Sample Analyzer Multi-Dimensional Signal Classification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current sample analyzers are limited in their ability to provide comprehensive analysis of body fluids, particularly in distinguishing and counting white blood cells, fungi, and bacteria, which is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Innovation Solution

A sample analyzer with a configuration that includes a preparing unit, a detecting unit, and a processing unit, capable of analyzing body fluids by mixing samples with specific reagents to differentiate between anucleate and nucleated elements using optical signals, allowing for accurate classification and counting of various cellular components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional sample analyzers are used to count white blood cells, erythroblasts, and bacteria, then basic counting function is achieved, but comprehensive analysis and accurate distinction between similar-sized particles is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedistinction accuracy between particlesVSAvoidcomprehensive analysis capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a new dimension of analysis by measuring not only light intensity but also the temporal characteristics (pulse width and pulse area) of light signals. This multi-dimensional approach enables differentiation between particles of similar size by analyzing their unique temporal signal patterns, thereby improving measurement precision without compromising versatility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the measurement parameters from simple light intensity to include temporal characteristics (pulse width and pulse area). By analyzing these additional parameters, the system can distinguish between different particle types more accurately, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and comprehensive analysis capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If red blood cells are present in body fluid samples, then sample analysis can proceed, but interference from red blood cells reduces counting accuracy of other cellular components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecounting accuracyVSAvoidinterference from red blood cells
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by using different reagent treatments for different particle types. Specifically, erythrolytic reagents are applied selectively to lyse red blood cells while preserving other cellular components, thereby eliminating interference from red blood cells without affecting the integrity of white blood cells, fungi, or bacteria for accurate counting

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The invention extracts and removes red blood cells from the sample through selective lysis using erythrolytic reagents. This separation technique removes the harmful interfering factor (red blood cells) while preserving the target particles for accurate analysis, thereby improving counting accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple particle types are analyzed simultaneously, then comprehensive body fluid analysis is achieved, but accurate classification and counting of each particle type becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomprehensive body fluid analysisVSAvoidclassification difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent resolves the classification difficulty by adding temporal dimension to the analysis. By measuring pulse width and pulse area in addition to light intensity, the system creates multi-dimensional parameter space that enables clear separation and classification of different particle types, making comprehensive body fluid analysis more manageable and accurate

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 precise classification and counting of red blood cells, white blood cells, fungi, and bacteria in body fluids, improving diagnostic accuracy by distinguishing between similar-sized particles and reducing interference from red blood cells.

Implementation Method 1

a laser beam is made to irradiate the measurement specimen, and scattered light and fluorescence light from the particles are received

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectScattered light: Scattering

Implementation Method 2

scattered light and fluorescence light from the particles are received

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluorescence: Fluorescence

Data Source

PatentEP2990778B1Sample analyzer and sample analyzing method
Publication Date: 2020.03.18 SYSMEX CORP
  • EP2990778B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2990778B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2990778B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Disclosed is a sample analyzer for analyzing a sample, including: a preparing unit that mixes a sample, a surfactant-containing diluent, and a nucleic acid staining reagent to prepare a measurement specimen in which nucleic acids of nucleated cells are stained and red blood cells are hemolyzed; a detecting unit that irradiates particles included in the measurement specimen with light to receive scattered light and fluorescence light emitted from the particles and output a detection signal; and a processing unit that counts white blood cells and fungi in the sample based on the detection signal.