Sample Analyzer Signal Adjustment for Sensor Sensitivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sample analyzers face challenges in maintaining sensor sensitivity due to the heterogeneity of blood and urine samples, requiring frequent adjustments and extensive searches for suitable analysis results, which is time-consuming and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A sample analyzer with a measuring unit that outputs a signal representing the sample characteristics, a signal adjusting section that adjusts the signal based on calculated adjustment values, and a result producing unit that extracts suitable analysis results to determine these values, allowing for automatic sensitivity adjustment without the need for extensive user searches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional sample analyzers use sensor sensitivity adjustment based on actual patient samples, then the sensitivity can be retained, but the user burden increases due to excessive searching in huge volume of analysis results
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-processes and stores reference information about suitable samples (with homogeneous characteristics falling within predetermined ranges) in advance. When sensitivity adjustment is needed, the system automatically retrieves this pre-prepared reference data without requiring users to search through huge volumes of analysis results, thus reducing user burden while maintaining reliable sensitivity adjustment
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables automatic sensitivity adjustment by having the analyzer itself select appropriate reference samples and calculate adjustment values without user intervention. The analyzer autonomously manages the sensitivity calibration process by comparing current measurements against stored reference data, eliminating the need for users to manually search and select suitable samples
2Measurement precision
If conventional sample analyzers require stocking multiple homogeneous samples for sensitivity adjustment, then the sensitivity can be adjusted accurately, but the device complexity and user burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of requiring physical storage of multiple homogeneous samples, the system creates and stores digital copies of reference information (analysis results with homogeneous characteristics) in a database. These digital references contain all necessary calibration data, eliminating the need to physically maintain multiple sample stocks while preserving the ability to perform accurate sensitivity adjustments
Solution Approach 2:
The system transforms the calibration approach from requiring multiple physical samples with specific homogeneous properties to using stored reference data that captures the essential parameters. By changing from physical sample management to parameter-based reference storage, the system maintains measurement precision while reducing device complexity
3Reliability
If conventional sample analyzers use actual patient samples for sensitivity adjustment, then the adjustment is clinically relevant, but the time required for searching and selecting suitable samples increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-identifies and stores reference information from samples that are likely to demonstrate particular results (homogeneous characteristics within predetermined ranges) before they are needed for sensitivity adjustment. This preliminary preparation allows the system to quickly retrieve clinically relevant reference data without requiring users to spend time searching through analysis results when adjustment is needed
Solution Approach 2:
The system establishes a feedback mechanism where analysis results are automatically evaluated and stored as reference data when they meet predetermined criteria for homogeneity and clinical relevance. This continuous feedback loop ensures that the reference database is constantly updated with clinically relevant samples, maintaining reliability while eliminating manual search time
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 flexible and efficient adjustment of signal sensitivity, reducing the burden on users by automatically selecting suitable analysis results and maintaining accurate measurements, even in non-homogeneous sample environments.
Implementation Method 1
a measurement specimen prepared by mixing a blood sample with a reagent suitable for a particular measurement item is poured into a flow cell, and a liquid flow in the flow cell is irradiated with light from a light source, so that light generated by the irradiation of the light is received by a light receiving element. Then, the received light is photo-electrically converted to obtain an electrical signal
Data Source
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AI summary
A sample analyzer comprising: a measuring unit, which comprises a signal output section for outputting a signal representing a characteristic of a measurement specimen prepared by mixing a sample with a reagent, and a signal adjusting section for adjusting the signal outputted from the signal output section, the measuring unit outputting a detection signal based on the signal adjusted by the signal adjusting section; and a result producing unit for producing an analysis result based on the detection signal outputted from the measuring unit and storing the analysis result therein is disclosed. A computer program product for the sample analyzer and a method for analyzing a sample using such a sample analyzer is also disclosed.