Optimized Sorting Gates for Particle Analyzer Measurements

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing particle analyzers face challenges in efficiently generating optimal gating strategies for sorting particles, leading to inefficiencies in data analysis and sorting processes.

Innovation Solution

An acquisition system and analysis system, utilizing a software as a service (SaaS) platform, transmit and generate gating strategies based on particle measurements and reference sorting criteria, enabling the creation of optimized sorting gates for particle analyzers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If automated gating strategies are implemented in particle analyzers, then sorting accuracy and data analysis quality are improved, but device complexity and computational requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesorting accuracyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-processing particle measurement data to identify potential gating strategies before final sorting decisions are made. The processor analyzes measurement data from multiple parameters, pre-calculates optimal gate positions and shapes, and prepares sorting criteria in advance, thereby improving sorting accuracy without requiring complex real-time computations during the actual sorting process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary processing layer between data acquisition and sorting execution. The processor acts as a mediator that receives measurement data, applies computational algorithms to determine optimal gating strategies, and translates these strategies into sorting instructions. This intermediary layer manages computational complexity by breaking down the sorting decision process into manageable computational steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If multiple parameters are measured for each particle, then particle characterization quality is improved, but data processing time and computational load increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparticle characterization qualityVSAvoiddata processing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the multi-parameter measurement data into distinct parameter groups that can be processed independently. The processor divides the comprehensive measurement data set into separate parameter components, analyzes each parameter's contribution to particle characterization, and processes them through different computational pathways. This segmentation reduces the computational complexity of handling all parameters simultaneously while maintaining comprehensive particle characterization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies partial action by selectively processing only the most relevant parameters for each specific sorting task. Rather than fully processing all measured parameters equally, the system identifies and prioritizes the subset of parameters that provide the most discriminatory power for the intended sorting objective, thereby reducing data processing time while maintaining characterization quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Manufacturing precision

If complex gating strategies are used to distinguish particle populations, then sorting purity is improved, but sorting speed and throughput decrease

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesorting purityVSAvoidsorting speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary analysis of measurement data to pre-determine optimal gating strategies before the sorting process begins. The processor analyzes particle population distributions across multiple parameters, pre-calculates gate positions, shapes, and inclusion criteria, and stores these pre-computed sorting criteria for rapid retrieval during sorting. This preliminary computation phase enables complex high-purity sorting without sacrificing throughput during the actual sorting operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic adaptability in gating strategies by enabling the system to adjust gate parameters based on real-time feedback from measurement data. The processor can dynamically modify gate positions, shapes, and thresholds during sorting operations to optimize the balance between sorting purity and speed, adapting to variations in particle population characteristics without requiring complete re-analysis of the data.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3908824B1Optimized sorting gates
Publication Date: 2025.09.10 BECTON DICKINSON & CO
  • EP3908824B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3908824B1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP3908824B1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

Disclosed herein include systems, devices, and methods for determining a gating strategy. An acquisition system can cause a particle analyzer to collect parameter measurements of some particles of a sample. An analysis system can receive the parameter measurements and determine a gating strategy from the parameter measurements. The acquisition can collect measurements of some or all of the remaining particles of the sample using the gating strategy determined by the analysis system.