KR20150005736A - Hyper-spectral imaging and analysis of a sample of matter, for identifying and characterizing an object of interest therein - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for hyper-spectral imaging and analyzing interested samples for identifying and characterizing an interested object among the interested samples. The method for hyper-spectral imaging and analyzing the interested samples of the present invention comprises the steps of: preparing a test solution or a suspension of interested samples by adding a unique spectrum marker to an interested object among the interested samples and making the spectrum marker marked interested object as an active target when the interested object is existed in the test solution or suspension, thereby being able to be hyper-spectrally detected and confirmed from the test solution or suspension; producing and collecting hyper-spectral image data and information of the test solution or suspension; and processing and analyzing the same. Indicative interested objects are: biologics - bacteria (Bacillus Anthracis), virus, fungus, toxicity, or chemicals - nervines (sarin, tabun, soman), and chemical toxicants.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates to hyper-spectral imaging and analysis of samples of interest for identifying and characterizing objects of interest in interest samples. ≪ Desc / Clms Page number 2 >

Related application

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 901,320, filed February 15, 2007, and is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application No. PCT / IL2008 / 000205 filed on February 14, 2008, (CIP) application of commonly assigned U. S. Patent Application No. 12 / 527,206. The entire contents of the above-mentioned applications are incorporated herein by reference.

Field of invention

The present invention relates to hyper-spectral imaging and analysis of samples of interest, and more particularly to hyper-spectral imaging and analysis of samples to identify and characterize an object of interest in a sample of interest Analysis. The present invention includes a process for preparing a test solution or suspension from a sample of interest, wherein the test solution or suspension is particularly suitable for treating hyper-spectral imaging and analysis. The present invention is applicable to on-line (e.g., real-time or near real-time) or off-line hyperspectral imaging and analysis of a variety of different types or classes of samples of interest, The object of interest in the sample of interest, and the at least one object of interest, can be an organic and / or inorganic material (s) on a solid (e.g., particulate) phase, a liquid (e.g., solution or suspension) phase, and / ≪ / RTI > The present invention provides an 'ultimate' combination of highly desirable performance variables of high accuracy, 'high precision (high reproducibility),' and 'high resolution,' and 'high sensitivity,' and 'high speed (short time scale) - Provides the ability to achieve in an optimal and highly effective manner all at once (ie, simultaneously) during a line.

Exemplary specific applications of the present invention are on-line (real-time or near-real-time) or off-line hyper spectral imaging of air samples to identify and characterize an object of interest in air samples Analysis, which is a biological agent (which can be dangerous) or a chemical agent (which can be dangerous). Generally, a subject of interest (i.e., a biological or chemical agent) in an air sample can be an organic and / or a carrier gas on a solid (e.g., particulate) phase, a liquid (e.g., solution or suspension) phase, and / Or made of inorganic material. Preferably, the object of interest (i. E., Biological or chemical) in the air sample is a solid phase in the form of a particulate and / or an organic and / or inorganic species present in the air sample (e. G., Absorbed and / or adsorbed) Or made of a material. The air sample may be collected or obtained from an indoor air source (e.g., a post office, an airport, a subway station, a shopping mall, a sports arena, or an office building), or from an outdoor air source ). Exemplary biological agents are bacteria, viruses, fungi, and toxins. Exemplary chemicals are new agents (e.g., sarin, tartar, and suffix), and chemical poisons (such as cyanide compounds and organophosphorus compounds). The object of interest may be a chemically labeled (e.g., non-toxic) substance as part of the main step of preparing a test sample or suspension of the sample of interest to identify and characterize the sample of interest through hyperspectral imaging and analysis, (Via terbium trichloride [TbCl ₃ ]) or biologically-labeled (eg, through antibodies in immunoassays) spore-forming bacterial anthrax ( Bacillus anthracis ).

Samples of interest

A sample of interest generally refers to a relatively small amount of material that is a relatively large, representative and an example (i.e., sample) of a large quantity of material, which material is generally lumpy or bulky, and may be a solid, liquid, Quot; refers to those present in combination (i. E., Part, substance, component). The sample of interest may also be considered a sample of interest (i. E., An example). As used herein, the term "object" refers generally to at least a portion of a given material and is considered to be equivalent to and synonymous with it, and thus is present in the sample of interest. Thus, the term " object " refers generally to at least a portion of what is present as a solid, liquid, gas, or combination thereof (i.e., part, material, component) It is equivalent to it and is considered synonymous. Also, each object (i. E., At least a portion of a given material) can be defined and characterized by a variety of various possible biological, chemical, and / or physical properties, characteristics, and behavior sets.

Analysis of samples of interest

In almost all scientific and technical disciplines, at least one object of interest (i.e., part, substance, component) among a number of different types or classes of materials in a sample of interest There exists a need or basis for, or necessity to analyze on-line (real-time or near-real-time) or off-line analysis of samples of interest for the main purpose or goal of making them. Such characterization can include determining the number, type or kind of biological, chemical and / or physical characteristics, characteristics, traits, variables and / or behaviors of at least one subject of interest.

There are a number of prior art teachings and practices for various types of analytical methods and techniques, and related analytical devices, instruments, hardware, and software, suitable for on-line (real time, near real time) do. Obviously, when analyzing a particular sample of interest, it is determined to determine whether a particular analytical method or procedure and its associated analytical apparatus, instrument, hardware, and software are most suitable, then appropriate, Variables, conditions, criteria and requirements that need to be analyzed, considered, anticipated, and possibly tested.

Hyper-spectral imaging and analysis is an imaging type of analysis or technique in a more comprehensive field or area of analytical science and techniques, including science and techniques of spectral and spectroscopic and imaging, which are very unique, specific, . By definition, the hyperspectral imaging and analysis is based on a combination of spectroscopy and image theory, principles and practice that can be used in analyzing a sample of interest in a highly unique, specialized and elaborate manner.

Subjects such as hyperspectral imaging and analysis, theory, principles, and practices, and related applications and more general objects of spectral imaging, are well known and are described in the scientific, technical, and patent literature, and include a variety of different Science and technology fields and areas. Some (most recent) examples of such teaching and practice are set forth in references 1-29 (and references cited therein). Selected teachings and implementations of hyperspectral imaging and analysis by the same applicant / assignee as the present invention are disclosed in references 30-36. For the purpose of establishing the meaning of the present invention with the scope, meaning and scope of application, and to understand the problem solved by the present invention, the following background art is provided.

Hyperspectral Imaging  And analysis

In contrast to the regular or standard spectroscopic imaging techniques of 'spectral' imaging and analysis, the complex and sophisticated spectroscopic imaging techniques of 'hyper spectral' imaging and analysis are based on hyperthermal images and spectra (hereinafter collectively referred to as hyper spec (Real-time, near-real-time) or off-line generation and acquisition (acquisition) of acquired hyper-spectral image data and information, And an analysis system. In hyper-spectral imaging, a plurality of fields of interest of the sample of interest are " hyperspectrally " scanned and imaged while the sample of interest (containing the material and its components) is exposed to the electron beam . During the hyper-spectral scanning and imaging, a relatively large number (less than one million) of multiple spectra (i.e., hyperspectral) images of objects (and their components) that emit electron beams at multiple wavelengths and frequencies are " one at a time & (Very narrow) portion or band of the entire hyperspectrum emitted by the object (and its components), or a band within it . The HyperSpectral Imaging and Analysis System provides high resolution spectral and spatial data and information of imaged interest samples that can not be obtained basically by using regular or standard spectral imaging and analysis systems with very high accuracy and high precision (Reproducible) in a very fast or fast manner.

Generally, when electromagnetic radiation of the form of light, such as that provided by a human-made image type of an illumination or energy source, such as that used by the sun or during hyperspectral imaging, is incident on the object, Diffusion, reflection, diffraction, scattering, and / or transmission, mechanism by one or more biological, chemical, and / or physical species or components making up the biological system. In addition, objects in which the composition comprises an organic chemical species or component may have some degree of fluorescence when irradiated by some type of electromagnetic radiation or light, such as ultraviolet (UV), visible (VIS), or infrared (IR) And / or phosphorescence properties, characteristics, and behavior. Electromagnetic radiation that is affected by the form of diffused, reflected, diffracted, scattered and / or transmitted electromagnetic radiation emitted by and / or emitted from an object may be a material, typically a chemical species, ('Fingerprint' or 'signature') pattern types for identification and characterization of objects, as they are directly and uniquely related to the biological, chemical, and / or physical properties, characteristics, and behavior of the components.

Thus, the hyperspectral image produced by and collected from the sample of interest is related to the emission spectrum of the sample of interest, and the emission spectrum is determined by the identification and characterization of the hyperspectral imaged object (and its components) Corresponds to the spectral representation of the spectrum pattern 'fingerprint' or 'signature' pattern type. These hyperspectral image data and information can be used to identify, characterize, and / or quantify the physical, chemical, and / or biological, characteristic, characteristic, and behavior of the hyperspecifically imaged object (and its components) Or by using automatic pattern recognition (APR) and / or optical character recognition (OCR) types of information processing and analysis, as well as hyper spectral imaging data for classification.

Hyperspectral Imaging and Analysis of Samples of Interest

Following the delivery of the sample of interest or following the acquisition or collection of the sample of interest, analyzing the sample of interest through hyper-spectral imaging and analysis similar to analyzing the sample of interest basically by any analytical method or technique, And includes an integrated general domain or step of the main activities and processes. In particular, following the provision of the sample of interest, or following the acquisition or collection of the sample of interest, the hyperspectral imaging and analysis of the sample of interest typically involves three separate, integrated, general domains or steps of the main activities and processes : (i) a domain or step that produces an appropriate test form (usually a solid or liquid form) of a sample of interest that is suitable for processing in a hyperspectral imaging and analysis, (ii) a hyperspectral image data And domains or steps for generating and collecting information, and (iii) domains or steps for processing and analyzing the generated and collected hyper-spectral image data and information.

In general, each of these three generic domains or steps of the main activities and processes of hyper-spectral imaging and analysis applications can be characterized by the following performance parameters at various and different levels or degrees: accuracy, precision (reproducibility) Sensitivity, resolution, and speed. In any given hyper-spectral imaging and analysis application, the three general domains or steps of the main activities and processes mentioned above are fully integrated and interdependent.

Precision (reproducibility), sensitivity, resolution, and / or speed (time scale) associated with the manufacture of the first general domain or step of the major activities and processes of hyper spectral imaging and analysis applications, ) Influences performance variables of accuracy, precision (reproducibility), sensitivity, resolution, and / or speed (time scale) of the subsequent second and third generic domains or steps of the main activity and process give. More particularly, the main activities and processes for producing the appropriate test form of the sample of interest affect the generation and collection of hyperspectral image data and information of the test form of the sample of interest, And information processing and analysis.

