Semen Liquefaction Quantification via Image Gray Level Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for semen liquefaction testing are time-consuming, prone to human error, and lack objective quantification, making it difficult to assess semen liquefaction ability effectively.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a testing system that captures images of semen samples over time, calculates gray level changes to quantify semen liquefaction ability, with the rate of color change from white to transparent indicating the strength of semen liquefaction, using a sample pool with a black bottom and transparent cover to isolate the sample and analyze color depth changes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the traditional method of placing semen sample in container and letting it sit for evaluation is used, then the testing process is simple to operate, but the waiting time is long (60 minutes) and human error is high

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetesting process simplicityVSAvoidwaiting time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical evaluation process with an automated optical detection system. An image collector captures images of the semen sample at different time points, and a processor automatically analyzes the images to determine liquefaction status, eliminating the need for manual observation and significantly reducing waiting time while maintaining operational simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses image copying to record the semen sample's appearance at different time points. Instead of directly observing the sample for extended periods, the system creates visual copies (images) that can be rapidly captured and analyzed, enabling quick assessment without prolonged waiting

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Ease of operation

If the traditional manual evaluation method is used, then the testing process is simple, but the results are not objective and standard due to human error

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetesting process simplicityVSAvoidevaluation objectivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual visual evaluation with an automated optical detection and image analysis system. The processor objectively analyzes image data to determine liquefaction status, eliminating human subjectivity and error while maintaining operational simplicity through automated processing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the processor analyzes image data and provides objective results. The image collector continuously monitors the sample, and the processor compares images over time to detect liquefaction, providing standardized feedback that eliminates human error

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Device complexity

If the traditional method is used, then no special equipment is needed, but quantificational analysis of semen liquefaction ability cannot be performed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveequipment requirementsVSAvoidquantification capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces optical detection and image processing technology to enable quantificational analysis. The system captures images and uses pixel gray level analysis to objectively measure liquefaction progression, transforming qualitative visual assessment into quantitative data without excessive complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes color and gray level changes in the semen sample images to quantify liquefaction ability. By analyzing the gray level values of pixels in sequential images, the system measures the rate of optical property changes, providing objective quantification of liquefaction speed and ability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

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 method allows for efficient, objective, and standardized quantification of semen liquefaction ability, reducing human error and providing precise analysis of semen liquefaction speed through gray level change ratios over time.

Implementation Method 1

calculating each image's gray level value to gain grey level value versus time graph; the ratio difference of the graph represents the change in color on the image within the timeline

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical absorption and transmission: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS10247664B2Quantificational testing method for semen liquefaction ability

Publication Date: 2019.04.02 AHEAD BIOTECH

AI summary

This invention publicly announces a quantificational testing method of semen liquefaction ability. By following the steps of sample preparation, image collection, image quantificational analysis and curve analysis to analyze the quantificational testing of semen liquefaction ability; indirectly indicate the semen liquefaction ability by observing the color depth change in the sperm sampled cover black area; to analyze the quantification of semen liquefaction by observing the level of change in grey level value versus time; thus, to efficiently, subjectively and standardly test the semen liquefaction ability and avoid human errors.