Dual-Measurement Sample Analyzer For Cell Classification

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cell classification and counting methods in hematology tests rely solely on a particular measurement principle, leading to inaccuracies in test results.

Innovation Solution

A sample analyzer that incorporates a first and second measurement unit with different measurement principles, utilizing a first illumination light with a single beam spot and a second illumination light with diffracted light patterns, along with a controller to generate analysis results from both units.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single measurement principle is used for cell classification and counting, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision and reliability of test results deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidmeasurement precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple measurement units (first measurement unit with single beam spot illumination and second measurement unit with distributed light illumination) into a single sample analyzer system. This merging of different measurement principles allows the system to achieve higher measurement precision and reliability while maintaining manageable device complexity through integrated design and shared components such as the flow cell and sample delivery system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If multiple measurement units with different principles are incorporated, then the reliability of test results is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovereliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The flow cell and sample delivery system serve multiple functions by being shared between the first and second measurement units. This universal design reduces the overall device complexity despite having multiple measurement units, as the same physical components perform measurement tasks for both illumination systems without requiring separate dedicated structures for each function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The controller dynamically selects which measurement unit to use based on the specific analysis requirements and sample characteristics. This dynamic operation mode allows the system to optimize reliability for each measurement task while managing complexity by activating only the necessary measurement units rather than requiring all units to be physically present and operational simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If a single illumination method is used, then the ease of operation is maintained, but the measurement precision of cell classification deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidmeasurement precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The controller automatically selects and switches between the first and second measurement units based on pre-established criteria and sample characteristics, eliminating the need for manual intervention to choose measurement methods. This self-service operation maintains ease of use while improving measurement precision through automated optimization of the measurement principle selection process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

Provides test results that are not solely dependent on a single measurement principle, improving accuracy by leveraging multiple measurement techniques to classify and count cells effectively.

Implementation Method 1

a second illumination light with a plurality of distributed lights generated by diffracting the light using the diffractive optical element (215)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDiffraction: Diffraction

Data Source

PatentEP4641169A1Sample analyzer
Publication Date: 2025.10.29 SYSMEX CORP
  • EP4641169A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4641169A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4641169A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Disclosed is a sample analyzer that analyzes cells in a sample collected from a subject includes a first measurement unit configured to interrogate cells passing through at least one beam spot of a first illumination light to obtain first light information, a second measurement unit configured to interrogate cells passing through an irradiation area of a second illumination light to obtain second light information, wherein the second illumination light includes a plurality of distributed lights generated by diffracting a light using a diffractive optical element, and a controller configured to generate a cell analysis result based on one of (1) a first analysis result based on the first light information, (2) a second analysis result based on the second light information, and (3) the first analysis result and the second analysis result.