Preparation of the appropriate test form of the sample of interest

These general domains or steps of the main activities and processes of hyper spectral imaging and analytical applications are the production of appropriate test forms of the sample of interest that are suitable and suitable for use in the operation and use of devices and instruments of a given hyperspectral imaging and analysis system . Typically, the appropriate test form of the sample of interest includes the use of a relatively small amount (e. G., Microliter (l) level) of sample of interest in the form of a solid, solution, or suspension. Alternatively, depending on the actual composition or configuration of the sample of interest (including the material and its components present in the sample of interest), the appropriate test form of the sample of interest may include dissolution, suspension and / or mixing, And reformulating the sample in the form of a solution or suspension. (E.g., Teflon ( ^R )) or a glass microscope type (e. G., A Teflon < ( ^R ) > type), in the form of a solid, Slide or hyper-spectral imaging and analysis system. A slide or plate (sample holder) having a test solution or a portion of suspension of the sample of interest or an equal amount of the sample (sample holder) is three-dimensionally movable (i.e., translational) (I.e., rotatable) inspection stage or platform that is angularly movable relative to the platform.

For the purpose of fully understanding the important pending issues and limitations of the hyperspectral imaging and analysis of the sample of interest, the following describes a hyperspectral imaged scene of a test form of the sample of interest, And is briefly described in terms of the type, category, or class of objects present in the imaged image.

Of interest samples Hyperspectral  The type of image, the category, or the classification of the object in the sample of interest

In general, in a hyperspritally imaged image of a test form of a sample of interest (including a substance present in the sample of interest and its components), the object (i.e., part, substance, component) is divided into two major and different forms, Or may be typed, categorized, or classified according to classification. That is, the 'unattended object' and the 'object of interest' are basically defined as follows. An " unattended object " is one in which a human operator (observer, viewer, analyst, and / or coordinator) of the process that includes the sample of interest is present in a hyperspritifically imaged image of an interest sample of interest, Corresponds to the object. An " object of interest " is present in, or corresponds to, an object contained in a hyperspectrally imaged image of a sample of interest in which the human operator of the process including the sample of interest is interested. To further understand the significantly different meanings and attributes of the objects of interest and the objects of interest in the context of the present invention, the object of interest may be a hyper-spectrally imaged image of the sample of interest, Is considered a part of the 'background', while the object of interest is the 'target' of the hyperpectively imaged image of the sample of interest or is considered to be the interior of the hypersprecally imaged image. Thus, in hyper spectral imaging, a plurality of collections or ensembles of a number of objects (i.e., portions, materials, components) present or contained in a hyperpectively imagewise image of a sample of interest, May be typed, categorized, or classified according to one of two major different types, categories, or classifications: an unattached object (i.e., background), and an object of interest (i.e., a target).

Typically, each hyperspectrally imaged image of a sample of interest includes or contains a distribution of different relative numbers (i.e., ratios, ratios) of the two previously defined major types, categories, or classes of objects. For example, a given hyperspectral imaged image includes a distribution of a relatively small number of objects of interest (targets) and a relatively large number of unattractive objects (corresponding to a relatively high or noisy background) Or may contain. Conversely, a given imaged image may contain or contain a distribution of a relatively large number of objects of interest (targets) and a relatively small number of unattractive objects (relatively low or 'quiet' backgrounds).

It is also possible, for example, that a majority of hyperspritifically imaged images contain or " contain " a relatively small number of objects of interest (targets) relative to a relatively large number of unattended objects (high or noisy backgrounds) There are a number of hyperspectral imaging and analytical applications. For example, such an application may be based on the assumption that the number of objects of interest (targets) for all objects (interest (target) and unfocused (background)) are present in a hyperspectrally imaged image or 1% 1 pph (part per hundred] or ^{10 -1% [1 ppt (part} per thousand)], or ^{10 -4% [1 ppm (part} per million)], 10 -7% [1 ppb (part per billion)] , Or 10 ^{- 10} % [1 pptr (part per trillion)].

In addition to the hypersprecially imaged images, including the distribution of the two different types, categories, or different relative numbers (ratio, ratio) of objects of the object, each hypersprospectively imaged object (i.e., ) Can be defined and characterized by a wide variety of possible biological, chemical, and / or physical, characteristic, characteristic, and behavioral sets. For example, in a given hyperspectrally imaged image, the 'hyperspectral' image data and information (including the emission spectrum corresponding to the spectral representation of the identification and characterization type of the spectral fingerprint or signature pattern type) Biological, chemical, and / or physical 'data and information (in terms of characteristics, characteristics, and / or behavior) are significantly different, and even though they are similar, nearly identical, i.e. barely distinguishable or analytical, There may be different relative numbers and types of types of similar or less nearly identical, i. E., Not readily distinguishable or non-analytical, or vice versa.

Despite the actual distribution of the different related numbers (i.e., ratio, ratio) of the object of interest (target) and the object of interest (background) in the hyperspectrally imaged image of the sample of interest, any hyper- spectral imaging and analysis The application ultimately involves the need to identify, distinguish, and analyze the object of interest (background) from the object of interest (background) in a hyperspectral imaged image. This includes the need to identify, identify and analyze hyper-spectral image data and information of the object of interest (hyper-spectral image data and information) of the object of interest (background). It is also possible to perform such operations as identifying, discriminating, and analyzing biological, chemical, and / or physical data and information of a subject of interest (target) and an unattended object (background) in a hyperspritifically imaged image .

Of interest samples Hyperspectral Imaging  And critical issues and limitations of analysis

In general, the major pending issues and limitations of hyperspectral imaging and analysis of samples of interest are usually high accuracy and / or high precision (high reproducibility), and / or high sensitivity, and / or high resolution, and / (Real-time, near-real-time), or off-line, of the main activities and processes, while making several combinations of the operational variables Include, and / or relate to the theoretical and / or practical difficulties and complexities that arise when implementing or attempting to implement the generic domain or steps (i), (ii) and (iii) Ultimate 'combination of highly desirable performance with high accuracy, high precision, high reproducibility, and high sensitivity, and high resolution, and high speed (short time measure) (I), (ii) and (iii) of the main activities and processes, while allowing the on-line (real-time, near-real-time) or off-line to be performed in an optimal and highly effective manner Especially when it comes to carrying out difficulties and complications.

The main causes or origins of the difficulty and complexity of performing hyper-spectral imaging and analysis of the sample of interest are often the fact that unattractive (background) objects (parts, materials, components) in the sample of interest are problematic and complex spatial and / Which is variable and which is transferred directly to the corresponding problematic and complex spatial and / or temporally variable presence of the un-interested object (background) in the hyperspectrally imaged image of the test form of the sample of interest lt; / RTI > The spatial and / or temporal variation of the unattached object in the sample of interest may be determined by performing a hyper-spectral imaging and analysis of the object of interest (moiety, material, component) (target) in the sample of interest to varying degrees Depending on the factor). Thus, the spatial and / or temporal variation of the unspecific object (background) in the hyperspritifically imaged image of the test form of the sample of interest can be used to determine whether a hyperspritifically imaged image In various degrees negatively with respect to the hyperspectral imaging and analysis of the object of interest (target).

The above-described problematic and complex aspects relating to the spatial and / or temporal variation of an object of interest (background) may negatively impact the generation and collection of hyperspectral image data and information of interest samples, This negatively affects the processing and analysis of re-generated and collected hyper-spectral image data and information. In addition, this problematic and complex view, along with the corresponding negative impacts, can be addressed by overall hyperspectral imaging, such as based on analyzing a sample of interest through hyper-spectral imaging and analysis to identify and characterize an object of interest Making it difficult to achieve performance parameters of accuracy, precision (reproducibility), sensitivity, resolution, and / or speed (time scale) of the analytical application.

The above described problematic and complex aspects associated with the spatial and / or temporally variable presence of an unattended object (background) that negatively impacts the hyperspectral imaging and analysis of the sample of interest can be achieved by identifying the object of interest (target) (Real-time or near-real-time) or off-line for analyzing a sample of air (i.e., an air sample) through hyper-spectral imaging and analysis to characterize and characterize the air. In particular, for such applications, the air samples may be collected or obtained from indoor air sources (e.g., post offices, airports, subway stations, shopping malls, sports arenas, or office buildings) or outdoor air sources. In this application, the coherent un-interested object (background) is a number of different (non-target) components (i.e., moieties, materials, components) present in the air sample. In an air sample, the object of interest may be a biological agent (such as a bacterium [such as a spore forming bacterial anthrax], a virus, a fungus, or a toxin), or a (possibly dangerous) Or a chemical additive (e.g., a cyanide compound, or an organic compound) on a solid (e.g., a particulate), which may be composed or prepared from an organic and / or inorganic substance Phosphorus compound].

In the collected air samples, the coherent object of interest (background) may be a number of spatially diverse (i. E. Varying or varying depending on location or location) and / or temporally diverse (Non-target) components (i.e., portions, materials, components) of different types and concentrations. Indoor or outdoor air sources typically include dust (the fine, dry particles of interest), pollen (microparticles or powdered materials made of plant granules), minerals, non-target types of biomaterials (fungi, Microbes), and non-target types of particulate chemical materials, as well as a number of spatially and / or temporally diverse and different types and concentrations of (non-target) components. The (non-target) component in such an air source may be in the form of an aerosol, which is a gas suspension of fine solids or liquid particles circulating through an air source (indoor or outdoor). Such (non-target) components can be used in accordance with spatial and / or temporal changes in the local atmospheric and climatic conditions of the indoor or outdoor air source, and in accordance with the spatial and / (I.e., vary or vary depending on location and location) and / or temporally vary or vary (i.e., vary or change over time). Thus, a plurality of air samples are expected to have spatially and / or temporally varying (non-target) components whose relative concentrations vary with their spatial and / or temporal variation in the air source from which the air samples are collected or obtained .

In a similar manner, a biological agent (such as a bacterium (such as a spore forming bacterial anthrax), a virus, a fungus, or a toxin) present in (or at risk of) an air sample collected or obtained from an indoor or outdoor air source, (Target) such as a chemical (e.g., a neurogenic agent such as sarin, tartar, or suffix), or a chemical poison [such as a cyanide compound or an organic phosphorus compound] Depending on the spatial and / or temporal changes in the local atmospheric and climatic conditions of the air source, and also depending on the place and time at which the air sample is collected or obtained from the air source, the air sample typically varies or varies spatially (i.e., (I.e., vary or vary depending on the location) and / or temporally vary or vary (i.e., vary or change over time) Neunda. Accordingly, it is anticipated that a plurality of air samples will have a spatial and / or temporally diverse object of interest (target) in which the air sample is collected or the relative concentration varies with spatial and / or temporal changes in the resulting air source.

In such an application, typically, a given hyperspectral imagery of the test form of the air sample is obtained from a relatively small number of objects of interest (such as a target, e.g., a spectrally marked biological or chemical form) (Including high or noisy backgrounds in the form of (non-target) components of the air sample). Also, in this application, typically a majority of the hyperspritifically imaged images contain or contain a relatively small number of objects of interest (targets) relative to a relatively large number of unattended objects (backgrounds). For example, the number of objects of interest (target) for all objects (interest and no interest) that are present or contained in a hyperspectrally imaged image is 1% [1 pph] , Or 10 ^-1% [1 ppt], or 10 ^-4 % [1 ppm], 10 ^-7 % [1 ppb], or 10 ^-10 % [1 pptr].

