Iris International, Inc.

Beckman Coulter, Inc.

Silvergens Inc.

Itrachealth Corp.

Bart Jan Wanders

Thomas H Adams

Gregory A Farrell

Warren Groner

Xiaodong Zhao

Brett LeBeau Jordan

John W Roche

Jiuliu Lu

John Riley

Harvey Lee Kasdan

Eric Chapoulaud

Jack Cremins

Carol Quon

Bian Qian

Ken Good

Harvey L Kasdan

Eric Malcolm Grace

Sunil S Deliwala

Philip Eugene Alei

John Roche

Ronald W Franck

César Manuel García

Conrado Orlando Diaz

Gary Tepermeister

Varouj Amirkhanian

For analyzing a sample containing particles of at least two categories, such as a sample containing blood cells, a particle counter subject to a detection limit is coupled with an analyzer capable of discerning particle number ratios, such as a visual analyzer, and a processor. A first category of particles can be present beyond detection range limits while a second category of particles is present within respective detection range limits. The concentration of the second category of particles is determined by the particle counter. A ratio of counts of the first category to the second category is determined on the analyzer. The concentration of particles in the first category is calculated on the processor based on the ratio and the count or concentration of particles in the second category.

Dynamic range extension systems and methods for particle analysis in blood samples

A focusing distance (e.g., a distance between a focal plane of a camera used when n image was captured and the actual focal plane for an in-focus image) in a visual analysis system may be determined by subjecting one or more images captured by such a system to a multi-layer analysis. In such an analysis, an input may be subjected to one or more convolution filters, and the ultimate result of such convolution may be provided to a dense layer which can provide the focusing distance. This focusing distance may then be used to (re)focus a camera or for other purposes (e.g., generating an alert).

Focus quality determination through multi-layer processing

A sampling system that includes a traverse, a sample aspiration module body, and a mechanical system. The sample aspiration module body is configured to travel along the traverse. The mechanical system is configured to move the traverse from a first position to a second position, wherein both the first position and the second position lie in the same plane.

Sampling system

Particles such as blood cells can be categorized and counted by a digital image processor. A digital microscope camera can be directed into a flowcell defining a symmetrically narrowing flowpath in which the sample stream flows in a ribbon flattened by flow and viscosity parameters between layers of sheath fluid. A contrast pattern for autofocusing is provided on the flowcell, for example at an edge of a rear illumination opening. The image processor assesses focus accuracy from pixel data contrast. A positioning motor moves the microscope and/or flowcell along the optical axis for autofocusing on the contrast pattern target. The processor then displaces microscope and flowcell by a known distance between the contrast pattern and the sample stream, thus focusing on the sample stream. Blood cell images are collected from that position until autofocus is reinitiated, periodically, by input signal, or when detecting temperature changes or focus inaccuracy in the image data.

Autofocus systems and methods for particle analysis in blood samples

The present disclosure relates to apparatus, systems, compositions, and methods for analyzing a sample containing particles. A particle imaging system or analyzer can include a flowcell through which a urine sample containing particles is caused to flow, and a high optical resolution imaging device which captures images for image analysis. A contrast pattern for autofocusing is provided on the flowcell. The image processor assesses focus accuracy from pixel data contrast. A positioning motor moves the microscope and/or flowcell along the optical axis for autofocusing on the contrast pattern target. The processor then displaces microscope and flowcell by a known distance between the contrast pattern and the sample stream, thus focusing on the sample stream. Cell or particle images are collected from that position until autofocus is reinitiated, periodically, by input signal, or when detecting temperature changes or focus inaccuracy in the image data.

Flowcell, sheath fluid, and autofocus systems and methods for particle analysis in urine samples

A method for dynamic focusing is presented that can be performed by a dynamic focusing controller that can receive images from the image capture device, and for each image, determine a border of the particle within the image, and calculate a pixel intensity ratio of the image based on the border of the particle. The dynamic focusing controller can also calculate a median pixel intensity ratio from the pixel intensity ratios for each image, determine a focal distance direction based on the median pixel intensity ratio, calculate a focal distance based on the median pixel intensity ratio when the focal distance direction is positive, and calculate the focal distance based on a median border width when the focal distance direction is negative. The autofocusing controller can then send an instruction to the focusing mechanism to adjust the image capture device by the focal distance in the focal distance direction.

Dynamic focus system and methods

Aspects and embodiments of the instant disclosure provide a particle and/or intracellular organelle alignment agent for a particle analyzer used to analyze particles contained in a sample. An exemplary particle and/or intracellular organelle alignment agent includes an aqueous solution, a viscosity modifier, and/or a buffer.

Sheath fluid systems and methods for particle analysis in blood samples

Systems and methods for imaging a plurality of blood fluid samples or other types of samples include processing at least a portion of a sample to enhance imageability of certain particles in that portion and subsequently imaging the sample portion. In some instances, processing and imaging of various samples may be staged in a manner to optimize throughput of the system or method.

Systems and methods for imaging fluid samples

The present disclosure relates to apparatus, systems, compositions, and methods for analyzing a sample containing particles. In some aspects the system comprises an analyzer which may be a visual analyzer. In one aspect, this disclosure relates to a particle imaging system comprising a flowcell through which a sample containing particles is caused to flow, and a high optical resolution imaging device which captures images for image analysis of samples. Other compositions, methods and features of this disclosure are disclosed herein.

Flowcell systems and methods for particle analysis in blood samples

Aspects and embodiments of the instant disclosure provide a particle and/or intracellular organelle alignment agent for a particle analyzer used to analyze particles contained in a sample. An exemplary particle and/or intracellular organelle alignment agent includes an aqueous solution, a viscosity modifier, and/or a buffer. Embodiments also encompass systems, compositions, and methods for analyzing a sample containing particles. Parrticles such as blood cells can be categorized and counted by a digital image processor. A digital microscope camera can be directed, for example using certain focusing techniques, into a flowcell defining a symmetrically narrowing flowpath in which the sample stream flows in a ribbon flattened by flow and viscosity parameters between layers of sheath fluid. Blood cell images can be collected and analyzed using dynamic range extension processes and systems.

Growing community of inventors

Trabuco Canyon, CA, United States of America

Bart Jan Wanders