Counting Device with Time Measurement for Analysis Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current manual counting devices used in biological and medical analyses, such as those for malaria diagnosis, are inefficient due to the lack of integration of time measurement with incremental counting, leading to variability and errors in data collection, especially when counting multiple types of elements like leukocytes and parasites.
Innovation Solution
An electronic counting device that incorporates a time measurement system, allowing for the association of time data with each increment or decrement, using programmable microprocessor-type electronic circuits to store and calculate analysis results, thereby enhancing data accuracy and reducing operator variability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual counting is performed without time measurement integration, then operator flexibility is maintained, but data accuracy and reliability deteriorate due to operator variability and errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the counting function with time measurement function into a single integrated device. The microprocessor controls both the counting operation and the time measurement, storing both counting data and time data in the same memory system. This merging eliminates the need for separate manual timing operations while maintaining operator flexibility, thereby improving data accuracy without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical counting operations with an electronic microprocessor-based system. The microprocessor automatically records counting events and associates them with precise time measurements, eliminating human error in manual timing and counting. This substitution maintains ease of operation through simple button presses while dramatically improving measurement precision through automated electronic recording and time-stamping of each counting event.
2Reliability
If time measurement is integrated with counting, then data reliability improves through objective time-based stopping criteria, but ease of operation deteriorates due to additional functional complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs self-service by automatically calculating the stopping criterion based on the relationship between counting data and time data. The microprocessor continuously monitors the count rate and determines when the observation should stop based on pre-programmed criteria, eliminating the need for the operator to manually calculate or decide when to stop. This automation improves reliability by removing subjective judgment while keeping operation simple through automatic decision-making.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring both counting events and time passage, then using this combined information to automatically determine when stopping criteria are met. The microprocessor processes the relationship between the number of elements counted and the time elapsed, providing real-time feedback to the operator about the status of the observation and when it should conclude. This feedback loop ensures reliable, objective stopping decisions without complicating the operator's interaction with the device.
3Productivity
If multiple types of elements are counted simultaneously, then productivity increases through comprehensive data collection, but measurement precision deteriorates due to increased complexity in distinguishing and counting different element types
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by providing separate counting channels or counters for different types of elements. The microprocessor can independently track and store counting data for each element type, associating each count with its specific time stamp. This segmentation allows simultaneous counting of multiple element types while maintaining precise tracking of each category, improving productivity without sacrificing counting accuracy for any individual type.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention concerns a counting device (1) for counting elements (W, X, Y, Z) during an analysis consisting of recognising and counting at least one type (3w, 3x, 3y, 3z) of defined material element in a defined material medium (3), the counting of the elements of the defined type resulting from observations, in particular visual observations, of a human operator (2) in a predefined observation field (4) of the medium (3) that can contain said elements (W, X, Y, Z), said observations consisting, for the operator, of visually recognising the elements of the defined type or types and the counting consisting, for the operator, of incrementing (5, 5'), by one, a counter (10, 10') of the counting device for counting elements of the corresponding type each time an element of said defined type that has not yet been counted is recognised, said element counter comprising a means (5, 5') of incrementing per type of element. According to the invention, the counting device further comprises a means (9) for measuring time and means for combining at least one item of time data with the incrementations, the counting device comprising electronic circuits having a microprocessor programmed with memory for storing the counting data and time data. A calculation means makes it possible to use the incrementation and time data to determine a result of the analysis of said data by calculation.