Abstract: A system and method for classifying images of particles detected in a fluid. Particles images of a dataset are preprocessed through computer processing and analyze for classification with an Artificial Intelligence (AI) classifier to predict which of one or more pre-defined particle types are present in the particle images of the dataset. The AI classifier is trained with smart training data and a smart training method to enable enhanced recognition of variations between dataset particle images and one or more pre-defined particle types. Particle images are subject to extreme augmentation to facilitate robust classification performance. The invention includes detecting anomalies of the particle images of the dataset to detect images that are inconsistent with images known to be of the class the image is assigned during preliminary image classification. Fake particle images may be generated to improve the detection of anomalies of the particle images classified.

Abstract: An imaging flow cytometry system and method which includes a flow chamber, light obscuration analysis and imaging optics, image capturing system, device to regulate fluid flow through the chamber, and backlighting generator. The flow cell is configured so that light obscuration signals can be detected from the same passing particles that are imaged.

Abstract: A particle detection system with a detection mechanism that includes detectors positioned to detect two different ranges of fluorescence produced by particles in the fluid in a flow chamber. Each of the detectors is arranged to generating a trigger signal whenever fluorescence is detected. The system and related method enhance the accuracy and sensitivity of blue-green algae monitoring by utilizing imaging flow cytometry combined with particle analysis and the measurement of the ratio of each particle's phycocyanin to chlorophyll b detected by using the two detectors configured for detection of two different fluorescence ranges, one associated with the phycocyanin and the other associated with the chlorophyll b. Captured images are be used in comparison to known images of a library of images using a support vector machine classifier.

Abstract: An imaging flow cytometry system including dark field illumination to contrast particles in a flowing fluid. The system includes a condenser with blocking aperture and a numerical aperture of no less than 0.4. The system also includes a microscope objective for focusing dark field illuminated particles, wherein the objective has a numerical aperture of 0.3. The system further includes imaging optics, an image capturing system and a backlighting generator.

Abstract: A system and method for determining the effectiveness of an anaerobic digestion process. The system includes a particle imaging system capable of capturing images of particles, including anaerobic microorganisms, in a fluid and counting those images. The method includes use of the captured image information to relate acquired microorganism information to anaerobic digestion process conditions. The information is further used in the method to adjust the digestion process as may be needed. This allows for an inexpensive means of confirming the bio-assay of an anaerobic sludge and the results of various performance strategies of anaerobic digestion, and may be correlated to a reliable methane output. After verification of the assay genetically, and images correlated to their genetic material, various biological experiments can be performed with exponential reductions in program and laboratory expenditures.

Abstract: An imaging system with an imaging mechanism which includes polarization analyzers, which may be crossed polarization analyzers, positioned to provide birefringence images of particles in the fluid passing through the flow chamber. Captured images are of high resolution and may be used in comparison to known images of a library of images. The system and related method enhance the accuracy and sensitivity of particle monitoring by utilizing birefringence imaging combined with particle analysis and the detection of each particle's characteristic features, such as crystalline features. The system includes a scatter detector used to trigger backlighting of the flow chamber and capture images of particles therein.

Abstract: A method for determining the effectiveness of the treatment of a fluid for the purpose of reducing or eliminating particles in the fluid. The method includes the steps of obtaining samples of the fluid before and after treatment, delivering the samples to a particle imaging system, obtaining image information of particles in the samples, including particle colors, and comparing the difference in particle color from the first sample to the second sample. A change in particle color detected is indicative of particle death.

Abstract: An imaging flow cytometry system and method which includes a flow chamber, fluorescence analysis and imaging optics, image capturing system, device to regulate fluid flow through the chamber, and backlighting generator. The flow cell is configured so as to enhance the fluorescence signal collection by the system with total internal reflections. The fluorescence collection optics are configured to enhance the collection of the fluorescence from the side of the flow cell and concentrate it on light detectors.

Abstract: A system for diluting a sample fluid sufficiently to enable the capture images of particles contained in the sample fluid. The system includes a fluid dilution system and a particle imaging system. The fluid dilution system includes a mixing conduit for combining a diluent and the sample solution. The mixing conduit is coupled to a flow chamber associated with imaging capturing devices including a camera. When the sample fluid is too opaque or viscous to enable capture of particle images of sufficient clarity, the fluid dilution system is activated to introduce diluent into the mixing conduit in sufficient volume to dilute the sample fluid. The diluted sample fluid is passed through the flow chamber and particle images captured. Information regarding captured images may be stored, analyzed and transferred from a remote location.

