Microparticle Analysis via Multi-Orientation Transmission Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current microparticle analysis methods are limited by the need for pretreatment, which can damage particles and reduce analysis accuracy, and existing devices do not effectively capture detailed information about microparticles without labeling.
Innovation Solution
A microparticle measuring device with a liquid feed pipe, multiple image capturing units positioned to capture transmission images from different orientations, and an analyzing unit that estimates particle shapes, volumes, and types based on these images, allowing for accurate analysis without labeling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If pretreatment with labeled samples is performed to make target microparticles distinguishable, then microparticle identification capability is improved, but particle damage occurs and analysis accuracy is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical/chemical pretreatment methods (labeling, bonding) with optical measurement methods. Multiple image capturing units capture transmission images of microparticles from different directions, and analyzing units process these images to identify and characterize microparticles without physical contact or chemical modification, thereby avoiding particle damage while maintaining identification capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates optical copies (images) of microparticles through transmission imaging from multiple directions. These image copies contain sufficient information for particle identification and characterization without requiring physical modification of the original particles. The analyzing units process these optical copies to extract particle features
2Measurement precision
If multiple image capturing units are added to capture transmission images from different orientations, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the measurement function into multiple independent image capturing units, each capturing images from a specific orientation. This segmentation allows each unit to be relatively simple in structure while the collective system achieves high measurement precision through multi-directional data acquisition. The analyzing units independently process images from each capturing unit
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs image capturing units that can serve multiple purposes: each unit captures transmission images for particle identification, contributes to three-dimensional shape reconstruction when combined with other units, and provides redundant measurement capability. This multi-functionality justifies the addition of multiple units while maximizing their utility
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 accurate analysis of microparticles with increased precision by capturing transmission images from multiple directions and using statistical techniques, machine learning, or pattern recognition, improving the identification of particle types and differentiation degrees without damaging the particles.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of image capturing units that are disposed in mutually different orientations with respect to the liquid feed pipe when viewed in a cross section orthogonal to a flowing direction of the liquid sample in the liquid feed pipe and that are configured to capture transmission images of the microparticles contained in the liquid sample
Data Source
AI summary
There are provided a microparticle measuring device capable of analyzing microparticles with increased accuracy and a microparticle analysis method. According to a microparticle measuring device 1, transmission images of microparticles in the liquid sample are captured by a plurality of image capturing units that are disposed in mutually different orientations with respect to a liquid feed pipe when viewed in a cross section orthogonal to the flowing direction of a liquid sample in the liquid feed pipe, and the microparticles are analyzed by an analyzing unit on the basis of the transmission images.