Microparticle Flow Path Alignment Without Consuming Rare Cells
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microparticle sorting technologies require the use of non-target microparticles for position adjustment, which is undesirable when rare or expensive cells are involved, necessitating a reduction in the number of such particles used for flow path and light irradiation position alignment.
Innovation Solution
A method involving imaging, movement, and adjustment of the flow path based on focus indexes to align the flow path and light irradiation position without requiring microparticle flow, using autofocus functions and laser light for precise positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If microparticles are used for position adjustment of flow path and light irradiation, then alignment accuracy is improved, but the number of microparticles consumed increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an optical image (copy) of the flow path structure instead of actual microparticles for position adjustment. The imaging unit captures the flow path geometry, and the control unit uses this image data to calculate and adjust the light irradiation position, eliminating the need to consume microparticles during the alignment process while maintaining alignment accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical approach of using physical microparticles for alignment with an optical-field-based approach. Instead of manipulating physical particles to determine position, the system uses optical imaging to visualize the flow path and computationally determines the alignment, substituting mechanical particle manipulation with optical detection and computational analysis
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional position adjustment methods are used, then flow path alignment is achieved, but valuable rare cells are wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs position adjustment and alignment operations before the actual microparticle analysis begins. By using optical imaging to pre-determine the light irradiation position based on the flow path geometry, the system eliminates the need to use rare microparticles during the alignment process, thereby preventing loss of valuable samples before the actual measurement starts
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates an optical copy or image of the flow path structure and uses this digital representation for all alignment calculations and position adjustments. This copying approach allows multiple adjustment iterations without consuming any physical microparticles, preserving rare cells for the actual analysis phase
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
Reduces the number of microparticles needed for position adjustment, enabling accurate alignment of flow paths for microparticle sorting and analysis, thereby conserving valuable samples.
Implementation Method 1
an imaging step of imaging, while moving a flow path through which a microparticle is able to flow in an optical axis direction, the flow path in a plurality of positions in the optical axis direction
Implementation Method 2
a movement step of moving the flow path in the optical axis direction on the basis of a focus index for each of a plurality of images acquired at the imaging step
Implementation Method 3
using autofocus functions and laser light for precise positioning
Data Source
AI summary
To provide an adjusting method of a positional relationship between a flow path position and a light irradiation position.The present technology provides a position adjusting method provided with an imaging step of imaging, while moving a flow path through which a microparticle is able to flow in an optical axis direction, the flow path in a plurality of positions in the optical axis direction, a movement step of moving the flow path in the optical axis direction on the basis of a focus index for each of a plurality of images acquired at the imaging step, and an adjustment step of specifying a feature position of the flow path from an image of the flow path in a position after movement at the movement step, and adjusting a positional relationship between the feature position and a reference position in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction.