Pulsed Lighting Module for Stained Cell Flow Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing blood analysis methods face challenges in obtaining high-quality images for accurate cell counting and classification due to limitations in indirect analysis techniques, making it difficult to determine cell types and characteristics.
Innovation Solution
A biological imaging analyzer is employed, comprising a staining module to stain cells, a lighting module with pulsed lights, and an imaging module to capture images of stained cells, utilizing a flowcell for flow imaging and a high-speed camera for capturing clear images of moving cells.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If indirect analysis methods (impedance, light scatter, fluorescent intensity profile) are used for blood cell analysis, then the analysis process is simplified and automated, but the quality of information obtained about cell types and characteristics deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces indirect physical measurement methods (impedance, light scatter) with direct optical imaging. By substituting mechanical/electrical sensing with optical photography and image processing, the system maintains automation while capturing detailed visual information about cell morphology, enabling both automated analysis and high-quality cell characterization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates optical copies (images) of blood cells for analysis. By capturing photographs of cells and using image processing algorithms to analyze these copies, the system enables automated measurement of cell characteristics without requiring direct manual examination, thus maintaining automation while preserving detailed visual information.
2Loss of information
If imaging techniques are used to capture images of blood cells, then the quality of cell information is improved, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring cell characteristics increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automated image processing algorithms that analyze captured cell images and provide feedback measurements of cell characteristics. The system processes images to automatically determine cell morphology, size, and other features, converting the complexity of image analysis into automated measurements that reduce the difficulty of cell characterization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms complex image data into simplified quantitative parameters through automated processing. By converting visual information into measurable parameters such as cell area, circularity, and intensity values, the system maintains high-quality cell information while reducing the difficulty of measurement and analysis.
3Measurement precision
If pulsed lights are used to illuminate stained cells, then the image quality and contrast are improved, but the energy consumption and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs pulsed illumination instead of continuous lighting. By using periodic light pulses synchronized with the camera shutter, the system achieves high-contrast images of moving cells while reducing motion blur. This periodic action improves measurement precision without requiring overly complex continuous illumination systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses dynamic pulsed lighting that can be timed and adjusted based on cell flow conditions. The lighting system adapts its timing and intensity dynamically to capture optimal images of moving cells, improving image quality while maintaining a relatively simple lighting structure through intelligent temporal control rather than complex spatial arrangement.
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 high-quality imaging and accurate cell classification, particularly for white blood cells, by ensuring proper illumination and staining, thereby enhancing the characterization of blood cells and other biological samples.
Implementation Method 1
The plurality of pulsed lights may include three light emitting diodes
Data Source
AI summary
A biological imaging analyzer is described comprises a staining module configured to stain cells of a biological sample so as to produce stained cells. The analyzer also comprises a lighting module configured to illuminate the stained cells, the lighting module comprising a plurality of pulsed lights. The analyzer further comprises an imaging module configured to capture images of the stained cells. A method of flow imaging a biological sample comprises flowing the biological sample including the stained cells through an image capture region of a flowcell. The method also comprises utilizing the lighting module to illuminate the stained cells at the image capture region with the plurality of pulsed lights. The method further comprises capturing images of the stained cells at the image capture region with the imaging module.