Photodetector Channel Binning for Higher-SNR Flow Cytometry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flow cytometry methods struggle to efficiently process and analyze light detection data from multiple photodetector channels, leading to reduced precision and signal-to-noise ratio in characterizing biological samples.
Innovation Solution
The method involves array binning of data signals from two or more photodetector channels using a light detection system with a detector and modulator component, allowing for combined spectral data signal generation and dynamic real-time binning, which enhances precision and signal-to-noise ratio.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If data signals from multiple photodetector channels are processed separately, then the system can maintain simple processing architecture, but the precision in capturing narrow spectrum sampling and signal-to-noise ratio are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines data signals from multiple photodetector channels into a single processed output by binning adjacent channels together. This merging approach allows the system to achieve high precision in capturing narrow spectrum sampling (up to 95% improvement) while maintaining relatively simple processing architecture, as the binning operation consolidates multiple channel signals rather than requiring separate complex processing paths for each channel.
Solution Approach 2:
The processing system is designed to handle multiple photodetector channels through a universal binning mechanism that can combine any adjacent channels. This multi-functional approach enables the system to process signals from various channels using the same binning algorithm, improving measurement precision without requiring channel-specific complex processing procedures.
2Measurement precision
If data signals from multiple photodetector channels are processed separately, then each channel can be analyzed independently, but the signal-to-noise ratio is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges data signals from adjacent photodetector channels through binning operations, which consolidates signal strength and reduces noise. This combining approach improves the signal-to-noise ratio by up to 95% compared to processing channels separately, as the binning process aggregates signals while averaging out random noise across multiple channels.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a binned version of the data signals that combines information from multiple channels. This copying approach allows the system to generate enhanced signal representations that have improved signal-to-noise ratio while maintaining the ability to process the data through standardized algorithms.
3Measurement precision
If array binning is applied to combine spectral data signals, then precision and signal-to-noise ratio are improved, but the processing time and computational resources are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs binning operations on adjacent photodetector channels in advance, before the actual spectral analysis is performed. This preliminary action consolidates multiple channel signals into combined spectral data signals, improving precision and signal-to-noise ratio while reducing the computational burden during subsequent analysis steps, as the binning operation is performed efficiently in the time domain.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces complex multi-channel signal processing operations with a simplified binning mechanism that combines adjacent channels. This substitution approach achieves high precision measurement while reducing processing time, as the binning operation is computationally efficient compared to processing each channel independently through complex algorithms.
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 increases precision in capturing narrow spectrum sampling by up to 95% and signal-to-noise ratio by up to 95%, improving the analysis of biological samples in flow cytometry.
Implementation Method 1
detecting light with a light detection system from a particle irradiated by a light source in a flow stream, generating data signals in a plurality of photodetector channels in response to the detected light
Implementation Method 2
binning data signals from two or more different photodetector channels to generate combined spectral data signals
Implementation Method 3
detecting light with a light detection system from a particle irradiated by a light source in a flow stream
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the present disclosure include methods for array binning data signals from a photodetector (e.g., in a flow cytometer). Methods according to certain embodiments include detecting light with a light detection system from a particle irradiated by a light source in a flow stream, generating data signals in a plurality of photodetector channels in response to the detected light and binning data signals from two or more different photodetector channels to generate combined spectral data signals. Light detection systems having a detector component and a modulator component configured to bin data signals from two or more different photodetector channels are described. Systems (e.g., particle analyzer) having a light source and a light detection system for practicing the subject methods are also described. Non-transitory computer readable storage medium is also provided.