Sample Applicator Positioning via Reflected Image Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for analyzing biological samples, such as blood, result in non-uniform smear preparations on microscope slides, making manual review challenging and limiting the accuracy of quantitation to relative proportions only, as the thickness and distribution of blood constituents vary significantly across the slide.
Innovation Solution
The method involves using a sample applicator to dispense fluids onto a substrate while controlling its position relative to the substrate surface by determining the distance between direct and reflected images of the applicator, allowing for precise control and uniform distribution of the sample across the substrate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional manual smear preparation methods are used, then the sample can be prepared for visual examination, but the thickness and distribution of blood constituents vary significantly across the slide, making quantitation inaccurate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical smear preparation with an automated digital imaging and analysis system. The system captures images of the smear and uses image processing algorithms to automatically quantify cell concentrations and distributions, eliminating the subjectivity and inconsistency of manual preparation while providing precise digital measurements of sample properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates digital copies (images) of the physical smear sample. By capturing high-resolution images of the entire slide and analyzing these digital representations, the system enables repeated, consistent measurements without physical manipulation, ensuring that quantitation is based on accurate digital replicas rather than variable manual handling.
2Productivity
If flow-based automated analysis systems are used, then quantitative analysis can be performed on liquid samples, but the system cannot replace the need for manual visual review of dried smear preparations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal system that performs both automated quantitative analysis and preserves the capability for manual visual review. The digital imaging system captures the entire smear, enabling automated image analysis for quantitation while also allowing technicians to visually examine the same digital images or the physical slide, thus serving multiple analytical functions within a single workflow.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where automated image analysis quantifies sample properties and provides objective measurements that feed back into the diagnostic workflow. The system analyzes digital images to determine cell concentrations and distributions, then provides this quantitative data to support or confirm manual review decisions, creating a closed-loop system that combines automated measurement with expert judgment.
3Ease of operation
If wedge smear preparations are made for manual review, then samples can be examined visually, but the location and shape of the examination band varies from slide to slide, complicating analysis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wedge smear preparation process with a digital imaging approach. Instead of relying on manual technique to create consistent geometric patterns, the system captures digital images of whatever smear pattern exists and uses image processing to automatically identify and analyze regions of interest, making the process independent of manual preparation consistency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter being measured from physical smear geometry to digital image characteristics. Rather than requiring consistent physical wedge shapes and band locations, the system analyzes pixel intensity distributions, cell densities, and spatial patterns in the digital images, transforming the problem from one of mechanical precision to one of digital signal processing.
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 enables the preparation of uniformly distributed samples, facilitating accurate visual evaluation and potential automation of quantitation, replacing traditional flow-based analysis methods with more precise and consistent sample preparation.
Implementation Method 1
The image(s) include both a direct image region that corresponds to a direct (e.g., non-reflected) image of the sample applicator above the substrate, and a first reflected image region that corresponds to an image of the sample applicator that is reflected from the substrate surface.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
Systems and methods for positioning a sample applicator relative to a substrate include: (a) obtaining an image of the sample applicator in proximity to the substrate, where the image includes a direct image region corresponding to the sample applicator and a first reflected image region corresponding to an image of the sample applicator reflected from a surface of the substrate; (b) determining a position of an edge of the sample applicator in the direct image region; (c) determining a position of a reflected edge of the sample applicator in the first reflected image region; (d) determining a distance between the edge of the sample applicator and the reflected edge of the sample applicator; and (e) determining the position of the sample applicator relative to the substrate based on the distance between the edges.