Holographic Particle Volume Estimation via Sphering Agents
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for estimating the volume of red blood cells, particularly in high concentrations, face challenges due to superimposed diffraction patterns, making accurate characterization difficult, and are limited by the need for precise orientation and positioning of cells.
Innovation Solution
A method involving sphering agents to modify the shape of red blood cells to spherical, combined with holographic propagation operators to calculate complex expressions of light waves, allowing for the estimation of representative volumes and dispersion of particles, enabling accurate volume estimation without requiring precise orientation or positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If diffraction patterns are used to estimate the volume of red blood cells, then volume estimation is possible, but the method becomes difficult to carry out with high concentration of red blood cells due to superimposed patterns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the complex superimposed diffraction pattern into individual cell contributions by detecting regions of interest corresponding to each cell and calculating diffraction patterns separately for each region, allowing accurate volume estimation even at high concentrations where patterns would otherwise overlap and become indistinguishable
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from analyzing two-dimensional images to three-dimensional volume estimation by calculating the diffraction pattern in the Fourier domain and integrating along the optical axis, effectively adding a depth dimension to resolve overlapping patterns and extract volumetric information
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional imaging methods are used to characterize particles, then individual particle morphology can be obtained, but precise orientation and positioning of cells is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical requirement for precise cell alignment and positioning with an optical-mathematical approach using diffraction pattern analysis in the Fourier domain, where volume information is extracted through computational integration rather than physical manipulation or precise positioning
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the analysis parameter from spatial position and orientation to diffraction pattern characteristics in the frequency domain, allowing volume estimation based on the intensity distribution and phase information of the diffraction pattern rather than the physical orientation or position of the cell
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 reliable and efficient estimation of mean or median volumes of red blood cells, even in high concentrations, by assuming sphericity and using complex image calculations, improving accuracy and reducing the need for precise cell alignment.
Implementation Method 1
a light source emitting an incident light wave propagating toward the sample along a propagation axis
Implementation Method 2
acquiring an image of the sample with the aid of an image sensor, the image being formed in a detection plane
Implementation Method 3
using the image of the sample, acquired during step b), and a propagation operator in order to calculate a complex expression of the exposure light wave at various distances from the detection plane
Data Source
AI summary
The invention is a method for estimating a representative volume of particles of interest (10i) immersed in a sample, the sample extending in at least one plane, referred to as the sample plane (P 10), the sample comprising a sphering agent, capable of modifying the shape of the particles, the method comprising the following steps: a) illuminating the sample by means of a light source (11), the light source emitting an incident light wave (12) propagating towards the sample (10) along a propagation axis (Z); b) acquiring, by means of an image sensor (16), an image (I 0) of the sample (10), formed in a detection plane (P 0), the sample being arranged between the light source (11) and the image sensor (16), each image being representative of a light wave (14) referred to as an exposure light wave, to which the image sensor (16) is exposed under the effect of illumination; c) using the image of the sample (I 0), acquired during step b), and a holographic propagation operator, to calculate a complex expression (A (x, y, z)) of the exposure light wave (14) in different positions relative to the detection plane; the method comprising a step of estimating the representative volume (AA) of the particles of interest (10i) depending on the complex expressions calculated during step c).