Imaging Mass Spectrometry Peak Waveform Conversion for Signal Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional imaging mass spectrometry data processing devices often produce inaccurate two-dimensional intensity distribution images due to peak width variations and mass accuracy limitations, leading to signal intensity values from non-target compounds being included in the image creation process.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a peak waveform processor that applies centroid conversion or deconvolution processing to convert mountain-shaped peaks into rod-like or narrow peaks, ensuring that only signal intensity values within a predetermined allowable range corresponding to the target compound are used for image creation, thereby excluding signal intensity from peak hem regions which are often unstable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If intensity integration range is set to cover the width of the peak, then signal intensity value captures almost the entire peak, but signal intensity from non-target compounds is also included reducing accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the peak integration process into two distinct segments: (1) peak detection and characterization phase where peak parameters are identified, and (2) intensity integration phase where integration range is determined based on those parameters. This segmentation allows the system to first identify the target peak characteristics, then integrate only within the appropriate range, excluding non-target compounds while capturing the full target peak signal.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary peak detection and parameter identification before determining the integration range. By first identifying the peak's center position, width, and shape characteristics, the system can then calculate the appropriate integration range based on these pre-obtained parameters. This preliminary action ensures that the integration range is precisely tailored to each peak's actual characteristics rather than using a fixed range that may include non-target compounds.
2Ease of manufacture
If fixed integration range is used based on mass resolution, then processing is simple, but peak width variations cause inaccurate signal intensity values
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a static, fixed integration range approach to a dynamic approach where the integration range is adaptively determined for each peak based on its actual measured characteristics. The system calculates the integration range dynamically using the detected peak's center position, full width at half maximum (FWHM), and shape parameters. This dynamic adaptation ensures accurate signal intensity measurement for peaks of varying widths while maintaining processing efficiency through automated parameter-based calculation.
3Quantity of substance
If intensity integration range is expanded to cover peak width, then complete peak signal is captured, but signal from hem regions which are unstable is also included
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different quality standards to different regions of the peak by integrating signal intensity primarily from the central region of the peak rather than uniformly across the entire width. The integration range is determined based on peak parameters (center position, FWHM) to focus on the stable central region while excluding or minimizing inclusion of the unstable hem regions. This local quality approach prioritizes signal stability from reliable peak regions over complete capture of all signal including unstable portions.
Data Source
AI summary
A peak-waveform conversion processor detects a peak in a profile spectrum created based on data obtained in each micro area in a measurement area, and acquires a rod-like peak by performing centroid conversion processing on a waveform of the peak in a mountain shape. When receiving a precise m/z value Ma of a target compound and an allowable range ΔM of m/z, an image creator determines whether or not there is a rod-like peak in a range defined by “Ma±ΔM”, for each micro area. When there is a rod-like peak, a height value of the rod-like peak is defined as the signal intensity value of the target compound in the micro area. In contrast, when there is no rod-like peak in the range defined by “Ma±ΔM”, the signal intensity value of the target compound in the micro area is set to zero.