Abstract: An imaging flow cytometry system and method which includes a flow chamber, fluorescence analysis and imaging optics, image capturing system, device to regulate fluid flow through the chamber, and backlighting generator. The flow cell is configured so as to enhance the fluorescence signal collection by the system with total internal reflections. The fluorescence collection optics are configured to enhance the collection of the fluorescence from the side of the flow cell and concentrate it on light detectors.

Abstract: A method for determining the effectiveness of the treatment of a fluid for the purpose of reducing or eliminating particles in the fluid. The method includes the steps of obtaining samples of the fluid before and after treatment, delivering the samples to a particle imaging system, obtaining image information of particles in the samples, including particle colors, and comparing the difference in particle color from the first sample to the second sample. A change in particle color detected is indicative of particle death.

Abstract: An imaging system with an imaging mechanism which includes polarization analyzers, which may be crossed polarization analyzers, positioned to provide birefringence images of particles in the fluid passing through the flow chamber. Captured images are of high resolution and may be used in comparison to known images of a library of images. The system and related method enhance the accuracy and sensitivity of particle monitoring by utilizing birefringence imaging combined with particle analysis and the detection of each particle's characteristic features, such as crystalline features. The system includes a scatter detector used to trigger backlighting of the flow chamber and capture images of particles therein.

Abstract: An imaging system with an imaging mechanism which includes polarization analyzers, which may be crossed polarization analyzers, positioned to provide birefringence images of particles in the fluid passing through the flow chamber. Captured images are of high resolution and may be used in comparison to known images of a library of images. The system and related method enhance the accuracy and sensitivity of particle monitoring by utilizing birefringence imaging combined with particle analysis and the detection of each particle's characteristic features, such as crystalline features. The system includes a scatter detector used to trigger backlighting of the flow chamber and capture images of particles therein.

Abstract: An imaging flow cytometry system and method which includes a flow chamber, tracking mirror, microscope and imaging optics, image capturing system, device to regulate fluid flow through the chamber, and backlighting generator. The tracking mirror moves at a rate matched to the particle velocity in the flow chamber so as to enhance the sample flow rates possible with the system while maintaining clear and accurate imaging. The backlighting generator passes through the flow chamber and the objective before being focused on the image capturing system. Detected scatter events initiate tracking by the mirror, resulting in imaging with reduced motion blur even at high rates of flow.

Abstract: A flow chamber, imaging objective, condenser and imaging light source as part of an optical system includes an oil-immersion objective and high numerical aperture condenser matched to a rectangular flow chamber. The oil-immersion objective and flow chamber include a high index of refraction immersion oil so as to enhance the optical resolution and optical coupling therethrough. The imaging light source generates light which passes through the condenser, the flow chamber and then the objective before being focused onto an imaging camera. Fluorescence excitation passes through the objective to the flow chamber where the oil immersion configuration enhances the focus and collection of the light back through the objective.

Abstract: A particle detection system with a detection mechanism that includes detectors positioned to detect two different ranges of fluorescence produced by particles in the fluid in a flow chamber. Each of the detectors is arranged to generating a trigger signal whenever fluorescence is detected. The system and related method enhance the accuracy and sensitivity of blue-green algae monitoring by utilizing imaging flow cytometry combined with particle analysis and the measurement of the ratio of each particle's phycocyanin to chlorophyll b detected by using the two detectors configured for detection of two different fluorescence ranges, one associated with the phycocyanin and the other associated with the chlorophyll b. Optionally, captured images may be used in comparison to known images of a library of images.

Abstract: A flow chamber, imaging objective, condenser and imaging light source as part of an optical system includes an oil-immersion objective and high numerical aperture condenser matched to a rectangular flow chamber. The oil-immersion objective and flow chamber include a high index of refraction immersion oil so as to enhance the optical resolution and optical coupling therethrough. The imaging light source generates light which passes through the condenser, the flow chamber and then the objective before being focused onto an imaging camera. Fluorescence excitation passes through the objective to the flow chamber where the oil immersion configuration enhances the focus and collection of the light back through the objective.