Color-Coded Spatial Modulation Filter for Flow Cytometry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current techniques for analyzing moving objects, such as in flow cytometry, face challenges with signal-to-noise ratio issues, cost of reagents, and the need for complex optical alignment, which limits their use in field clinics and other applications.
Innovation Solution
The use of filter arrangements that provide different transmission functions along an object's path, allowing for time variation in emanating light that encodes information about the object, enabling spectral characterization and identification of objects with improved spatial resolution and photon flux.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional flow cytometry techniques are used to analyze moving objects, then spectral characterization can be achieved, but signal-to-noise ratio deteriorates and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the detection system into discrete sensor elements arranged in an array, where each element captures light from a specific spatial position. This segmentation allows spectral information to be obtained through spatial encoding rather than complex optical path splitting, reducing alignment complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the spectral measurement problem from a wavelength-domain challenge into a spatial-domain solution by using a two-dimensional sensor array. One dimension captures spatial position along the flow path, while the other captures spectral information through color-filtered detection, eliminating the need for complex moving parts and alignment mechanisms.
2Measurement precision
If conventional flow cytometry techniques are used to analyze moving objects, then spectral information can be obtained, but signal-to-noise ratio deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple detection functions into a single integrated sensor array system. By merging spatial encoding, spectral filtering, and photon detection into one unified structure, the system achieves better signal collection efficiency and improved signal-to-noise ratio compared to conventional separate optical paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables continuous detection of objects as they flow through the channel by using a linear array of sensors that continuously capture light emissions. This continuous action improves signal accumulation and averaging, enhancing the signal-to-noise ratio compared to discrete or intermittent measurement approaches.
3Measurement precision
If filter arrangements with different transmission functions are used along an object's path, then spectral characterization is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses color filters that create simplified spectral copies or representations of the full spectrum at each sensor element. Instead of requiring complex dispersive optics to separate all wavelengths, the system uses filtered copies of the emission spectrum that are sufficient for identification, reducing device complexity while maintaining characterization accuracy.
4Ease of operation
If conventional techniques are used for field clinic applications, then object analysis can be performed, but cost of reagents increases and ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs detectors with inherent spectral sensitivity (color sensors) that do not require expensive fluorescent reagents or complex staining protocols. The system detects intrinsic optical properties of objects, eliminating or reducing reagent costs while maintaining ease of operation for field clinic applications.
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 enhances the ability to distinguish between objects based on their spectral characteristics, reduces the need for costly reagents, and simplifies the detection process, making it suitable for point-of-care devices and field applications.
Implementation Method 1
one or more mask arrangements configured to receive at least part of the emanating light and in response, provide encoded emanating light
Implementation Method 2
at least one of the one or more light transmissive portions is configured to receive excitation light and provide the received excitation light, and wherein excitation light enters the channel and interacts with an object resulting in emanating light
Data Source
AI summary
A filter arrangement can transmit and/or reflect light emanating from a moving object so that the emanating light has time variation, and the time variation can include information about the object, such as its type. For example, emanating light from segments of a path can be transmitted/reflected through positions of a filter assembly, and the transmission functions of the positions can be sufficiently different that time variation occurs in the emanating light between segments. Or emanating light from a segment can be transmitted/reflected through a filter component in which simpler transmission functions are superimposed, so that time variation occurs in the emanating light in accordance with superposition of two simpler non-uniform transmission functions. Many filter arrangements could be used, e.g. the filter component could include the filter assembly, which can have one of the simpler non-uniform transmission functions. Time-varying waveforms from sensing results can be compared to obtain spectral differences.