Additionally, in this application, in a hyperspritifically imaged image of a test form of an air sample, each hypersprospectively imaged object of interest (a target, e.g., a spectrally marked biological or chemical form ) Component and each hypersproscopically imaged unattached object (background, (non-target) component form of the air sample) components can be applied to a variety of possible biological, chemical, and / or physical, ≪ / RTI > For example, in a given hyperspectrally imaged image, an object of interest (a target, a spectrally marked biologic or chemical form) component and an object of no interest (background, (non-target) ) Components are very similar or nearly identical, i.e., barely distinguishable or can be analyzed, but the biological, chemical and / or physical data and information (in terms of characteristics, characteristics and / or behavior) Hyperspectral " image data and information (in particular spectral fingerprints or signatures, for example) that are not at all similar or nearly identical, i.e., not at all easily distinguishable or non-analytical, Including identification of the pattern type and emission spectrum corresponding to the spectral representation of the characterization form.

The different relative numbers of the object of interest (the target, the spectrally marked biologic or chemical form) and the object of interest (the background, the (non-target) component form of the air sample) in the hyperspectrally imaged image of the air sample (Target, spectrally marked) from an object of interest (background, form of (non-target) component of the air sample) in a hyperspectrally imaged image, despite the actual distribution of the Biologic or chemical form), there is an ultimate need to identify, identify and analyze.

This includes hyper-spectral image data of the object of interest (target, spectrally marked biological or chemical form) from the hyperspectral image data and information of the object of interest (background, non-target component form of the air sample) This includes the need to identify, identify and analyze information. In addition, biological, chemical, and biological properties of the subject (target, spectrally marked biologic or chemical form) and uninterested object (background, airborne (non-target) There is a need to identify, distinguish, and analyze processes and operations involving physical and / or physical data and information. In addition, a hyperspritifically imaged image is generated and collected from an air sample and is then collected and compared to an object of interest (the background, the (non-target) component form of the air sample) and the object of interest (the target, There is a need to identify, differentiate and analyze in process and operation the fact that air samples have various relative concentrations according to spatial and / or temporal variations in the air source from which the air sample is collected or obtained.

Thus, the problematic and complex aspects described above, along with the corresponding negative impacts due to the spatial and / or temporal variation of the unobstructed object (background) in the air sample, can be attributed to the accuracy, precision Reproducibility), sensitivity, resolution, and / or speed (time scale) performance at high levels. This is particularly the case in the case of certain specific applications including on-line (real-time or near-real-time) or off-line hyper spectral imaging and analysis of air samples (i.e., air samples) to identify and characterize the object of interest In this application, the coherent unattached object (background) is a plurality of different spatially and / or temporally variable (non-target) components (i.e., moieties, materials, components) present in the air sample, (Target) can be a biological agent (such as a bacterium (such as a spore forming bacterial anthrax), a virus, a fungus, or a toxin), or a (possibly dangerous) , Tartar, or suffix], or a chemical poison [e.g., a cyanide compound, or an organic phosphorus compound]).

Thus, although hyper-spectral imaging and analysis are well known and carried out in the prior art and in the current state of the art in a wide variety of different fields and areas of science and technology, Background) is caused by spatial and / or temporally fluctuating existence, the above-described problematic and complex viewpoints and the adverse impacts thereof which significantly limit the hyperspectral imaging and analysis of the sample of interest continue to exist It is necessary to overcome.

In order to identify and characterize an object of interest, there is a need for an invention relating to a method of imaging and analyzing a sample of interest with hyper spectral, and such an invention would be very advantageous and useful. An invention is also required which comprises preparing a test solution or suspension from a sample of interest such that the test solution or suspension is particularly suitable to be subjected to hyper-spectral imaging and analysis. The sample of interest, which consists of or consists of organic and / or inorganic materials on a solid (e.g., particulate) phase, liquid (e.g., solution or suspension) phase, and / or gas (e.g., aerosol) (E.g., real-time or near-real-time) or off-line hyper-spectral imaging and analysis of a wide variety of different types or classes of images. Additionally, the 'ultimate' combination of highly desirable performance variables of high accuracy, 'high precision (high reproducibility),' high sensitivity ', and' high resolution 'and' high speed (short time measure) There is a need for an invention that provides the ability to achieve in an optimal and highly effective manner during on-line or off-line operation (i.e., simultaneously).

It is also contemplated that the subject of interest may be a biological agent (eg, a bacterium (such as a spore forming bacterial anthrax), a virus, a fungus, or a toxin), or a chemical (eg, (I.e., air sample) to identify and characterize a subject of interest in a sample of interest, which may be a chemical compound, such as a cyanide compound, a cyanine compound, A particularly feasible method is desired in applications involving on-line (real-time or near-real-time) or off-line hyper spectral imaging and analysis. An invention is also required of an air sample being collected or obtained from an indoor air source (e.g., a post office, an airport, a subway station, a shopping mall, a sports arena, or an office building) or from an outdoor air source . Additionally, it is contemplated that the subject of interest may be chemically marked (e.g., via terbium trichloride [TbCl ₃ ]) or biologically marked (e.g., by immunoassay techniques) to allow identification and characterization of the subject through hyperspectral imaging and analysis Spore-forming bacteria. Through the antibody, an invention which is biologically like anthrax bacteria is particularly required.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a method of imaging and analyzing a sample of interest in order to identify and characterize a subject of interest in a sample of interest. The present invention includes a process for preparing a test solution or suspension from a sample of interest such that the test solution or suspension is particularly suitable for processing in hyper-spectral imaging and analysis. The present invention is generally applicable to on-line (e.g., real-time or near real-time) or off-line hyper spectral imaging and analysis of a variety of different types or classes of samples of interest, The object may consist of or consist of organic and / or inorganic materials on a solid (e.g., particulate) phase, a liquid (e.g., solution or suspension) phase, and / or a gas (e.g., an aerosol). The present invention is based on the premise that the 'ultimate' combination of highly desirable performance variables of high accuracy, 'high precision (high reproducibility)', 'high sensitivity', and 'high resolution' and 'high speed (short- That is, simultaneously) on-line or off-line in an optimal and highly effective manner.

Thus, according to one aspect of the present invention, a spectrum marker specific to a subject of interest is added to a sample of interest such that if the subject of interest is present in the test solution or suspension, the spectral marker marked interest is hyperspectally active Preparing a test solution or suspension of the sample of interest so as to be targeted and hyperspecifically detected and confirmed in the test solution or suspension; Generate and collect hyperspectral image data and information of the test solution or suspension; And analyzing and analyzing hyper-spectral image data and information to identify and characterize hyper-spectral active targets in a test solution or suspension, thereby identifying and characterizing the object of interest in the sample of interest. Methods of imaging and analyzing hyperspectral samples of interest are provided to identify and characterize an object of interest.

The preparation of the test solution or suspension comprises adding a background reducing chemical to the test solution or suspension, wherein the background reducing chemical is selected from the group consisting of a ratio By reducing the background interference effect caused by the presence of the object of interest, it is possible to increase the likelihood of detection of the hyperspectral of the hyperspectral activity target in the test solution or suspension, Generates and collects hyper-spectral image data and information of the object of interest separately.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the sample of interest is an air sample.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the object of interest is a biological agent or a chemical agent.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the biological agent is selected from the group consisting of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and toxins.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the bacterium is an anthrax bacterium ( Bacillus sp. anthracis .

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the chemical agent is selected from the group consisting of neurogenic agents, and chemical poisons.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the spectral markers specific for the object of interest are selected from the group consisting of chemical markers and biological markers.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the chemical marker is terbium trichloride [TbCl ₃ ].

According to one embodiment of the invention, the biological marker is an antibody of the immunoassay technique.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the background reducing chemical is selected from the group consisting of solid and liquid.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the liquid is an organic liquid.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the organic liquid is ethylene glycol (monoethylene glycol (MEG) or ethane-1,2-diol) [HOCH ₂ CH ₂ OH].

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the individual acquisition of hyperspectral image data and information of an object of interest is selected from the group consisting of dust, pollen, mineral, non-target type biological material, and non-target type micro particulate material Is performed on one or more un-interested objects.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the individual acquisition of hyper-spectral image data and information of an object of interest is performed on one or more un-interested objects in dry form.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the individual acquisition of hyperspectral image data and information of an object of interest is performed on one or more unattended objects in wet form that are dissolved or suspended in a background reducing chemical, for example, , And the background reducing agent is ethylene glycol.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, processing and analyzing the hyper-spectral image data and information comprises evaluating the detectability level of the hyperspatial active target in the test solution or suspension according to the following three criteria: ( 1) all positive pixel areas in a hyperspectral image expressing a characteristic spectral fingerprint of light emitted by a hyperspectral active target, and (2) characteristic spectra of a hyperspectral active target. In a hyperspectral image expressing a fingerprint, all positive Pixel, and (3) the characteristic spectral fingerprint included in the positive pixels of the hyper-spectral image and the hyperspectral image database.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, processing and analyzing the hyper-spectral image data and information may also include analyzing the hyper-spectral image for the characteristic spectral fingerprint at one pixel resolution, And calculating the total area for the pixel and the concentration of the spectrum marker.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, processing and analyzing the hyper-spectral image data and information also includes calculating the minimum, maximum and average intensity of the spectral region around the characteristic emission peak of the hyper-spectral active target.

In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, processing and analyzing hyper-spectral image data and information also includes creating two distinct databases, wherein the first database includes all possible spectra of background interference effects And the second database contains all of the spectra corresponding to the hyperspectral active target.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, processing and analyzing the hyper-spectral image data and information also includes comparing spectral fingerprints included in the positive pixels of the hyperspectral image to the spectral fingerprint from two distinct databases Whereby the positive pixel is divided into a hyperspectral active target and a background coherent effect and then to obtain the percentage of positive pixels corresponding to the hyperspectral active target and the percentage of positive pixels corresponding to the background coherent effect Lt; / RTI >

 According to one embodiment of the invention, the percentage of positive pixels shows the distribution of the characteristic spectral fingerprint of the background interference effect in the positive pixels of the hyperspectral active target and the hyperspectral active target as the count function of the object of interest Used for bar graphs.

Following the provision of the sample of interest, or following the acquisition or collection of the sample of interest, the hyperspectral imaging and analysis of the sample of interest comprises three separate or integrated general domains or steps of the main activities and processes as follows: (i) preparing an appropriate test form (typically in solid or liquid form) of the sample of interest suitable for processing in hyper-spectral imaging and analysis; (ii) generating and collecting hyper-spectral image data and information of a test form of the sample of interest; And (iii) processing and analyzing the generated and collected hyper-spectral image data and information.

(Reproducibility), sensitivity, resolution, and / or speed (time scale) of the first general domain or step of the main activities and processes of the hyperspectral imaging and analysis application in connection with the manufacture of the appropriate test form of interest. The performance variable influences the performance parameters of accuracy, precision (reproducibility), sensitivity, resolution, and / or speed (time scale) of the subsequent second and third generic domains or steps of the main activity and process. More particularly, the main activities and processes for producing the appropriate test form of the sample of interest influence the generation and collection of hyperspectral image data and information of the test form of the sample of interest, It affects the processing and analysis of data and information.

