Flow Cytometer Signal Processing Normalizes PMT Gain
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional flow cytometry devices experience fluctuations in output signals due to variations in detection characteristics, leading to inconsistent analysis results.
Innovation Solution
A signal processing method that acquires an output current signal from a photomultiplier tube, calculates an analysis evaluation value such as photon quantity or photoelectron quantity, and executes data analysis based on this value to reduce signal variations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a setting parameter such as supply voltage in the sensor is adjusted to suppress fluctuation of output signal, then signal stability is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates because light of the same incident intensity is detected as different output signal values depending on the degree of adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter used for analysis from raw output signal values to normalized values obtained by dividing by the gain. This parameter transformation allows the system to maintain signal stability through gain adjustment while preserving measurement precision by normalizing the results, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a feedback mechanism where the gain value is measured and used to normalize subsequent output signals. By continuously monitoring the gain and adjusting the normalization factor accordingly, the system maintains both signal stability and measurement precision across different operating conditions
2Reliability
If different adjustment degrees are applied to suppress signal fluctuation, then signal stability is improved, but analysis result consistency deteriorates because different analysis results occur depending on the degree of adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the analysis parameter from raw signal values to normalized values by dividing by the gain. This parameter change ensures that analysis results remain consistent across different adjustment degrees, as the normalization process compensates for variations in gain settings while maintaining signal stability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal analysis method that works consistently across different gain settings and sensor conditions. By using normalized values rather than raw signals, the system achieves universal analysis results that are independent of specific adjustment degrees, thus resolving the contradiction between signal stability and analysis result consistency
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 allows for quantitative analysis of signal light and reduces variations in flow cytometry analysis results, enhancing the reliability and consistency of data obtained.
Implementation Method 1
acquire an output current signal of the photomultiplier tube based on signal light generated by flow cytometry
Implementation Method 2
calculate an analysis evaluation value that is either a photon quantity of the signal light incident on the photomultiplier tube or a photoelectron quantity emitted from a photoelectric conversion unit of the photomultiplier tube by dividing a value of the first current signal by a gain of the photomultiplier tube
Data Source
AI summary
The data processing device is a signal processing device that processes outputs of photomultiplier tubes configuring a flow cytometer system and includes a processor, in which the processor is configured to acquire intensity signals of the photomultiplier tubes based on signal light generated by flow cytometry using the flow cytometer system, calculate a virtual photon quantity of the signal light incident on the photomultiplier tubes by dividing a digital value of the intensity signal by a gain of the photomultiplier tubes and signal light quantum efficiency, and execute data analysis based on the virtual photon quantity of the signal light.