Methods, apparatuses, and computer program products for analyzing image data related to fluid samples
Inventors
Brown, Andy Walker • SHAJUDEEN, Peer Mohamed Shafeeq • SHTYLENKO, Andrey
Assignees
Interested in licensing this patent?
MTEC can help explore whether this patent might be available for licensing for your application.
Publication Number
US-12711640-B2
Publication Date
2026-08-18
Expiration Date
Abstract
Example methods, apparatuses, and computer program products related to analyzing fluid samples are provided. For example, an example computer-implemented method for analyzing fluid samples includes receiving digital holography image data associated with a fluid sample in a flow chamber device; extracting, from the digital holography image data, an upper reference mark image region associated with an upper reference mark and a lower reference mark image region associated with a lower reference mark; determining a maximum focal depth and a minimum focal depth associated with the digital holography image data, respectively; focusing each of a plurality of focal depth layers associated with the digital holography image data; and extracting, from the plurality of focal depth layers, one or more region of interest (ROI) portions that are associated with the fluid sample.
Core Innovation
The invention analyzes digital holography image data associated with a fluid sample in a flow chamber device. Upper and lower reference-mark image regions establish maximum and minimum focal depths, which support generating images for focal-depth layers. The sizes of the reference marks are compared with their image sizes to determine a scale factor, which is used to scale particle or cell dimensions and determine their actual sizes.
The analysis addresses chamber variation to improve focus accuracy and processing speed. The disclosed implementation extracts sample regions of interest from focal-depth layers. In addition, the system performs peritoneal-dialysis effluent analysis for earlier infection indicators.
Claims Coverage
The supplied claims contain three independent claims: a computer-implemented method, an apparatus, and a computer program product. Six inventive features summarize the common analysis and calibration functions, the three claim forms, and refinements recited in the dependent claims.
Digital holography analysis using focal-depth bounds
The method claim receives digital holography image data for a fluid sample in a flow chamber device with upper and lower reference marks. It determines maximum and minimum focal depths from the corresponding image regions and generates images for focal-depth layers between those bounds.
Reference-mark calibration of particle or cell sizes
The method claim compares the reference-mark sizes with their image sizes to determine a scale factor, scales particle or cell dimensions, and determines actual sizes. The apparatus and computer program product claims recite the same calibration and size-determination functions.
Apparatus configured to analyze fluid samples
The apparatus claim recites a processor and non-transitory memory with program code configured to receive the digital holography image data, determine focal-depth bounds, generate focal-layer images, calibrate dimensions using the reference marks, and determine actual particle or cell sizes.
Computer program product for fluid-sample analysis
The computer program product claim recites a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium containing executable program code for the claimed focal-depth analysis, reference-mark scale-factor determination, and particle or cell size determination.
Reference-mark processing and authentication features
Dependent claims specify extracting upper and lower reference-mark image regions based on mark locations. They also recite focusing the upper reference-mark region at the maximum focal depth using an Angular Spectrum Propagation based image focusing algorithm, and an authentication indicium comprising a serial number, media authentication markings, or both.
Removable or replaceable flow chamber device
Dependent claims specify that the flow chamber device is removable or replaceable.
The three independent claims cover the same central process in method, apparatus, and computer program product forms: using upper and lower reference marks to establish focal-depth bounds, generate images across focal-depth layers, and calibrate particle or cell dimensions to determine actual sizes. The dependent claims add reference-region extraction and focusing, authentication indicia, and a removable or replaceable flow chamber device.
Stated Advantages
Improved focus accuracy and processing speed despite chamber variation.
Documented Applications
Analysis of peritoneal-dialysis effluent for earlier infection indicators.
Interested in licensing this patent?