Particle Image Analysis Method for Small Component Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current flow-type particle image analyzing apparatuses struggle with accurately analyzing small particles due to exclusion of components smaller than 3 micrometers, leading to reduced detection and classification accuracy, and increased need for manual microscopic examination, which is time-consuming and costly.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that acquire overall images of samples, extract and analyze particle components, and modify concentrations based on feature parameters, allowing observation of small components on an overall image without significant changes to the apparatus configuration, thereby enhancing image-reviewing efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If small particle components (less than 3 micrometers) are excluded from imaging to avoid contamination and improve classification accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but small particles such as bacteria cannot be detected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the analysis process into two distinct stages: first, automatic classification and measurement of particles using image processing (for particles 3 micrometers and larger), and second, manual review of the overall image by laboratory technicians (to detect small particles like bacteria and other components that may have been excluded from automated analysis). This segmentation allows each method to operate in its optimal range, maintaining both automation efficiency and comprehensive detection capability.
2Measurement precision
If magnification is raised to image small particle components, then detection precision is improved, but large components (50-micrometer or larger) cannot be assayed simultaneously and testing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic magnification adjustment capability that allows the imaging system to switch between different magnification levels based on the size of particles being analyzed. The system can automatically adjust magnification to appropriately image small particle components when needed, while maintaining the ability to assay large components at lower magnifications, thereby optimizing both detection precision and testing efficiency without requiring fixed high-magnification hardware modifications.
3Productivity
If automatic classification is used as primary screening to reduce manual examination, then productivity is improved, but small particles may be falsely identified as artifacts and discarded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a feedback mechanism where the results of automatic classification and measurement are reviewed and verified by laboratory technicians through manual examination of overall images. This feedback loop allows for correction of false identifications made by the automated system, ensuring that small particles such as bacteria are not mistakenly discarded as artifacts, while still maintaining the efficiency benefits of automatic screening for the majority of samples.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Realized is a particle image analyzing method adapted so that while raising image-reviewing efficiency at a cropped image level of particle components in a sample, the entire sample can be observed without significantly changing a related apparatus configuration. Prior to image reviewing of an entire imaging region, cropped images thereof are reviewed and, with reference to the images arranged for each kind of particle component, if the operator judges any particles to have been falsely identified, the operator uses the operating unit 60 to modify positions of the particles to those of correct component items (Step 101). Next, an overall image of the imaging region is displayed and if any components to be added (overlooked components) are appearing, the kinds of these components are identified and quantitative data on each kind of component is registered (Steps 102 and 103). Upon completion of the registration, the concentration of the sample is recalculated by an arithmetic processor 283 (Step 104). Finally, entry of a comment in a comment field via the operating unit (60) is performed (Step 105).