Fluid Stream Imaging for Drop Delay Prediction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current flow cytometry systems face challenges in accurately determining the drop delay for precise sorting of particles due to manual and time-intensive trial-and-error methods, and existing imaging systems lack real-time monitoring capabilities, leading to inefficiencies and inaccuracies in sorting decisions.
Innovation Solution
A fluid stream imaging apparatus that includes a fluid delivery system with a nozzle and oscillator, an excitation energy source, an optical system for manipulating the image aspect ratio, and a high-resolution sensing element to capture and process images of the fluid stream in real-time, enabling precise determination of the drop delay and break-off point.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual trial-and-error protocols are used to determine drop delay, then the system can operate with simple equipment, but the time required to determine accurate drop delay increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment and observation methods with an automated optical imaging system. A camera captures images of the fluid stream at controlled intervals, and image processing algorithms automatically determine drop delay and break-off point locations, eliminating the need for manual trial-and-error protocols while significantly reducing determination time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates visual copies of the fluid stream through imaging. By capturing images of the actual fluid stream and processing these images to identify break-off points and calculate drop delay, the system obtains precise measurements without physically interfering with the stream or requiring repeated manual adjustments.
2Device complexity
If a single camera is used to image the fluid stream, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision of drop delay decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent addresses the limitation of a single camera by utilizing the temporal dimension through controlled strobe illumination. By varying the strobe timing and capturing multiple images at different time points, the system extracts precise spatial and temporal information about droplet formation and break-off points, achieving high measurement precision without adding multiple cameras.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic strobe illumination timing to capture different phases of droplet formation with a single camera. By dynamically adjusting the strobe timing relative to the oscillator frequency, the system can visualize and measure various stages of the fluid stream evolution, enabling accurate drop delay determination without increasing hardware complexity.
3Measurement precision
If multiple cameras are used to monitor different portions of the fluid stream, then the measurement precision improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes a single camera system perform multiple functions that would otherwise require separate devices. The same camera and image processing system that determines drop delay also identifies break-off point location, measures stream characteristics, and provides real-time monitoring, eliminating the need for multiple specialized cameras while maintaining comprehensive measurement capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous real-time monitoring using a single camera system with rapid sequential imaging. By continuously capturing images and processing them to track droplet formation dynamics, the system maintains ongoing surveillance of the fluid stream without the gaps or coordination requirements that would arise from using multiple cameras.
4Loss of information
If the camera traverses the fluid stream to capture multiple images, then a composite image can be produced, but the productivity of real-time monitoring decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic strobe illumination synchronized with the oscillator frequency to capture images at critical moments in the droplet formation cycle. This periodic sampling approach captures essential information about the fluid stream at regular intervals, providing complete monitoring data without requiring continuous camera traversal or mechanical movement, thereby maintaining real-time productivity.
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 system allows for accurate and real-time monitoring of the fluid stream, enabling precise sorting actions by predicting the drop delay and adjusting parameters such as the location of the break-off point, improving the precision and efficiency of particle sorting.
Implementation Method 1
an excitation energy source for interrogating the fluid stream at an inspection zone
Implementation Method 2
an optical system for manipulating the aspect ratio of an image of the fluid stream
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid stream imaging apparatus having either optics for manipulating the aspect ratio or sensing elements configured for manipulating the aspect ratio of an image of the fluid stream. This application may also relate to a system for acquiring images of a portion of a fluid stream at high speeds for image processing to measure and predict droplet delays for individual forming particles.