A key aspect of the novelty and inventive features of the present invention is that in a method for imaging and analyzing a sample of interest in order to identify and characterize a sample of interest in a sample of interest a major step of preparing a test solution or suspension of the sample of interest, Is a unique and critical step that adds a background reducing agent to the test solution or suspension. This results in the formation of test solutions or suspensions, which reduce the background interference effects caused by the presence of unattended objects in the test solution or suspension during hyperspectral imaging and analysis, Thereby increasing the hyperspectral detectability of the hypersproscopic active target.

Exemplary specific applications of the present invention include on-line (real-time or near real-time) or off-line hyper spectral imaging and analysis of samples of air (i.e., air samples) to identify and characterize an object of interest in the sample , Where the object of interest is a biological agent (which can be dangerous) or a chemical agent (which can be dangerous). Generally, a subject of interest (i.e., a biological or chemical agent) in an air sample can be an organic and / or a carrier gas on a solid (e.g., particulate) phase, a liquid (e.g., solution or suspension) phase, and / Or made of inorganic material. Preferably, the object of interest (i.e., biological or chemical agent) in the air sample is a particulate solid and / or an organic and / or inorganic species present on the particles of the air sample (e.g., absorbed and / Or made of a material. The air sample is collected or obtained from an indoor air source (e.g., a post office, an airport, a subway station, a shopping mall, a sports arena, or an office building) or from an outdoor air source (e.g., through a standard type of air sampling or collection system). Exemplary biocides are bacteria, viruses, fungi, and toxins. Exemplary chemicals are neurogenes (e. G., Sarin, saliva, and suffix), and chemical poisons (e. G., Cyanide compounds and organophosphorus compounds). An object of interest is a part of a major step (assumption) of producing a test sample or suspension of a sample of interest, i. E. An air sample, in order to be able to identify and characterize the object of interest through hyperspectral imaging and analysis, (Via terbium trichloride [TbCl ₃ ] for example), or biologically marked (for example, through an immunoassay antibody) (very harmful) spore forming bacteria anthrax.

In this particular illustrative application of the invention, the background reducing chemical is preferably selected from the group consisting of ethylene glycol (equivalently known as monoethylene glycol (MEG) or ethane-1,2-diol) [HOCH ₂ CH ₂ OH] (see Examples below). A particular type or class of background reducing agents, i.e., ethylene glycol (MEG) [HOCH ₂ CH ₂ OH], is a compound that inhibits the formation of a large number of different types of objects during hyperspectral imaging and analysis of test solutions or suspensions (Non-target) components (especially dust, pollen, minerals, non-target types of biological material (fungi), bacteria) present in the test solution or suspension, (I. E., Measurably) the background interference effect caused by the presence of the < / RTI > This may be accomplished by adding a hyperspectral active target (i. E., {Anthrax spores of bacteria (DPA) - terbium trichloride [TbCl ₃ ]} complex in the test solution or suspension during hyperspectral imaging and analysis of the test solution or suspension, (MEG) [HOCH ₂ CH ₂ OH], which is a compound of the present invention, can be obtained by reacting the above-mentioned background reducing chemical agent, i.e., ethylene glycol (MEG) [HOCH ₂ CH ₂ OH] Adding to the test solution or suspension of the air sample results in an increase (enhancement) of the hyperspectral detectability of the (target) spore forming bacterial anthrax present in the air sample.

The present invention is carried out by performing a step or process, and a lower step or a sub-process in a manner selected from the group consisting of manually, semiautomatically, fully automatic, and combinations thereof, and the system unit, system subunit, The use and operation of the components, assemblies, subassemblies, mechanisms, structures, components, and elements, and peripherals, equipment, accessories, chemical reagents, and materials may be performed manually, semiautomatically, fully automatically, And in a selected manner. It is also to be understood that the actual steps or processes, sub-steps or sub-processes, system units, system sub-units, devices, assemblies, sub-assemblies, mechanisms, structures, components, and elements used to practice the specific embodiments of the disclosed subject matter According to the peripherals, facilities, accessories, chemical reagents, and materials, the steps or processes, and the lower steps or sub-processes, may be implemented in hardware, software, and / or an integrated combination thereof and hardware, software, Subunits, devices, assemblies, subassemblies, mechanisms, structures, components, and elements, and peripherals, equipment, accessories, and materials that are operated by using a combination of components,

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are intended to be illustrative with reference to the accompanying drawings. With particular reference to the drawings, the specific details shown are merely illustrative for the purpose of further illustrating embodiments of the invention. In this respect, the detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings will provide those skilled in the art with a clear description of how the embodiments of the present invention are implemented.
Figure 1 shows a flow diagram of a preferred embodiment of a key step or process of a method of hyperspectral imaging and analyzing a sample of interest to identify and characterize a subject of interest in a sample of interest in accordance with the present invention.
Figures 2a and 2b illustrate exemplary dust particles 1 and 2 in dry form, processed according to the invention for hyper-spectral imaging and analysis showing spectral fingerprints (SFP) as described in Example 1 below. (Spectra) of the emission intensity (normalized) as a function of the emission wavelength (nm) of the sample.
Figure 3a shows a background-only test suspension (organic liquid ethylene glycol (monoethyleneglycol (MEG)) solution, which was subjected to hyperspectral imaging and analysis showing spectral fingerprint (SFP) as described in Example 3 below, ≪ / RTI > only the unattended object suspended in the exemplary background reducing agent; The absence of the object or target of interest (that is, illustratively {biological claim Bacillus subtilis (Bacillus An experimentally determined graph of emission intensity (normalized) as a function of emission wavelength (nm) of a subtilis spore (dipicolinic acid [DPA]) terpium trichloride [TbCl ₃ ] Plat (spectrum).
FIG. 3B is a graphical representation of a target-containing test suspension (uncharacterized subject, and exemplary target or target) that has undergone hyperspectral imaging and analysis showing a spectral fingerprint (SFP) as described in Example 3 below according to the present invention (I. E., The hyperspectral active target is an exemplary {biocidal Bacillus spore (dipicolinic acid [DPA]) terbium trichloride suspended in an exemplary background reducing chemistry, organic liquid ethylene glycol (monoethylene glycol ₃ ]} complex) as a function of the emission wavelength (nm) of the emission spectrum (normalized).
FIG. 4A is a graph of a positive pixel as a function of spore count based on hyper-spectral image data and information obtained from FIGS. 3A and 3B and similar experiments as described in Example 3 below in accordance with the present invention. The 'background' and 'background' of the target's emission peak (540 ± 5 nm) (ie, the hyperspotallic active target is an exemplary {biologic agent Bacillus spore (DPA)) terbium trichloride [TbCl ₃ ] Is an exemplary experimentally determined bar graph of positive pixels (%) as a function of the spore total (absolute number) showing the distribution of the target 'spectral fingerprint (SFP).
FIG. 4B is a graph of a spontaneous pixel based on hyperspectral image data and information obtained by repeated experiments of Example 3, as described in Example 3 below, according to the present invention, (540 ± 5 nm) (ie, the hyperspectral active target is an exemplary {biologic anti-bacterial spore (dipicolinic acid [DPA]) terbium trichloride [TbCl ₃ ]} complex] Is an exemplary experimentally determined bar graph of positive pixels (%) as a function of the spore total (absolute number) showing the reproducibility of the distribution of the spectral fingerprint (SFP).

DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

The present invention is directed to a method of imaging and analyzing a sample of interest in order to identify and characterize a subject of interest in a sample of interest. The invention includes a process for preparing a test solution or suspension from a sample of interest such that it is particularly suited to be subjected to hyper-spectral imaging and analysis. The present invention is generally well suited for on-line (e.g., real-time or near real-time) or off-line hyper spectral imaging and analysis of a variety of different types or classes of samples of interest, The object is composed or made of organic and / or inorganic materials on a solid (e.g., particulate) phase, a liquid (e.g., solution or suspension) phase, and / or a gas (e.g., an aerosol). The present invention is based on the premise that the 'ultimate' combination of highly desirable performance variables of high accuracy, 'high precision (high reproducibility)', 'high sensitivity', and 'high resolution' and 'high speed (short- That is, simultaneously) on-line or off-line in an optimal and highly effective manner.

A key aspect of the present invention is to provide a method for imaging and analyzing a sample of interest in order to identify and characterize an object of interest in a sample of interest, said method comprising the steps of: A spectral marker specific to a subject of interest is added to the sample of interest, so that when the subject of interest is present in the test solution or suspension, the subject marked with the spectral marker becomes a hyperspectally active target and is hyper- Preparing a test solution or suspension of the sample of interest so that it can be detected and identified spectrally; Generate and collect hyperspectral image data and information of the test solution or suspension; And analyzing and analyzing hyper-spectral image data and information to identify and characterize hyper-spectral active targets in test solutions or suspensions, thereby identifying and characterizing the objects of interest in the sample of interest.

Preparing the test solution or suspension comprises adding a background reducing chemical to the test solution or suspension, wherein the background reducing chemical is selected from the group consisting of the presence of an unattached object in the test solution or suspension during hyperspectral imaging and analysis To increase the likelihood of detecting a hyperspectral of a hyperspectral activity target in a test solution or suspension and to generate and collect hyper-spectral image data and information of the test solution or suspension, Includes separately acquiring hyper-spectral image data and information of an object of interest.

Following the provision of the sample of interest or following the acquisition or collection of the sample of interest, the hyperspectral imaging and analysis of the sample of interest comprises the following three separate, generalized domains or steps of the main activities and processes: (i ) A domain or step that produces an appropriate test form (usually a solid or liquid form) of a sample of interest that is suitable for processing in the hyper-spectral imaging and analysis, (ii) the hyper-spectral image data and information of the test form of the sample of interest Domain and step of generating and collecting hyper-spectral image data and information; and (iii) processing and analyzing the generated and collected hyper-spectral image data and information.

Precision (reproducibility), sensitivity, resolution, and / or speed of a first general domain or step with respect to the manufacture of a suitable test form of the relevant sample, ) Influences performance variables of accuracy, precision (reproducibility), sensitivity, resolution, and / or speed (time scale) of the subsequent second and third generic domains or steps of the main activity and process give. More particularly, the main activities and processes for producing the appropriate test form of the sample of interest affect the generation and collection of hyperspectral image data and information of the test form of the sample of interest, And information processing and analysis.

Embodiments of the present invention include a number of specific technical features and novelty and inventive aspects in comparison to the prior art in the related art of the present invention.

A particular technical feature of an embodiment of the present invention is a method for imaging and analyzing a sample of interest in order to identify and characterize a sample of interest in a sample of interest, Includes a unique and critical critical step of adding background reducing chemicals to the test solution or suspension. This results in the formation of test solutions or suspensions, which can reduce the background interference effects caused by the presence of an unattended object in the test solution or suspension during hyperspectral imaging and analysis, Thereby increasing the hyperspectral detectability of the spectral active target.

