Particle Imaging Flow Path Segmentation for Cell Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current particle imaging systems require a significant amount of time to capture images of rare cells in a sample due to the need for slower particle flow rates, which increases the overall measurement time and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A particle imaging apparatus with a flow path configuration that includes multiple sections with varying cross-sectional areas and shapes, utilizing ultrasonic standing waves and piezoelectric actuators to align and sort particles, allowing for reduced flow rates in specific sections while maintaining high image quality and processing speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the particle flow rate is reduced to enhance image quality, then image quality is improved, but the time required to image rare cells becomes very long
Solution Approach 1:
The flow path is divided into multiple sections with different cross-sectional areas. The first section has a smaller cross-sectional area for slower flow and better alignment, while the second section has a larger cross-sectional area for faster flow, allowing different flow conditions in different spatial segments to simultaneously satisfy both image quality and processing time requirements
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the flow path are designed with different local characteristics - the first section is optimized for particle alignment with smaller dimensions, while the second section is optimized for rapid particle transport with larger dimensions. This allows each section to perform its specific function optimally without compromising the other
2Reliability
If a large amount of measurement sample is measured to find rare cells, then the probability of finding rare cells is improved, but the measurement time becomes very long
Solution Approach 1:
Particles are pre-aligned in the first flow path section before entering the imaging section. This preliminary alignment action ensures that when particles pass through the imaging region, they are properly positioned for capture, increasing the efficiency of rare cell detection without requiring measurement of excessive sample volumes
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 configuration enables faster image capture of particles with improved quality by stabilizing particle flow rates and enhancing alignment, thereby reducing the time required to image rare cells without compromising processing efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing ultrasonic standing waves and piezoelectric actuators to align and sort particles
Implementation Method 2
utilizing ultrasonic standing waves and piezoelectric actuators to align and sort particles
Implementation Method 3
A particle imaging apparatus with a flow path configuration that includes multiple sections with varying cross-sectional areas and shapes
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2(a)~2(f)
Figure 3(a)~3(b)
AI summary
[Object] Provided are a particle imaging apparatus and a particle imaging method capable of taking an image of an imaging target particle with a high quality while maintaining a processing speed of a measurement apparatus. [Solution] A particle imaging apparatus 10 includes: a flow path 100 which includes a first flow path section 110, and a second flow path section 120 and a third flow path section 130 that are connected downstream of the first flow path section 110, and which causes a measurement sample including particles to flow; a particle detection unit 20 that detects a particle that flows in the first flow path section 110; a particle sorting unit 30 capable of adjusting a flow direction of the particle flowing in the first flow path section 110 such that the flow direction is selected from among at least a direction toward the second flow path section 120 and a direction toward the third flow path section 130, based on a result of detection by the particle detection unit 20; and a particle imaging unit 50 that takes an image of a particle that flows in the second flow path section 120.