Flow Analyzer Edge Detection for Imaging Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flow cytometers face challenges in accurately evaluating sample flow and particle location due to abnormalities in the imaging system, such as camera position changes or vibrations, which affect measurement accuracy and require time-consuming adjustments.
Innovation Solution
A flow analyzer system that includes a flash lamp, imaging section, evaluator, and output section, where the evaluator detects the edges of the flow cell from images taken by the imaging section and evaluates the sample flow based on the relationship between the detected edges and the predetermined width of the flow cell, allowing for accurate evaluation of particle size and location even with imaging position changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an imaging system is used to detect particles in a flow cell, then particle location and size can be analyzed, but measurement precision deteriorates when imaging position changes due to vibration or camera displacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a flow cell marker as an intermediary reference object with known position and dimensions. This marker serves as a stable reference frame that does not suffer from imaging system instability. By detecting the marker's position and using it to correct image coordinates, the system can compensate for camera displacement and vibration, thereby maintaining particle location detection accuracy despite imaging system changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by detecting the flow cell marker in each image and using this information to calculate correction values. These correction values are then applied to adjust the positions of detected particles. This closed-loop approach continuously compensates for imaging system drift, ensuring consistent measurement precision across varying imaging conditions.
2Measurement precision
If imaging system adjustment is performed to correct position deviations, then measurement accuracy can be maintained, but time and effort for adjustment increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-correction by automatically detecting the flow cell marker and calculating position compensation values without requiring manual intervention. The marker detection and coordinate transformation are performed automatically during the analysis process, eliminating the need for operators to manually adjust camera position or recalibrate the imaging system. This significantly reduces adjustment time while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow cell marker is pre-positioned in the flow cell at a known location before the actual measurement. This preliminary placement of the marker establishes a reference frame that will be used for automatic correction during analysis. By preparing this reference structure in advance, the system avoids the need for time-consuming on-the-fly calibration adjustments.
3Measurement precision
If the imaging section captures the entire flow cell width, then complete flow path information is obtained, but the imaging range must be precisely controlled to maintain accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The flow cell marker acts as an intermediary reference that spans a known portion of the flow cell width. By detecting the marker's position and size in the image, the system can calculate the relationship between the image scale and the actual flow cell dimensions. This allows the system to accurately determine flow path width even when the imaging range covers the entire flow cell, as the marker provides a known reference for scale calibration.
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 evaluation of sample flow and particle location, maintaining measurement precision despite imaging system abnormalities, and allows for automatic correction of sample flow parameters, enhancing the overall accuracy of particle analysis.
Implementation Method 1
a flash lamp configured to irradiate a flow cell having a flow path with flash light
Implementation Method 2
an imaging section configured to take images of the flow cell that is irradiated by the flash lamp
Data Source
AI summary
A flow analyzer includes a flash lamp configured to irradiate a flow cell having a flow path with flash light, the flow path having a predetermined width, an imaging section configured to take images of the flow cell that is irradiated by the flash lamp such that the predetermined width is included in an imaging range, an evaluator configured to detect edges indicating respective sides of the flow cell from an image of a fluid that is taken by the imaging section and to evaluate the fluid passing through the flow cell based on a relationship between a width between the detected edges and the predetermined width, and an output section configured to output a result of the evaluation by the evaluator.