Exemplary specific applications of the present invention include on-line (real-time or near-real-time) or off-line hyper-spectral imaging and analysis of air samples (i.e., air samples) to identify and characterize an object of interest , And the object of interest is a biological agent (which can be dangerous) or a chemical agent (which can be dangerous). Generally, a subject of interest (i.e., a biological or chemical agent) in an air sample can be an organic and / or a carrier gas on a solid (e.g., particulate) phase, a liquid (e.g., solution or suspension) phase, and / Or made of inorganic material. Preferably, the object of interest (i. E., Biological or chemical) in the air sample is in particulate solid form and / or is an organic and / or inorganic substance present (e.g. absorbed and / or adsorbed) Configured or implemented. The air sample is collected or obtained from an indoor air source (e.g., a post office, an airport, a subway station, a shopping mall, a sports arena, or an office building) or from an outdoor air source (e.g., through a standard type of air sampling or collection system) . Exemplary biocides are bacteria, viruses, fungi, and toxins. Exemplary chemicals are new agents (e.g., sarin, tartar, and suffix), and chemical poisons (e.g., cyanide compounds, and organic phosphorus). The subject of interest may be chemically marked (e.g., via terbium trichloride [TbCl ₃ ]) or biologically marked (e.g., immunoassayed Through the antibodies of the method, it can be biologic such as (extremely harmful) spore forming bacteria anthrax.

In this particular illustrative application of the present invention, the background reducing chemical is preferably selected from the group consisting of ethylene glycol (also known as monoethylene glycol (MEG) or ethane-1,2-diol) [HOCH ₂ CH ₂ OH] It was experimentally determined to be the same organic liquid (see Examples below). (MEG) [HOCH ₂ CH ₂ OH] can be used as a background reducing chemical for a specific type or kind of background reducing chemical, i.e., ethylene glycol (MEG) [HOCH ₂ CH ₂ OH] (Spontaneously and / or temporarily) of a wide variety of different types and concentrations of non-target types of biological material (fungi, bacteria), and non-target types of particulate chemical substances (I. E., Measurably) the background interference caused by the presence of the target component). This may be accomplished by adding a hyperspectral active target (i. E., {Anthrax spores of bacteria (DPA) - terbium trichloride [TbCl ₃ ]} complex in the test solution or suspension during hyperspectral imaging and analysis of the test solution or suspension, (MEG) [HOCH ₂ CH ₂ OH], which is the background reducing chemical, is added to the { Adding to the test solution or suspension of the air sample results in an increase (enhancement) of the hyperspectral detectability of the (target) spore forming bacterial anthrax present in the air sample.

The invention is not limited in its application to the detailed description of the operation or the implementation of the method, the number of steps or steps, the number of sub steps or sub-steps, or the apparatus, chemical reagents and / or reagents used in the practice of the method, It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the details of the material, the description in the following detailed description, the accompanying drawings and the examples. Further, although the description and examples of the present invention are primarily focused on applications involving biological agents, the biological agents may be chemically modified to allow identification and characterization through, for example, hyper-spectral imaging and analysis. Spore-forming bacterial anthrax, which is marked (e.g., via terbium [TbCl ₃ ]), or biologically marked (e.g., through an antibody of the immunoassay technique) (which is extremely deleterious), and the invention also encompasses bacterial, , And toxins, and the invention is also applicable to chemicals such as neurogenic agents (e.g., sarin, tartar, and suffix), and chemical poisons (e.g., cyanide compounds, and organophosphates) . Accordingly, the present invention may be practiced in accordance with various other embodiments and various other optional schemes.

All technical and scientific terms, terms and / or phrases as used throughout the present invention are to be understood to have the same or similar meanings as would normally be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs, unless otherwise defined. The terms, terms and expressions used herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

For example, in the exemplary description of the present invention, there is a general reference to the terms ' object ' and ' objects ' for the detailed implementation of the present invention. As used herein, the term " object ", as used herein to describe the present invention, typically refers to a portion of a scene (as defined below), either alone or in conjunction with another object (S), part (s), material (s), component (s), or structure (s). In general, such objects can be defined and characterized by a variety of possible sets of biological, chemical, and / or physical, characteristic, characteristic, and behavior. Also, for example, in the exemplary description of the present invention, the terms "spectrally marked" and "spectral markers", "chemical markers", and " There is a general standard for the term 'marker' in 'biological markers'. As used herein, the terms " marked " and " marker " are to be regarded as equivalents or synonyms, respectively, with the terms " labeled " Thus, the expressions' spectrally marked ',' spectral markers', 'chemical markers', and' biological markers' refer to the 'spectrally labeled', 'spectral label', 'chemical label', and ' ', Respectively.

Also, all technical and scientific terms, terms and / or phrases introduced, defined, described, and / or described in the field and background of the present invention are intended to be synonymous with the preferred embodiment, And may be equally or similarly applied to the detailed description of the scope. The following selected definitions and illustrative usage of words, terms and / or phrases used throughout the detailed description of the preferred embodiments, examples and appended claims of the present invention are particularly relevant to that understanding.

The terms 'comprising,' 'comprising,' 'having,' 'having,' 'including,' and 'including,' and derivatives and combinations thereof, Do not mean '.

It is understood that each of the following terms denoted by the word form "a" and "its" in the word form are intended to encompass a plurality of the stated constituents or objects, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. For example, the expressions 'object', 'target', 'component', and 'element' refer to and include a plurality of objects, a plurality of targets, a plurality of components, and a plurality of elements.

The term " about " refers to < RTI ID = 0.0 > 10% < / RTI >

The phrase "room temperature" refers to a temperature ranging from about 20 ° C to about 25 ° C.

Numerical values of variables, features, objects, or dimensions may be described or described in numerical range format form through the detailed description of the embodiments, the examples and the appended claims of the present invention. It should be understood that the numerical range format described is provided to illustrate the practice of the invention and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

Thus, the stated or described numerical ranges also refer to and encompass all possible subranges and individual numerical values (numerical values may be expressed as a real number, a real number, or a prime number) within the numerical range described or described. For example, the numerical range '1 to 6' described or indicated may be a number from 1 to 3, from 1 to 4, from 1 to 5, from 2 to 4, from 2 to 6, from 3 to 6, ',' 1 ',' 1.3 ',' 2 ',' 2.8 ',' 3 ',' 3.5 ',' 4 ',' 4.6 ',' 5 ',' 5.2 ' And ' 6 '. < / RTI > This applies irrespective of the numerical width, degree, or size of the numerical range described or described.

Also, to describe or describe a numerical range, the phrase ' range between about the first numerical value and about the second numerical value ' is equivalent and synonymous with the range from about the first numerical value to about the second numerical value ' And thus the two equivalent semantics can be used interchangeably. For example, when describing or describing a range of room temperatures, the phrase "room temperature" refers to a temperature in the range of from about 20 ° C to about 25 ° C, and the phrase "room temperature" refers to a temperature in the range of from about 20 ° C to about 25 ° C Is equivalent to, and is considered to mean the same thing.

A system or unit, a sub-assembly, a mechanism, a structure, a component, an element, and a structure, and a peripheral device, a facility, an accessory, a chemical, Reagents, and materials, as well as the operation and practice of the exemplary preferred embodiments, other preferred embodiments, particular constructions and additional and optional aspects, features, or characteristics according to the present invention are described in the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings Can be better understood.

According to a key aspect of the present invention, a method is provided for performing a hyperspectral imaging and analyzing of a sample of interest for identifying and characterizing an object of interest in a sample of interest.

With reference to the figures, Figure 1 is a flow diagram of the main steps or processes of a method of hyperspectral imaging and analyzing a sample of interest to identify and characterize an object of interest and a preferred embodiment of its components and action . Thus, the method comprises the following main steps or processes, and the components and actions thereof: If a spectral marker specific to the object of interest is added to the sample of interest and the object of interest is present in the test solution or suspension, To prepare a test solution or suspension of the sample of interest so that the target of interest can be hyperspecifically activated as an active target and hyperspecifically detected and confirmed in the test solution or suspension; Generate and collect hyperspectral image data and information of the test solution or suspension; And analyzing and analyzing hyper-spectral image data and information to identify and characterize hyper-spectral active targets in test solutions or suspensions, thereby identifying and characterizing the objects of interest in the sample of interest.

The method is characterized in that the step of preparing the test solution or suspension comprises adding a background reducing chemical to the test solution or suspension, wherein the background reducing chemical is a test solution or suspension during hyperspectral imaging and analysis, Thereby reducing the background interference effect caused by the presence of an unattended object in the suspension, thereby increasing the likelihood of detection of the hyperspectral of the hyperspectral activity target in the test solution or suspension.

Samples of interest in applicable type or type and form

In general, the invention can be applied to samples of interest of any type or type and form. The sample of interest has a lump, occupies a volume and is a relatively large representative and exemplary (i.e., sample) material of a material that is something (i. E., Part, substance, component) that is present in a solid, liquid, gas, It is a relatively small amount of material. The sample of interest may be considered as a specimen of material (i.e., an example). The sample of interest can consist of or consist of any number and type or kind of objects, each of which generally refers to at least a portion of a material and is equivalent to and synonymous with it, and thus is present in a material sample. Thus, each object generally has a mass, occupies a volume, refers to at least a portion (i.e., a portion, material, component) of something that is present in a solid, liquid, gas, or combination thereof, . In addition, each object (i. E., At least a portion of the material) can be defined and characterized by a variety of different possible biological, chemical, and / or physical, characteristic, characteristic, and behavioral sets.

A plurality of different spatially and / or temporally varying Coherence  Objects of interest (background), and Biological agent  Or a sample of air (air sample) containing a chemical species of interest (target)

In an exemplary particular embodiment of the invention, the sample of interest is a sample of air (i.e., an air sample). Accordingly, certain illustrative embodiments of the present invention provide for the on-line (real-time or near real-time) or off-line hyper-spectral imaging of air samples (i.e., air samples) to identify and characterize an object of interest in a sample of interest And analyzing.

Exemplary specific applications of the invention include imaging and analyzing samples of air (i. E., Air samples) on-line (real-time or near-real-time) or off-line hyper spectral to identify and characterize the objects of interest in the sample of interest Wherein the object of interest is a biological agent or a chemical agent. Generally, a subject of interest (i.e., a biological or chemical agent) in an air sample can be an organic and / or a carrier gas on a solid (e.g., particulate) phase, a liquid (e.g., solution or suspension) phase, and / Or made of inorganic material. Preferably, the object of interest (i. E., Biological or chemical) in the air sample is a particulate solid form and / or an organic and / or inorganic material present (e.g., absorbed and / or adsorbed) The air sample is collected or obtained from an indoor air source (e.g., a post office, an airport, a subway station, a shopping mall, a sports arena, or an office building), or from an outdoor air source Through the system). Exemplary biocides are bacteria, viruses, fungi, and toxins. Exemplary chemicals are neurogenes (e. G., Sarin, saliva, and suffix), and chemical poisons (e. G., Cyanide compounds and organophosphorus compounds). The object of interest may be chemically marked (e.g., as part of a major step) to produce a test sample or suspension of the sample of interest, i.e., an air sample, to identify and characterize the object of interest through hyperspectral imaging and analysis , Terbium trichloride (TbCl ₃ )), or biologically marked (eg, through an antibody from immunoassay) spore-forming bacteria anthrax.

