Sample Component Detection with Dilution and Multi-Depth Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining components in biological, industrial, and environmental samples face challenges due to varying viscosities, element concentrations, and interferences, leading to inconsistent slide preparation and analysis via manual microscopy.
Innovation Solution
A method involving dilution of samples with a dilution liquid to achieve uniform component distribution, followed by settling in a multi-section container with different Z-axis heights, and imaging at specific Z-axis increments using confocal or epifluorescence microscopy to analyze components accurately.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual microscopic analysis is performed on native samples, then the analysis can be conducted directly, but slide preparation difficulties and inconsistencies occur due to varying viscosity, element concentration and interferences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state parameter of the sample from native/viscous form to liquid suspension form by adding suspension medium. This parameter change enables uniform distribution of components and consistent slide preparation while maintaining sample integrity for reliable analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces suspension medium as an intermediary substance that facilitates the sample preparation process. The suspension medium acts as a mediator between the native sample and the analysis system, enabling uniform component distribution and consistent imaging while preserving sample characteristics.
2Measurement precision
If samples are diluted to achieve uniform component distribution, then imaging accuracy improves, but sample concentration is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the concentration parameter of the sample by controlled dilution with suspension medium. This parameter change achieves uniform component distribution and improved imaging accuracy while the suspension medium maintains sufficient sample quantity for statistical analysis through proper dilution factor control.
3Measurement precision
If components are allowed to settle in multi-section container, then statistical accuracy is enhanced, but analysis time is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the sample container into multiple sections with different Z-axis heights, allowing different components to settle at different rates in separate compartments. This segmentation enables simultaneous settling of various components without requiring all components to settle completely, reducing total analysis time while maintaining statistical accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary settling of components in the multi-section container before imaging. This preliminary action separates components by density and size, concentrating them in specific zones for improved imaging accuracy and statistical representation without requiring complete settling of all components.
4Measurement precision
If imaging is performed at multiple Z-axis increments, then component identification accuracy improves, but imaging complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the imaging process into multiple Z-axis increments at different depths. This segmentation allows the imaging system to focus on specific planes where different components are concentrated after settling, improving identification accuracy without requiring complex 3D reconstruction algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds the Z-axis dimension to the imaging process by capturing images at multiple depth increments. This dimensional change enables three-dimensional visualization and identification of components based on their settling positions, improving accuracy while using standard microscopy capabilities.
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
Ensures preparation standardization and enhances statistical accuracy in analyzing sample components by maintaining their native state, reducing mechanical stress, and improving imaging diagnostics.
Implementation Method 1
diluting a native sample or non-dissolving components thereof with a dilution liquid to provide a liquid sample having a uniform component distribution
Implementation Method 2
introducing the liquid sample into a sample container comprising a first section comprising a first Z-axis height and second section comprising a second Z-axis height that allow for settling of components in the liquid sample
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for detecting the type, presence or amount of a component in a sample. The apparatus and method include a multi-section container having multiple depths and imaging the depths at selected sets of sample Z-axis heights, X-Y coordinates, or both, within the sections after a predetermined time to allow for components in the sample to settle.