particle detection part 20; specimen supply part 10a for supplying, to flow cell 17, an image-capture specimen that includes detection-condition-satisfying particles that have been sorted by particle sorting part 21; and particle-image-capture part 28 for capturing images of the particles in the sorted image-capture specimen supplied to flow cell 17.