Hyperspectral Imaging Apparatus for Molecular Sample Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current multiplexed measurement techniques in biomedical research face challenges in real-time analysis due to time constraints and the vast amount of data to be collected and processed, particularly in imaging apparatus implementations for analyzing multiple biologic molecules like circulating tumor cells and exosomes.
Innovation Solution
The development of high-speed hyperspectral imaging apparatuses capable of generating and processing hyperspectral images of molecular samples at rates of up to 12 billion data points per minute, utilizing advanced illumination systems, imaging spectrometers, and processing circuitry to achieve finer spectral resolution and efficient data acquisition and processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional multiplexed measurement techniques are used to analyze multiple biologic molecules, then comprehensive molecular analysis is achieved, but real-time analysis capability is lost due to time constraints and large data volume
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical scanning systems with a spatial light modulator (SLM) based optical system. The SLM dynamically controls light paths to illuminate multiple regions of interest simultaneously, enabling parallel data acquisition from multiple sample areas. This substitution of mechanical scanning with optical control achieves high-speed imaging at 12 billion data points per minute while maintaining comprehensive molecular analysis capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes hyperspectral imaging to add spectral dimension to the traditional spatial imaging. By capturing images across multiple wavelengths (400-700nm spectrum), the system obtains rich molecular information from each pixel. This dimensional expansion allows simultaneous analysis of multiple biologic molecules through their unique spectral signatures, achieving both high productivity and comprehensive analysis
2Measurement precision
If hyperspectral imaging with finer spectral resolution is used to image large numbers of labels, then crosstalk is mitigated and dynamic range is maximized, but data processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary spectral unmixing and label quantification during the image acquisition process itself, rather than as a separate post-processing step. The system uses reference spectra of known labels to decompose the hyperspectral data in real-time, separating overlapping spectral signals. This preliminary action reduces the complexity of subsequent data processing while maintaining high spectral resolution for accurate label differentiation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the hyperspectral data processing into distinct computational stages: spectral calibration, reference spectrum matching, unmixing decomposition, and label quantification. Each stage processes specific aspects of the data independently, reducing overall computational complexity. The segmentation allows parallel processing of different spectral regions and sample areas, managing the complexity of high-resolution spectral analysis
3Speed
If high-speed imaging at 12 billion data points per minute is implemented, then real-time analysis capability is achieved, but illumination requirements and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the spatial light modulator to deliver illumination locally only to the specific regions of interest in the sample, rather than uniformly illuminating the entire sample area. The SLM dynamically routes light to multiple selected regions simultaneously, concentrating illumination power where needed. This local quality approach achieves high imaging speed with reduced total energy consumption compared to full-field illumination
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs rapid sequential illumination of different spectral bands using the SLM, switching between wavelength regions in a periodic manner. This time-multiplexed illumination approach allows the system to capture hyperspectral data through multiple spectral bands at high speed while using lower peak power at each wavelength, reducing total energy requirements compared to simultaneous multi-wavelength illumination
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
Enables rapid, high-throughput analysis of multiple biologic molecules with reduced crosstalk and increased dynamic range, facilitating real-time diagnostics and research applications such as rapid cytometry, in-vitro diagnostics, and in-vivo imaging.
Implementation Method 1
absorption (e.g., absorption by oxyhemoglobin, deoxyhemoglobin, or melanin)
Implementation Method 2
fluorescence (fluorescent dyes, quantum dot, phosphors, or other nanoparticles)
Implementation Method 3
scattering (metal or other nanoparticle)
Implementation Method 4
The imaging spectrometer separates light emitted from the molecular sample into different component wavelengths
Data Source
AI summary
An example imaging apparatus comprises a light source, an imaging spectrometer, an image sensor, control circuitry, and processing circuitry. The light source generates power for delivery at a molecular sample, which can include at least 100 mW. The imaging spectrometer separates light emitted from the molecular sample into a plurality of different component wavelengths. The control circuitry causes the image sensor to scan one or more regions of the molecular sample while the imaging spectrometer is aligned with the image sensor and collects hyperspectral image data of the molecular sample from the light emitted that corresponds to the plurality of different component wavelengths. The processing circuitry performs an image processing pipeline by transforming the hyperspectral image data into data that is representative of a quantification of emitters, absorbers, and/or scatterers present in the one or more regions of the molecular sample.