Optical Reference Control for Blood Centrifuge Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current blood component separation technologies, such as centrifuges, face challenges in consistently and effectively separating white blood cells from platelets due to limitations in controlling particle separation and fluid flow dynamics, particularly in high-speed centrifuges where vibrations and motion complicate accurate image processing.
Innovation Solution
A blood component separation apparatus with a camera system that uses optical sensing and image processing to control fluid flow in a centrifugal separation device, employing a detection algorithm to stabilize image reference points and translate data between coordinate systems, allowing precise control of interface positions and fluid flow to separate blood components efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If high-speed centrifugal separation is used to separate blood components, then separation speed and productivity are improved, but vibrations and motion occur that complicate accurate image processing and control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical image stabilization mechanisms with an optical reference system. A camera captures images of the separation chamber, and software algorithms identify a known optical reference pattern in each image to determine chamber position and orientation. This computational approach substitutes for mechanical stabilization, allowing accurate imaging during high-speed centrifugal separation despite vibrations and motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an optical reference pattern (such as a coded aperture or fiducial marker) that creates a known visual copy or signature in the captured images. This reference pattern serves as a stable reference frame that can be identified and tracked across multiple images, enabling the system to compensate for chamber motion and maintain imaging accuracy during high-speed operation.
2Measurement precision
If optical sensing is used to control fluid flow and interface position, then measurement precision is improved, but the system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the camera system multi-functional: it serves both as an observation device for monitoring separation and as a measurement device for controlling interface position and fluid flow. The same optical sensor that captures images for visual monitoring also provides data for precise quantitative control, eliminating the need for separate measurement sensors and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback control system where the camera continuously monitors the separation chamber, the controller processes the images to determine interface position and fluid flow characteristics, and the system automatically adjusts pump speeds or rotor speed based on this information. This closed-loop feedback enables precise control while keeping the system architecture relatively simple by using the existing camera infrastructure for both monitoring and control functions.
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
The apparatus achieves reliable and precise separation of blood components by stabilizing image reference points and controlling fluid flow, enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of separating white blood cells from platelets and other components, even in high-speed centrifuges prone to vibrations.
Implementation Method 1
A camera control system for use with a centrifugal separation device... uses optical sensing and image processing
Implementation Method 2
a centrifuge rotates a blood separation vessel to separate components within the vessel or reservoir using centrifugal force
Implementation Method 3
centrifugal force stratifies the blood components, so that particular components may be separately removed
Data Source
AI summary
A density centrifuge blood processing system with automatic two-dimensional optical control of fluid separation by observing fluid characteristics in observation regions. The location of the regions is determined by monitoring an optical reference. Points representing edges of an optical reference are measured and lines are computed through the points. An error measurement is calculated for each line. If the error is too large, the image is abandoned. One of the lines is selected as a referent line. A new line is calculated orthogonal to the referent line. The error function is again computed for the dependant line. If the error exceeds a selected maximum, the frame is discarded. A transformation function translates data points from an (r, s) domain derived from measurements of the edges into an (x, y) domain used to identify pixels in the observation areas.