Multi-Laser Cell Analysis Apparatus for Rotation-Resistant Classification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cell classification methods using a single laser beam struggle with accurate classification due to cell movement and rotation, limiting the number of cell types that can be classified and resulting in reduced efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A cell analysis apparatus utilizing multiple laser generators and photodetectors to irradiate cells with first laser beams of different frequencies at various angles, collecting and analyzing the resulting second laser beams for three-dimensional distribution to enhance classification accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single laser beam is used for cell classification, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement precision and classification accuracy deteriorate due to cell rotation and movement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidclassification accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The single laser beam is segmented into multiple laser beams with different wavelengths (e.g., first wavelength and second wavelength). Each wavelength provides different scattering characteristics, enabling more comprehensive cell classification and compensating for cell rotation effects.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The classification system transitions from two-dimensional (single wavelength, single scattering angle) to three-dimensional measurement by adding wavelength as a new dimension. Multiple wavelengths provide additional measurement dimensions that help distinguish cells even when rotation changes the scattering angle distribution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Device complexity

If a single laser beam is used for cell classification, then the device complexity is low, but the productivity and classification efficiency deteriorate due to limited cell type classification capability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidclassification efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The classification capability is segmented across multiple wavelengths, where each wavelength targets specific cell type characteristics. This enables parallel classification of multiple cell types simultaneously, improving productivity without proportionally increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The multi-wavelength laser system provides universal classification capability for various cell types (e.g., lymphocytes, granulocytes, monocytes) using a single integrated apparatus, rather than requiring separate systems for different cell types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Device complexity

If a unidirectional laser is used for cell classification, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to limited scattering angle information

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidscattering angle measurement precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system adds wavelength as an additional measurement dimension, transforming from single-wavelength multi-angle measurement to multi-wavelength multi-angle measurement. This provides redundant information that compensates for limitations in angular measurement when cells rotate.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 accurate classification of cells into various types, even with cell rotation, and distinguishes between cells of the same shape by analyzing the three-dimensional distribution of second laser beams, significantly improving classification accuracy and efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a plurality of photodetectors, installed around the one measurement point, and configured to collect a second laser beam, which is generated as the first laser beam irradiated from the laser generators is incident on cells and then refracted, reflected, transmitted, or fluoresced

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Implementation Method 2

a plurality of photodetectors, installed around the one measurement point, and configured to collect a second laser beam, which is generated as the first laser beam irradiated from the laser generators is incident on cells and then refracted, reflected, transmitted, or fluoresced

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 3

a plurality of photodetectors, installed around the one measurement point, and configured to collect a second laser beam, which is generated as the first laser beam irradiated from the laser generators is incident on cells and then refracted, reflected, transmitted, or fluoresced

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluorescence: Fluorescence

Implementation Method 4

collecting a distribution of scattered light according to a light scattering effect caused by the components of the cells, such as the nuclei, as the light passes through the cells

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight scattering: Scattering

Data Source

PatentEP3330367B1Cell analysis apparatus using plurality of lasers
Publication Date: 2024.07.31 THE CATHOLIC UNIV OF KOREA IND ACADEMIC COOP FOUND
  • EP3330367B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3330367B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3330367B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Provided is a light scattering cell classification technology which can classify cells into various types and at the same time classify cells with very high accuracy despite the rotation of the cells. A cell analysis apparatus using a plurality of lasers, according to an embodiment of the present invention, comprises: a plurality of laser generators which are installed around a movement path through which cells to be classified are moved, and which irradiate laser beams at one measurement point on the movement path at different angles; a plurality of photodetectors, installed around the one measurement point, which collect a second laser beam, which is a laser beam generated as the laser beams irradiated from the laser generators are incident on the cells and then scattered; and a cell analysis unit which classifies the cells to be classified according to the second laser beam collected by the photodetectors.