Cell Hologram Augmentation for Accurate Flow Cytometry Identification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for identifying cells using three-dimensional image capturing are cumbersome and time-consuming, and imaging flow cytometers struggle to capture images of flowing cells while changing focal positions, limiting the preparation of many images needed for effective cell identification.

Innovation Solution

A method that generates a learning model by increasing the number of holograms through varying focal positions and adding or removing aberrations, allowing for appropriate cell identification even when many images are not available in advance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If three-dimensional image capturing methods are used to correctly identify cells, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases and time consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecell identification accuracyVSAvoidoptical system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses digital holography to create a digital copy of the cell's three-dimensional information. Instead of using complex optical systems to physically capture three-dimensional images, the invention captures a two-dimensional hologram that can be computationally reconstructed into three-dimensional images, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex mechanical/optical three-dimensional imaging systems with a computational approach. By using digital hologram reconstruction algorithms, the system substitutes physical optical complexity with computational processing, achieving three-dimensional cell identification without cumbersome optical equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If three-dimensional image capturing is used to identify cells, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases due to image reconstruction

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecell identification accuracyVSAvoidimage reconstruction time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary action by capturing the digital hologram that contains all necessary three-dimensional information in a single shot. The hologram is recorded with pre-encoded phase and amplitude information that can be rapidly reconstructed, avoiding the need for time-consuming sequential focusing or multiple image captures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces time-consuming mechanical focusing adjustments with computational hologram reconstruction. Instead of physically moving the focal plane through multiple positions, the system uses digital signal processing to reconstruct three-dimensional images from a single holographic record, dramatically reducing time loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If imaging flow cytometer changes focal position to capture three-dimensional images, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity decreases due to inability to continuously capture flowing cells

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethree-dimensional cell imagingVSAvoidcell capture rate
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a digital copy of three-dimensional cell information through holography. By recording the interference pattern of reference light and object light, the system captures complete three-dimensional data in a single two-dimensional hologram, eliminating the need to stop cell flow for focal adjustments and maintaining high productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary action by encoding all three-dimensional information into a single holographic record during cell flow. The digital hologram contains pre-stored phase and amplitude information that enables subsequent rapid reconstruction of three-dimensional images without interrupting the continuous cell stream, thus maintaining high productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 cell identification by generating a more appropriate learning model using machine learning with augmented holograms, improving identification accuracy and efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

an acquisition step for model generation of acquiring a hologram for model generation in which an image of a cell is captured

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHolography:

Data Source

PatentEP3965070B1Learning model generation method, identification method, learning model generation system, identification system, learning model generation program, identification program, and recording medium
Publication Date: 2025.12.03 HAMAMATSU PHOTONICS KK
  • EP3965070B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3965070B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2D
  • EP3965070B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The method includes an acquisition step for model generation of acquiring a hologram for model generation in which an image of a cell is captured and which is used to generate a learning model, a generation step for model generation of generating a new hologram for model generation having a different focal position from the acquired hologram for model generation and increasing the number of holograms for model generation, and a learning model generation step of generating a learning model by performing machine learning using the increased holograms for model generation.