Flow Cytometry Sensing Using Time-Varying Waveforms
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current flow cytometry techniques face challenges in obtaining accurate and cost-effective sensing results for moving objects, particularly in detecting weakly fluorescing cells due to high costs, bulky devices, and signal-to-noise ratio issues, which limit their application in field clinics and other settings.
Innovation Solution
The development of techniques that provide sensing results indicating time-varying waveforms in response to objects with relative motion, achieved through non-periodic and superposition time-varying sensing patterns, and cell-group sensing patterns, allowing for robust sensing and potential spectral characterization of particles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional flow cytometry techniques are used to detect moving objects, then sensing results can be obtained, but the device becomes bulky and expensive with poor signal-to-noise ratio
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the sensing function into discrete sensing elements arranged in specific patterns (non-periodic and superposition patterns) rather than using a conventional bulk flow cytometry device. This segmentation allows the system to achieve detection accuracy while reducing device complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces time-varying sensing patterns as an additional dimension to the sensing process. By modulating the sensing elements in time according to specific patterns, the system enhances measurement precision for moving objects without requiring more complex spatial arrangements or expensive equipment.
2Measurement precision
If conventional flow cytometry techniques are used, then sensing results can be obtained, but the cost of reagents and equipment becomes prohibitively high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs inexpensive sensing elements that can be manufactured at low cost and potentially disposed of or reused, eliminating the need for expensive conventional flow cytometry equipment. The sensing elements are arranged in patterns that provide accurate detection without requiring costly infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the complex mechanical and optical systems of conventional flow cytometry with a simpler sensing element array that uses time-varying patterns to achieve the same detection function, significantly reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining measurement precision.
3Measurement precision
If conventional sensing techniques are used for weakly fluorescing cells, then detection is attempted, but the signal-to-noise ratio becomes too low for accurate detection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses time-varying sensing patterns that periodically modulate the sensing elements. This periodic action allows the system to distinguish weak signals from noise by comparing signals acquired during different phases of the pattern, thereby improving signal quality and reducing detection difficulty for weakly fluorescing cells.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a sensing system that uses the time-varying patterns to create feedback mechanisms, where the response from sensing elements is processed to enhance weak signals. The patterned sensing allows for signal differentiation and noise rejection, improving the ability to detect weakly fluorescing cells with high signal quality.
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
These techniques enable improved spatial resolution and cost-effective detection of weakly emitting cells, reducing the need for expensive reagents and maintaining high signal quality, making them suitable for field clinics and other applications.
Implementation Method 1
A sensing component includes a set of cells that photosense a range of photon energies that emanate from objects
Data Source
AI summary
In response to objects having relative motion within an encoding/sensing region relative to an encoder/sensor that, e.g., photosenses emanating light or performs impedance-based sensing, sensing results can indicate sensed time-varying waveforms with information about the objects, about their relative motion, about excitation characteristics, about environmental characteristics, and so forth. An encoder/sensor can include, for example, a non-periodic arrangement of sensing elements; a longitudinal sequence of sensing elements with a combined sensing pattern that approximates a superposition or scaled superposition of simpler sensing patterns; and/or IC-implemented sensing elements that include photosensing arrays on ICs and readout/combine circuitry that reads out photosensed quantities from cells in groups in accordance with cell-group sensing patterns and combines the readout photosensed quantities to obtain the sensing results. Objects can move fluidically as in flow cytometry, through scanning movement as in document scanning, or in other ways.