The type, category or type of object in the sample of interest

In general, in the sample of interest (including the material present in the sample of interest and its components), the object (i.e., part, substance, component) is typed, categorized or classified according to two major different types, categories or classes. That is, 'non-interest object' and 'object of interest', respectively, are basically defined as follows. An " object of interest " corresponds to an object that is present in, or does not attract the attention of, a human operator (observer, viewer, analyst and / or controller) contained in a sample of interest that contains the sample of interest. An " object of interest " corresponds to an object that is present or contained in a sample of interest that is of interest to a human operator of the process including the sample of interest. To further understand the significantly different meanings and contributions of the objects of interest and the object of interest in the sense of the present invention, the object of interest is considered to be part of the background of the sample of interest or within the sample of interest, Or " target " of < / RTI > Thus, individual objects in a collection, collection or ensemble of a plurality of objects (i.e., parts, materials, components) present or contained in a sample of interest can be identified by the two main different types, Categorized, or classified according to the object (i.e., background) and the object of interest (i.e., the target).

Typically, the sample of interest includes or contains a distribution of the two different major types, categories, or different relative numbers (i.e., ratio, ratio) of the defined objects. For example, the sample of interest may include or contain a relatively small number of objects of interest (targets), and a relatively large number of unattached objects (corresponding to a relatively high or 'noisy' background). Conversely, the sample of interest may comprise or contain a relatively large number of objects of interest (targets), and a relatively small number of non-objects of interest (corresponding to a relatively low or 'quiet' background).

There are also a number of applications of the present invention that include or include a relatively " exceptional " fewer objects of interest (targets) as compared to, for example, a relatively large number of unattended objects (high or noisy backgrounds). For example, this may be applied to the number of objects of interest (targets) relative to the number of all objects of interest (the target and the uninteresting background) is 1% [1 pph], or 10 ^-1% 1 ppt], or 10 ^-4 % [1 ppm], 10 ^-7 % [1 ppb], or 10 ^-10 % [1 pptr].

In addition to the sample of interest comprising the distribution of the different relative numbers (ratio, ratio) of the two different types, categories or classes of objects, each object (i.e., part, substance, component) Chemical, and / or physical, characteristic, characteristic, and behavioral set of features. For example, in a sample of interest, a 'spectral fingerprint' (here abbreviated as SFP) or signature pattern type of 'hyperspectral' image data and information Biological, chemical, and / or physical " data and information (including characteristics, characteristics, and / or behavior) that are very similar, or nearly identical, i.e. barely distinguishable or analytical, Type, and number of objects that are significantly different from one another, and which are not substantially similar or substantially non-identical, i.e., not readily distinguishable or non-analytical, or vice versa, .

Despite the actual distribution of the relative relative numbers (i.e., ratio, ratio) of the object of interest (target) and the object of interest (background) in the sample of interest, any application of the present invention ultimately leads to non- It is necessary to identify, distinguish, and analyze the objects of interest from. This includes the need to identify, identify and analyze hyper-spectral image data and information of the object of interest (hyper-spectral image data and information) of the object of interest (background). It is also necessary to identify, identify and analyze the processes and tasks related to biological, chemical, and / or physical data and information of the objects of interest (targets) and objects of interest (background) in the sample of interest.

The main source or origin of the difficulty and complexity of performing hyper-spectral imaging and analysis of the sample of interest is that the unobserved (background) objects (parts, materials, components) in the sample of interest are problematic and complex spatial and / (Background) is directly transferred to the corresponding problematic and complex spatial and / or temporal variation exists in the hyperspectrally imaged image of the test form of the sample of interest. The spatial and / or temporally varying presence of an unattended object in the sample of interest may be determined by performing a hyperspectral imaging and analysis of the object of interest (a target) (part, material, component) Depending on the factor). Thus, the presence of the spatially and / or temporally varying unconcentrated object (background) in a hyperspectrally imaged image of a test form of the sample of interest can be evaluated in a hyperspectally imaged image of a test form of the sample of interest It negatively interferes with various degrees of hyperspectral imaging and analysis of the object of interest (target).

The above-described problematic and complex view of the spatial and / or temporal variation of an object of interest (background) spatially affects the generation and collection of hyper-spectral image data and information of interest samples, It has a negative effect on processing and analyzing the generated and collected hyper-spectral image data and information. This problematic and complex view, in addition to the corresponding phonetic effects, is also addressed by an overall hyperspectral imaging and analytical application based on analyzing the sample of interest through hyper-spectral imaging and analysis to identify and characterize the sample of interest in the sample (Reproducibility), sensitivity, resolution, and / or speed (time scale) of the performance parameters of the system.

A number of different spatially and / or temporally varying Coherence Non-interest  Object (background), and Biological agent  Or a sample of air containing a chemical type (air sample)

The above described problematic and complex aspects relating to the spatial and / or temporal variation of an unattractive object (background) that negatively impacts the hyperspectral imaging and analysis of the sample of interest can be achieved by the use of an object of interest (target) (Real-time or near real-time) or off-line for analyzing samples of air (i.e., air samples) through hyper-spectral imaging and analysis to identify and characterize . In particular, in such applications, the air sample is collected or obtained from an indoor air source (e.g., a post office, an airport, a subway station, a shopping mall, a sports arena, or an office building) or from an outdoor air source Through the collection system).

In this application, interfering with an unattended object (background) is a number of different (non-target) components (i.e., moieties, materials, components) present in an air sample. In air samples, the object of interest may be a biological agent (such as a bacterium [(extremely harmful) spore-forming bacterial anthrax], a virus, a fungus, or a toxin) (For example, a cyanide compound, or a cyanide compound) that is composed of a chemical agent (e.g., a neurogenerative agent such as sarin, tartarate, or succinic acid, or an organic and / or inorganic substance and is preferably a solid Organic phosphorus compound]).

In the collected air samples, the coherent non-objects of interest (background) are subjected to a number of spatially varying (i.e., varying or varying depending on location or location) and / or temporally varying (I.e., non-target) components (i.e., moieties, materials, components) present in different types and concentrations of air source. Indoor or outdoor air sources typically include a number of spatially and / or temporally diverse and different types and concentrations of (non-target) constituents, such as dust (fine dry particles), pollen (microparticles of pollen granules produced by plants Or powdery materials), minerals, non-target types of biological material (fungi, bacteria), and non-target types of particulate chemistry. This (non-target) component in the air source may be in the form of an aerosol, which is a gas suspension of fine solids or liquid particles circulating through an air source (indoor or outdoor). These (non-target) components may be used in accordance with spatial and / or temporal changes in the local atmospheric and climatic conditions of the indoor or outdoor air source, or depending on the location and time at which the outdoor air source and the air sample are collected or obtained from the air source Typically, they have a relative concentration that varies or varies spatially (i.e., varies or varies depending on location and location) and / or temporally varies or varies (i.e., varies or varies over time). Thus, it is anticipated that the plurality of air samples will have spatially and / or temporally varying (non-target) components that vary in relative concentration with spatial and / or temporal variations in the air source from which the air sample is collected or acquired.

In a similar manner, a biological agent (such as a bacterium (such as a spore forming bacterial anthrax), a virus, a fungus, or a toxin) present in the collected air sample or obtained (potentially dangerous) from indoor or outdoor air sources, (Target) such as a chemical (e.g., a neurogenic agent such as sarin, saliva, or suffix) or a chemical poison [such as a cyanide compound or an organic phosphorus compound] Depending on the spatial and / or temporal changes in the local atmospheric and climatic conditions of the circle, or alternatively, the outdoor air source and the air sample may vary or vary spatially, depending on the place and time at which it is collected or obtained from the air source And / or temporally varying or varying (i. E., Varying or changing over time), < / RTI & And has a relative concentration. Thus, it is anticipated that the plurality of air samples will have a spatial and / or temporally diverse object of interest (target) whose relative concentration varies with spatial and / or temporal variation in the air source from which the air sample is collected or obtained.

In this application of the invention, typically, a given hyperspectral imaged image of a test form of an air sample is irradiated by a relatively small number of objects of interest (such as a target, e.g., a spectrally marked biological or chemical form ), And a relatively large number of unattached objects (high or noisy background, (non-target) component form of the air sample). Also, in such applications, typically, a majority of hyperspritifically imaged images contain or contain a relatively small number of objects of interest (targets) as compared to a relatively large number of unattached objects (backgrounds). For example, the number of objects of interest (target) for all objects (interest and target of interest) present or contained in a hyperspectrally imaged image is 1% [1 pph] , Or 10 ^-1% [1 ppt], or 10 ^-4 % [1 ppm], 10 ^-7 % [1 ppb], or 10 ^-10 % [1 pptr].

Additionally, in this application of the present invention, in a hyperspritifically imaged image of a test form of an air sample, each hypersprospectively imaged object of interest (such as a target, e.g., a spectrally marked biological agent or Chemistry, and / or physical, characteristic, characteristic, and behavioral set) of each hypersproscopically imaged object (background, form of (non-target) ≪ / RTI > and can be characterized. For example, an object of interest (a target, a spectrally marked biologic or a chemical form) and an object of interest (a background, a (non-target) component form of an air sample) in a given hyperspectrally imaged image Biological, chemical, and / or physical 'data and information (in terms of characteristics, characteristics, and / or behavior) are significantly different and can be very similar or nearly identical, i.e. barely distinguishable or analytical, (Especially, for example, a spectral fingerprint (SFP)) image data and information that are not at all similar or not nearly identical, i.e., not at all easily distinguishable or unalterable, Or an identification of the signature pattern type and an emission spectrum corresponding to the spectral representation of the characterization form).

Despite the actual distribution of the relative relative numbers (i.e., ratio, ratio) of the object of interest (target, spectrally marked biocide or chemical form) and unattached object (background, (From a background, a (non-target) component form of an air sample) in an image hyperspecifically imaged in a hypersprotially imaged image of an air sample, Biological agents or chemical agents), it is ultimately necessary to identify and analyze them.

This includes hyper-spectral image data of the object of interest (target, spectrally marked biological or chemical form) from the hyperspectral image data and information of the object of interest (background, non-target component form of the air sample) This includes the need to identify, identify and analyze information. In addition, biological, chemical, and biological properties of the object of interest (target, spectrally marked biochemical or chemical form) and uninterested object (background, non-target component form of air sample) And / or to identify, distinguish and analyze the processes and operations of physical data and information. There is also a need to conduct, identify and analyze processes and operations in the fact that hypersprotially imaged images are generated and collected from air samples, And the object of interest (the target, the biologically or chemically formulated mark, which is marked spectrally), is a relative concentration that varies with the spatial and / or temporal variation thereof in the air source from which the air sample is collected or obtained .

Thus, the problematic and complex aspects described above, along with the corresponding negative effects due to the spatial and / or temporally variable presence of unconcentrated objects (backgrounds) in the sample of air, can be attributed to the accuracy of the overall hyperspectral imaging and analytical application , Precision (reproducibility), sensitivity, resolution, and / or speed (time scale). This is particularly the case in the case of certain specific applications including on-line (real-time or near-real-time) or off-line hyper spectral imaging and analysis of air samples (i.e., air samples) to identify and characterize the object of interest (Non-target) components (i.e., moieties, materials, components) that are present in the air sample, and that are of interest (target) (Eg, sarin, tartar, fungus, or toxin), or a (possibly dangerous) chemical agent (eg, , Or a chemical poison [e.g., a cyanide compound, or an organic phosphorus compound]).

