Biological Fluid Analyser Cell Classification via Multi-Plane Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current biological fluid analysis methods face challenges in accurately differentiating cell types due to limitations in optics quality, cost, and magnification, leading to insufficient detail in cell images.
Innovation Solution
A biological fluid analyser configured to obtain image data from multiple image planes of a biological fluid sample using different incident light settings, allowing for improved cell classification by combining primary and secondary image data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If better quality optics and magnification are used to obtain more detailed cell images, then cell differentiation accuracy is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from analyzing single 2D image planes to utilizing multiple 3D image planes stacked in the z-direction. By capturing images at different focal depths and combining them, the system achieves superior cell differentiation accuracy without requiring expensive high-magnification optics, effectively adding a dimensional approach to overcome optical limitations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the imaging parameter from single-plane to multi-plane capture, acquiring images at different z-heights and focal settings. This parameter change allows the system to reconstruct detailed cell information through computational methods rather than relying solely on expensive optical hardware upgrades
2Measurement precision
If higher magnification is used to observe more cell details, then cell classification quality is improved, but the number of cells that can be imaged decreases
Solution Approach 1:
By extending imaging into the z-dimension with multiple stacked image planes, the system maintains high classification quality while effectively increasing the sampling volume. This allows more cells to be captured across different focal depths without sacrificing the detail needed for accurate classification
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the imaging process into multiple discrete image planes at different z-heights, each capturing a subset of cells at optimal focus. This segmentation allows the system to process and classify cells from multiple planes, thereby increasing the total number of cells imaged while maintaining high classification quality for each plane
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
The method provides more accurate and precise cell classification, enabling the differentiation of cell types such as white blood cells with higher accuracy, even with limited equipment quality and cost.
Implementation Method 1
The first incident light setting may optionally have a first angular light distribution. The second incident light setting may optionally have a second angular light distribution.
Data Source
AI summary
A biological fluid analyser is disclosed. The biological fluid analyser is configured to obtain image data of one or more image planes of an image stack in a prepared biological fluid sample. The image data comprises first image data associated with a first image plane. To obtain the first image data comprises to obtain first primary image data of the first image plane. The first primary image data is associated with a first incident light setting. The first incident light setting has a first angular light distribution. To obtain the first image data comprises to obtain first secondary image data of the first image plane. The first secondary image data is associated with a second incident light setting. The second incident light setting has a second angular light distribution. The biological fluid analyser is configured to classify, based on the first primary image data and the first secondary image data, a cell in the prepared biological fluid sample for provision of a cell parameter associated with the cell.