We present a visualization pipeline from sample to answer for point-of-care blood cell counting applications. Effective and low-cost point-of-care medical diagnostic tests provide developing countries and rural communities with accessible healthcare solutions [1], and can be particularly beneficial for blood cell count tests, which are often the starting point in the process of diagnosing a patient [2].The initial focus of this work is on total white and red blood cell counts, using a microfluidic cartridge [3] for sample processing. Analysis of the processed samples has been implemented by means of two main optical visualization systems developed in-house: 1) a fluidic operation analysis system using high speed video data to determine volumes, mixing efficiency and flow rates, and 2) a microscopy analysis system to investigate homogeneity and concentration of blood cells. Fluidic parameters were derived from the optical flow [4] as well as color-based segmentation of the different fluids using a hue-saturation-value (HSV) color space. Cell count estimates were obtained using automated microscopy analysis and were compared to a widely accepted manual method for cell counting using a hemocytometer [5].The results using the first iteration microfluidic device [3] showed that the most simple -and thus low-cost -approach for microfluidic component implementation was not adequate as compared to techniques based on manual cell counting principles. An improved microfluidic design has been developed to incorporate enhanced mixing and metering components, which together with this work provides the foundation on which to successfully implement automated, rapid and low-cost blood cell counting tests.
Abstract-Mass produced custom parts require inspection routines that can facilitate variations in product parameters such as dimensions, tolerances, and throughputs. Quality control and inspection of these parts, and part families, need to occur at higher frequencies than batched produced parts. This higher frequency of inspection significantly impacts inspection times, and inherently, production rates. An effective, diverse, accurate, robust, and time efficient method for inspecting custom parts is therefore needed. Vision systems are a continuously evolving method of quality control and part inspection. These systems offer the potential to be exceptionally diverse and effective in their applications, and are therefore suited to inspecting custom parts. This paper details the research, design, construction and assembly of a prototype apparatus, which provided a suitable environment in which customized parts were inspected. System integration using the Mechatronic Engineering approach was performed to integrate vision, sensor articulation, and control systems. The apparatus was tested in a Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM) cell to quantify system performance. Intelligence was incorporated into the inspection routine by performing visual inspection of only significant Regions of Interest (ROI). Dynamic access by the vision sensor to the various ROIs, allowed for inspection of moving parts, which lead to an increased process efficiency. The eliminated stoppage time required by typical inspection routines, allowed for preservation of specified production rates whilst increasing frequency of inspection.
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