Dynamic Threshold Generation for Immunoassay Particle Counting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing analysis threshold generation methods for immunoassays, such as ELISA, face challenges in maintaining accuracy due to fluctuations in counting results caused by constant pulse amplitude and width settings, leading to inconsistent analysis of the same sample.
Innovation Solution
An analysis threshold generation device and method that dynamically adjusts pulse width or amplitude thresholds based on real-time count values, using an optical pickup to irradiate and scan an analysis substrate, and a threshold calculation unit to generate new thresholds until a predetermined count is reached, ensuring accurate detection of particles bound to antigens or antibodies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If constant thresholds for pulse amplitude and width are set, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to fluctuating counting results
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static threshold setting into a dynamic adaptive process. The threshold calculation unit automatically adjusts pulse amplitude and width thresholds based on real-time signal characteristics and count values, allowing the system to adapt to variations in particle properties and optical conditions without manual intervention, thereby maintaining high measurement precision while avoiding complex manual threshold configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the count value obtained from particle detection is fed back to the threshold calculation unit. This feedback loop allows the system to continuously optimize thresholds based on actual detection results, improving measurement precision by adjusting thresholds according to the specific sample being analyzed rather than using fixed constant values
2Measurement precision
If dynamic threshold adjustment is implemented, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional calculation and control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the system to perform self-optimization of detection thresholds. The threshold calculation unit automatically determines appropriate thresholds based on the detected signal characteristics and count values without requiring external intervention or complex manual configuration, allowing the system to self-adjust and maintain optimal performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameters (pulse amplitude and width thresholds) dynamically based on the analyzed sample characteristics. Rather than using fixed parameters, the system adjusts these parameters in response to variations in particle properties, optical conditions, and count values, thereby improving measurement precision across different sample types while managing complexity through algorithmic rather than hardware-based solutions
3Reliability
If repeated threshold generation is performed, then the reliability of analysis is improved, but the productivity decreases due to extended analysis time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary threshold calculations and adjustments before final particle counting. The threshold calculation unit pre-determines optimal thresholds based on initial signal characteristics, allowing the main counting process to proceed efficiently with reliable, pre-optimized parameters rather than requiring repeated iterative adjustments during actual analysis
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 stabilizes the analysis by continuously adjusting thresholds, reducing variability and improving the accuracy of particle counting, thereby enhancing the reliability of immunoassay results.
Implementation Method 1
an optical pickup configured to irradiate an analysis substrate with an irradiation light and receive a reflection light of the irradiation light from the analysis substrate
Data Source
AI summary
An analysis threshold generation device includes a threshold calculation unit for generating a pair of thresholds for a pulse width of a pulse included in a light reception level signal or a pair of thresholds for a pulse amplitude of the pulse. The analysis threshold generation device includes a threshold correction unit for generating a pair of thresholds used for analysis in accordance with the pair of thresholds generated by the threshold calculation unit and a count value output from a pulse count unit. The threshold calculation unit repeatedly generates a new pair of thresholds in which at least one of the pair of thresholds is changed every time the pulse count unit counts the pulse until reaching a predetermined value.