Optical Sectioning for 3D Quality Analysis of Freely Swimming Spermatozoa
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sperm quality determination methods are limited by 2D confinement, restricted field of view, and trade-offs between resolution and number of sperm analyzed, failing to provide comprehensive 3D morphological and dynamic features of freely swimming spermatozoa.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing non-point scanning optical sectioning microscopy for simultaneous imaging of multiple freely moving spermatozoa, extracting 3D morphological and dynamic features, and determining a quality score through statistical comparison with benchmarks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a high magnification objective is used, then resolution for recovering morphological details is enhanced, but field of view is reduced allowing only a few spermatozoa to be visualized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from 2D imaging to 3D volumetric imaging, allowing simultaneous visualization of multiple spermatozoa at different depths within a larger field of view while maintaining high resolution through optical sectioning techniques
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging system divides the sample volume into multiple optical sections that can be individually resolved and then reconstructed to form a complete 3D image, enabling both high resolution and large field of view
2Quantity of substance
If a low magnification objective is used, then field of view is large allowing imaging of multiple spermatozoa, but resolution is limited allowing only head tracking
Solution Approach 1:
By implementing 3D volumetric imaging, the system recovers morphological details of multiple spermatozoa simultaneously without being constrained by the field of view limitations of low magnification objectives
Solution Approach 2:
The system acquires multiple optical sections at different depths and reconstructs them to achieve high resolution imaging of multiple spermatozoa throughout the volume, overcoming the resolution limits of low magnification objectives
3Device complexity
If spermatozoa are confined to a 2D plane, then analysis is simplified, but natural swimming motion is restricted and 3D features are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements full 3D volumetric imaging and tracking, allowing spermatozoa to swim naturally in three dimensions while capturing complete spatial information including head position, orientation, and flagellum morphology in all directions
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 reliable, high-throughput analysis of sperm quality by decoupling depth of field from detection objective, allowing natural swimming and comprehensive 3D characterization of multiple sperm, reducing acquisition time and enhancing data reliability.
Implementation Method 1
locating and tracking image data representative of at least one spermatozoon in a plurality of sequentially acquired volumetric groups of images of a sample that includes a plurality of freely swimming spermatozoa, and wherein the sequential acquisition has been carried out by means of non-point scanning optical sectioning microscopy
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for sperm quality determination, comprising: a) locating and tracking image data of a spermatozoon in a plurality of sequentially acquired volumetric groups of images of a sample that includes a plurality of freely swimming spermatozoa, wherein the sequential acquisition has been carried out by means of non-point scanning optical sectioning microscopy; b) extracting features from the image data, the extracted features being three-dimensional morphological and dynamics features of the head and flagellum of the spermatozoon; c) determining a quality score for the spermatozoon based on the extracted three-dimensional features, applying statistics, and conducting a comparison with benchmarks referring to spermatozoa morphology and dynamics; and d) providing the quality score. The present invention also relates to a computer program and a system implementing the method of the invention.