The practice of the present invention is based on the discovery that significantly reduces the hyper-spectral imaging and analysis of the sample of interest caused by the spatial and / or temporal variation of the non-interest (background) Thereby making it possible to overcome the above-mentioned problematic and complex viewpoints and the corresponding negative effects.

Preparation of Test Solution or Suspension of Samples of Interest

In this main step, a test solution or suspension of the sample of interest is prepared. Test solutions or suspensions of the sample of interest are prepared in a form suitable and compatible with the operation and use of the apparatus and apparatus of a given hyperspectral imaging and analysis system.

Following the provision of the sample of interest, or following the acquisition or collection of the sample of interest, a test solution or suspension of the sample of interest is prepared. Preferably, a relatively small amount of the sample of interest is dissolved, suspended and / or mixed, i.e. reconstituted, in solution or suspension form to form a test solution or suspension of the sample of interest. These dissolving, suspending and / or mixing, i.e., reconstitution processes, are suitable for dissolving or suspending different types of unattended objects (background), i.e. (non-target) components present in the sample of interest, (Target), i. E., A liquid suitable for dissolving or suspending the (target) component, e. G., Distilled water, or other liquid.

The particular liquid used to dissolve, suspend, and / or mix, i.e., reconstitute, a small amount of sample of interest in a test solution or suspension can be any of a large number of different liquids that are present in the sample of interest (and thus present in the test solution or suspension) (And thus present in the test solution or suspension) that minimally affects the hyperspectral imaging and analysis of the type of unattached object (background), i.e., (non-target) Is selected to at least affect the hyper-spectral imaging and analysis of the object (target), i.e., the (target) component.

A spectrum specific to the object of interest (target) Marker  Add to the sample of interest

Often, the object of interest (target), which is present in the sample of interest and is not itself " spectrally " inactive, i.e. the (target) component, is a component of ultraviolet (UV), visible (VIS), or infrared (IR) (I. E., Fluorescence and / or phosphorescence) characteristics, characteristics, and behavior when irradiated by the same electromagnetic radiation or light.

Thus, referring to Figure 1, the main steps (processes) for preparing a test solution or suspension of a sample of interest include adding spectral markers specific to the object of interest (target) to the sample of interest, (Target) is present in the test solution or suspension, when expressed by a spectral marker, the object of interest (target) is hyperspectally detectable in the test solution or suspension and becomes a verifiable hyper-spectral active target.

In general, the spectral markers are added to the sample of interest immediately before or after dissolving, suspending and / or mixing, i.e. reconstituting, a relatively small amount of the sample of interest in solution or suspension form.

Said spectral markers are generally spectral markers of a chemical type, or spectral markers of a biological type. Spectral markers of a suitable chemical type generally have a detectable and measurable degree of intensity when irradiated by various types of electromagnetic radiation or light, such as ultraviolet (UV), visible (VIS), or infrared (IR) (Ie, spectrally marked) interacting with an object of interest (target) that forms (spectral) luminescence (ie, fluorescence and / or phosphorescence) characteristics, It is a chemical species. Spectral markers of a suitable biological type generally exhibit some (spectral) luminescence when irradiated by various types of electromagnetic radiation or light, such as ultraviolet (UV), visible (VIS), or infrared (IR) Biological markers) complexes (i.e., spectral markers) that exhibit, for example, fluorescence and / or phosphorescence properties, characteristics, and behavior.

In any case where the object of interest (the target) is spectrally marked by a spectral marker of the chemical type or by a spectral marker of biological type, the {target-chemical marker} complex, or {target-biological Marker complexes are each a hyperspectral active target that can be hyperspectively detectable and identifiable in a test solution or suspension of a sample of interest when the test solution or suspension is subjected to hyper-spectral imaging and analysis, To identify and characterize an object of interest in the sample.

Addition of background reducing chemicals to the test solution or suspension

As shown in FIG. 1, the main step (process) of preparing a test solution or suspension of a sample of interest includes a unique and very important step (process) of adding background reducing chemicals to the test solution or suspension. The background reducing chemical may be used to reduce background interference effects caused by the presence of an unattended object in a test solution or suspension during hyperspectral imaging and analysis of the test solution or suspension, Enhances the hyper-spectral detectability and thus enhances identification and characterization of the object of interest in the sample of interest.

The background reducing chemical may be any type or kind of chemistry consisting of or consisting of one or more organic and / or inorganic substances that are generally in solid (e.g., particulate) phase, liquid (e.g., solution or suspension) phase, Jay.

Background of the Invention Certain types or types of background reducing chemistries can be used in the course of hyperspectral imaging and analysis of a test solution or suspension in a test solution or suspension (especially of unattached objects (background), i.e. (non-target) components, Is selected to effectively (i. E., Measurably) reduce background coherence effects caused by the presence of a number of different types of unattractive objects (background), i.e. (non-target) components. This results in an increase (enhancement) in the hyperspectral detectability of the hyperspectral active target in the test solution or suspension during hyperspectral imaging and analysis of the test solution or suspension. Thus, adding the background reducing chemical agent to a test solution or suspension of the sample of interest results in an increase (enhancement) in the hyperpectral detectability of the (target) component of interest (target) present in the sample of interest.

After addition to the test solution or suspension, and during hyperspectral imaging of the test solution or suspension, the background reducing chemical exhibits a combination of the following two major behavioral modes:

Firstly, the background reducing chemistry can be used as a test solution or suspension (in particular from a sample of interest) in a manner that effectively (i.e., measurably) reduces (spectral) luminescence (i.e., fluorescence and / or phosphorescence) characteristics, Selectively interacts' physiologically with the major portion of the non-interest (background), i.e., the (non-target) component, of the different types of unconcentrated objects present in the resulting unconcentrated object (background) during hyperspectral imaging . During the hyper-spectral imaging, the background-decreasing chemical is selected from the group consisting of a test solution or suspension (especially a plurality of different types of unattached objects (background) present in the unconcerned object (background) Chemically react 'or not react effectively (ie, measurably) with the non-target component), but at least to some extent' physically interact '.

Secondly, the background reducing chemicals are present in the test solution or suspension in a manner that effectively (i.e., measurably) increases (enhances) the (spectral) emission (i.e., fluorescence and / or phosphorescence) characteristics, Selectively interacts with hyperspatial active targets (i.e., spectrally marked targets (targets), i.e., spectrally marked (target) components) during hyperspectral imaging. During hyperspectral imaging, the background reducing chemistry can optionally include a hyperspectral active target present in the test solution or suspension (i.e., a spectrally marked target (i.e., a spectrally marked Chemically react 'or not react effectively (ie measurably) with the target) components, but at least to some extent' physically interact '.

Including the background reducing chemical in the test solution or suspension in the main step of preparing the test solution or suspension of the sample of interest can be used to improve accuracy, precision (reproducibility), sensitivity, The important performance parameters of the high speed (short time scale) are stored at the high level on-line (real time, near real time) or the remaining main steps (process) of the whole method during off-line, And the main steps of processing and analyzing hyper-spectral image data and information to identify and characterize the hyper-spectral active targets in the test solution or suspension, By effecting achieving in a highly effective manner, one identifies and characterizes the object of interest.

After completing the main steps described above for preparing the test solution or suspension of the sample of interest, the test solution or part of the test solution or suspension of the sample of interest preferably contains a clean, inert metal slide or plate (Eg Teflon ^® ) or a glass microscope type slide or a plate suitable for serving as a sample holder in a hyperspectral imaging and analysis system. The slide or plate (sample holder) containing the test solution or suspension portion of the sample of interest or the aliquot contains the three-dimensionally movable (i.e., labile) and optionally angular Is properly positioned and secured on a movable (i.e., rotatable) inspection stage or platform. The following main steps are then taken to generate and collect the hyperspectral image data and information of the test solution or suspension of the sample of interest.

A number of different spatial and / or temporally varying Coherence Non-interest  Object (background), and Biological agent  Or an exemplary specific embodiment of a sample of air (air sample) containing a chemical species of interest (target)

Performing the previous main steps of preparing a test solution or suspension of a sample of interest can be carried out in the same manner as in the case where the sample of interest is a sample of air (i.e., an air sample) and the object of interest is a biological agent (Such as a virus, a fungus, or a toxin), or a chemical (e.g., a neurogenic agent such as sarin, saliva, or suffix), or a chemical poison [e.g., a cyanide compound or an organic phosphorus compound] Specific exemplary embodiments are described. Generally, a subject of interest (i.e., a biological or chemical agent) in an air sample can be an organic and / or a carrier gas on a solid (e.g., particulate) phase, a liquid (e.g., solution or suspension) phase, and / Lt; RTI ID = 0.0 > inorganic < / RTI > Preferably, the object of interest (i. E., Biological or chemical) in the air sample is a particulate solid form and / or an organic and / or inorganic material present (e.g., absorbed and / or adsorbed) Configured or implemented. More specifically, for example, the object of interest may be a test solution or suspension of the sample of interest, that is, an air sample (e.g., a biological sample) to enable identification and characterization of the object of interest (For example, through terbium trichloride [TbCl ₃ ]) or biologically marked (for example, through an antibody of the immunoassay technique) spore forming bacteria anthrax bacteria It can be the same organism.

The air sample is collected or obtained from an indoor air source (e.g., a post office, an airport, a subway station, a shopping mall, a sports arena, or an office building) or from an outdoor air source (e.g., through a standard type of air sampling or collection system) . The air sample is typically a porous (dry or pre-wetted) porous material such as plastic or fiber glass (filter-like or screen-like) material which acts as a filter for filtering, Filter-like or screen-like) solid material.

The particulate of interest of the air sample collected on a porous (filter-like or screen-like) solid material typically comprises a plurality of different types and concentrations of uncharacterized objects, i.e., (non-target) components such as dust, pollen, Biological materials (fungi, bacteria), and non-target types of particulate chemistry. This (non-target) component of the air sample has a relative concentration and can be varied according to spatial and / or temporal variations in the local atmospheric and climatic conditions of the indoor or outdoor air source or the outdoor air source and the air sample (I. E., Vary or vary depending on location and location) and / or temporally vary or vary (i. E. Vary or change over time). Thus, a plurality of air samples are expected to have a spatially and / or temporally varying (non-target) component whose relative concentration varies with spatial and / or temporal variation in the air source from which the air sample is collected or obtained.

Air samples collected on a porous (filter-like or screen-like) solid material can also be collected from a sample of interest (target), i. E., A biological agent (such as a bacterium [such as spore forming bacterial anthrax], a virus, a fungus, or a toxin) (Target) components, such as agents (e.g., neurogenes [e. G., Sarin, saliva, or safflower], or chemical poisons [e.g., cyanide compounds, or organic phosphorus compounds]). Such (target) components of the air sample may be conditioned by spatial and / or temporal changes in the local atmospheric and climatic conditions of the indoor or outdoor air source, or at locations and times at which the outdoor air source and air samples are collected or obtained from the air source (I. E., Vary or vary depending on location and location) and / or temporally vary or vary (i. E., Vary or change over time). Thus, it is envisioned that the plurality of air samples will have a spatial and / or temporally diverse object of interest (target) in which the relative concentration varies with spatial and / or temporal variation in the air source from which the air sample is collected or obtained.

