Flow Cytometer Circuitry for Pulse Waveform Peak Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flow cytometry methods, such as the slit scanning and critical slope difference methods, are limited in their ability to easily acquire and identify particle information due to the need for specialized equipment and complex procedures, and can only measure objects with specific pulse waveform shapes.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a flow cytometer and circuitry that generates data indicative of a pulse waveform corresponding to a fluorescence signal, allowing for the identification of peak position information and determination of biological characteristics based on this information, enabling the analysis of biological samples with varying pulse waveforms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the slit scanning method is used to improve resolution, then identification performance is improved for limited objects, but specialized laser system equipment is required and the method is complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical/optical systems (slit scanning apparatus, specialized laser systems) with signal processing methods. Instead of physically scanning slits through the sample, the invention uses digital signal processing techniques to analyze pulse waveform characteristics, thereby achieving high-resolution identification without specialized mechanical equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the approach from spatial resolution (physical slit scanning) to temporal/shape analysis (pulse waveform characteristics). By analyzing parameters such as pulse width, area, height, and shape features, the system achieves improved identification performance without requiring specialized optical equipment
2Loss of information
If the critical slope difference method is used to measure particles, then particle information can be obtained, but the procedure is complicated and only objects with basically the same pulse waveform shape can be measured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal measurement method that can handle various particle types with different pulse waveform shapes. Instead of requiring predetermined slope difference points specific to each particle type, the invention uses general-purpose signal processing techniques that automatically adapt to different waveform characteristics, making the method applicable to diverse biological samples
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement system automatically identifies relevant features from the pulse waveforms without requiring manual intervention to determine slope difference points. The algorithm self-adjusts to extract meaningful information from varying waveform shapes, eliminating the need for operators to pre-determine measurement points for each particle type
3Loss of information
If the critical slope difference method is used, then particle measurement is possible, but only objects with basically the same pulse waveform shape can be measured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent develops a universal analysis framework that processes pulse waveforms of varying shapes through standardized signal processing steps. The method extracts multiple characteristics (area, height, width, shape factors) that can identify different particle types, making the system versatile for measuring diverse biological samples without requiring shape-matched reference data
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 facilitates the easy acquisition and identification of particle information that is difficult with existing methods, allowing for the analysis of biological samples with complex pulse waveforms without the need for specialized equipment, and provides detailed biological characteristics.
Implementation Method 1
scattered light or fluorescent light obtained by emitting a laser beam to particles
Data Source
AI summary
According to some aspects, a system that includes a flow cytometer and circuitry is provided. The flow cytometer is configured to generate data indicative of a pulse waveform corresponding to a fluorescence signal of a biological sample. The circuitry is configured to determine peak position information of the pulse waveform by identifying at least one peak of the pulse waveform and determine at least one biological characteristic of the biological sample based on the peak position information.