Thus, following the provision of a previous air sample, or the acquisition or collection of an air sample, it is necessary to produce an appropriate test form of the air sample.

A porous (filter-like or screen-like) solid material with collected particulate matter of interest in the air sample is preferably used to dissolve or suspend a relatively small amount of the air sample in the form of a solution or suspension to form a test solution or suspension . The process of dissolving, suspending and / or mixing, i.e. reconstitution, is present in air samples (i.e., dust, pollen, minerals, non-target types of biological material (fungi), bacteria, and non-target types of particulate chemistry) (E.g., viruses, fungi, or toxins), or chemicals (such as bacteria) that are suitable for dissolving or suspending different types of unattended objects, i.e., (non-target) A liquid suitable for dissolving or suspending a target of interest (e.g., a neurogenic agent such as sarin, saliva, or suffix), or a chemical poison [such as a cyanide compound or an organic phosphorus compound] For example, distilled water, or other liquid.

The particular liquid used to dissolve, suspend, and / or mix, i.e., reconstitute, a small amount of air sample in solution or suspension form to form a test solution or suspension of the air sample is such that the liquid is present in the air sample (I.e., non-target) components (i. E., Dust, pollen, minerals, biological substances of a non-target type (fungi (bacteria), bacteria), and non- (And target) that has minimal effect on the hyperspectral imaging and analysis of the target species (i.e., the particulate chemical material of the target type) and that the liquid is present in the published sample (and subsequently in the test solution or suspension) (E.g., a bacterium (such as a spore forming bacterial anthrax), a virus, a fungus, or a toxin), or a chemical (e.g., a neurogenic agent such as sarin, , Cyanide compounds, or is selected to effect at least a hyper-spectral imaging and analysis of the organic phosphorus compound, such as]) (target) components.

Biological agent  Or chemical-specific spectra Marker  Addition to air samples

(E. G., Sarin, saliva, or suffix), or chemical toxins (e. G., ≪ RTI ID = 0.0 > Such as ultraviolet (UV), visible (VIS), or infrared (IR) -type light, are not themselves 'spectrally active' (I. E., Fluorescence and / or phosphorescence) characteristics, characteristics and behavior that can be detected insufficiently and / or insufficiently when irradiated by electromagnetic radiation or light.

Thus, the main step (process) of producing a test solution or suspension of an air sample involves adding (target) a spectral marker specific to (target) a biological or chemical agent to the air sample, Or chemistry is present in the test solution or suspension, the (target) biological agent or chemical agent can be hyperspectally detected in the test solution or suspension when it is marked by the spectral marker, and the hyper-spectral activity Target.

The spectral markers generally include a spectral marker of a chemical type, or a spectral marker of a biological type. Spectral markers of the appropriate chemical type generally have a detectable and measurable amount of light when illuminated by different types of electromagnetic radiation or light, such as ultraviolet (UV), visible (VIS), or infrared (IR) (Target) biological agent or chemical agent (target) to form a {biochemical-chemical marker} complex or {chemical-chemical marker} complex, respectively, Mark) is an interactive chemical species. Spectral markers of a suitable biological type generally have a certain degree of emission when illuminated by different types of electromagnetic radiation or light, such as ultraviolet (UV), visible (VIS), or infrared (IR) Biomarker} complex or {chemistry-biomarker} complex, respectively, that exhibits (characteristics), characteristics, and / or behavior Mark) is an interactive biological species.

(Target) biologic or chemical agent is spectrally marked by a spectral marker of a chemical type, or a spectral marker of a biological type, the formed {biochemical-chemical marker} complex or {chemical-chemical marker} The formed {biomarker-biomarker} complex or {chemo-biomarker} complexes, respectively, when treated in the hyper-spectral imaging and analysis, are hyper-spectrally detectable and identifiable in a test solution or suspension of air samples, Become a spectral active target, so that a subject of interest (i.e., biological or chemical) in the sample of interest can be identified and characterized.

In a particular case where a biological agent (e.g., a bacterium, a virus, a fungus, or a toxin) is spore-forming bacteria anthrax

In certain instances of certain exemplary embodiments of the invention in which the sample of interest is a sample of air (i.e., an air sample) and the object of interest is a biological agent (e.g., a bacterium, a virus, a fungus, or a toxin) , Then the main steps (process) are carried out as follows.

(Target) Spore-forming bacteria When a spore-forming bacterial anthrax bacterium is present in a test solution or suspension by adding a spectral marker specific to anthrax to an air sample, the (target) spore-forming bacterial anthrax bacterium is marked by a spectrum marker To be hyperspectally detectable and identifiable as a hyper-spectral active target in the test solution or suspension.

In general, the spectral markers are added to the air sample just before or after dissolving, suspending and / or mixing, i.e., reconstituting, a relatively small amount of the air sample in solution or suspension form.

Said spectral markers are generally spectral markers of a chemical type, or spectral markers of a biological type. Spectral markers of the appropriate chemical type are detectable and measurable when irradiated by different types of electromagnetic radiation or light, such as, for example, ultraviolet (UV), visible (VIS), or infrared (IR) (Target) spore-forming bacterium Anthrax bacteria (target) to form a complex of anthrax spores (dipicolinic acid [DPA]) terbium trichloride [TbCl ₃ ]} which exhibits luminescence (i.e., fluorescence and / or phosphorescence) characteristics, Such as terbium trichloride [TbCl ₃ ], which interacts (ie, spectrally marks) with an organometallic compound (via the dipicolinic acid [DPA]). A suitable biological type of spectral marker is a detectable and measurable amount of light (i. E., When irradiated by different types of electromagnetic radiation or light, such as ultraviolet (UV), visible (VIS), or infrared (Ie, spectrum mark) with spore-forming bacterium Anthrax (through its surface antigen) (target) to form a {anthrax spore antigen-antibody} that exhibits the characteristics, (E. G., As described in reference 37). ≪ / RTI >

(Target) Spore Formation In any case where the bacterial anthrax is spectrally marked with a chemical type of spectral marker (i.e., terbium trichloride [TbCl ₃ ]), or a biological type of spectral marker (i.e., antibody) Anthraquine spore (DPA) tetrabromide [TbCl ₃ ]} complex, or {bioanod. Spore antigen-antibody} complex, when treated in hyper-spectral imaging and analysis, respectively, It becomes hyperspectally detectable and identifiable as a hyper-spectral active target.

To the test solution or suspension is added a background reducing chemical such as, for example, ethylene glycol ( MEG ) [ HOCH ₂ CH ₂ OH In the special case of adding an organic liquid such as

According to the method of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 1, the main step (process) of preparing a test solution or suspension of an air sample is to carry out a unique and very important step of adding a background reducing chemical to the test solution or suspension Process). The background reducing chemical may be added to the test solution or suspension during hyperspectral imaging and analysis of the test solution or suspension, particularly in the case of a test solution or suspension (in particular an untargeted object (background) ) Component in the test solution or suspension, thereby reducing the background coherence effect caused by the presence of a number of different non-interest (background), i.e., (non-target) It is possible to increase the hyperspectral detectability of the anthrax spores (dipicolinic acid [DPA]) terbium trichloride [TbCl ₃ ]} complex, or {complex anthrax spore antigen-antibody} complexes) That is, an anthrax bacterium).

The background reducing chemical may be any type or kind of chemistry consisting of or consisting of one or more organic and / or inorganic substances that are generally in solid (e.g., particulate) phase, liquid (e.g., solution or suspension) phase, Jay.

In certain instances of certain exemplary embodiments of the invention in which the sample of interest is a sample of air (i.e., an air sample) and the object of interest is a biological agent (e.g., a bacterium, a virus, a fungus, or a toxin) , It has been experimentally determined that an exemplary preferred background reducing chemical is an organic liquid such as ethylene glycol (i.e., monoethylene glycol (MEG) or ethane-1,2-diol) [HOCH ₂ CH ₂ OH] Lt; / RTI >

A particular type or type of background reducing chemistry, i.e., ethylene glycol (MEG) [HOCH ₂ CH ₂ OH], is used to determine whether the background reducing chemical is present in the test solution or suspension during hyperspectral imaging and analysis of the test solution or suspension (Non-target) components (especially a plurality of spatially and / or temporarily varying and different types and concentrations of (non-target) components such as dusts, pollen, minerals, (I. E., Measurably) to reduce the background coherence effect caused by the presence of a target type of biological material (fungus, bacteria), and the presence of a non-target type of particulate chemical material Is selected. This may be accomplished by the addition of a hyperspectral active target (i. E., {Bioanzo spore (dipicolinic acid [DPA]) terbium trichloride [TbCl ₃ ]} complex in the test solution or suspension during hyperspectral imaging and analysis of the test solution or suspension, Biosynthesis of anthrax spore antigen-antibody) complexes). Thus, the background decreased sex chemistry, that is, ethylene glycol _{(MEG) [HOCH 2 CH 2} OH] a is added to the test solution or suspension of the air sample (target) spore forming bacterium Bacillus anthracis present in the air sample hyper specification Resulting in an increase (detection) of the detectability of the TRAL.

The background reducing chemical, i.e., ethylene glycol (MEG) [HOCH ₂ CH ₂ OH], is added to the test solution or suspension, and during hyperspectral imaging of the test solution or suspension, .

First, the background decreased sex chemistry, that is, ethylene glycol _{(MEG) [HOCH 2 CH 2} OH] are hyper-spectral imaging for a test solution or a number of different types of non-interest in an object present in the suspension (background), i.e., In a manner that effectively (i.e., measurably) reduces the (spectral) emission (i.e., fluorescence and / or phosphorescence) characteristics, Physicochemical interactions'. During the hyper-spectral imaging, the background reducing chemical, i.e., ethylene glycol (MEG) [HOCH ₂ CH ₂ OH], may not chemically react or react effectively (i.e., measurably) (Non-target) components (especially those of interest (background), i.e., (non-target) components originating from air samples) present in the test solution or suspension, and a plurality of different types of non- At least to some extent 'physically interact'.

Secondly, the background reducing chemical, i.e., ethylene glycol (MEG) [HOCH ₂ CH ₂ OH], during hyperspectral imaging, is the target of hyperspectral activity present in the test solution or suspension (i.e., (Fluorescence and / or phosphorescence) characteristics, characteristics, and behavior of the complexes (Dipicolinic acid [DPA]) Terbium trichloride [TbCl ₃ ]} complexes or {Antibacterial spore antigen- Physiologically interact " in a manner that effectively (i. E., Measurably) increases (increases). During the hyper-spectral imaging, the background reducing chemical, i.e., ethylene glycol (MEG) [HOCH ₂ CH ₂ OH], may not chemically react or react effectively (i.e., measurably) (Terbium anthrax spore antigen (DPA)) terbium trichloride (TbCl ₃ ) complex or {complex anthrax spore antigen-antibody} complex) present in a solution or suspension, and a hyperspectral active target To some extent "physically interact".

The step (process) of adding a background reducing chemical, ethylene glycol (MEG) [HOCH ₂ CH ₂ OH] to the test solution or suspension in the main step (process) of preparing the test solution or suspension of the air sample, (Real-time, near-real-time), or off-line, of the performance parameters of the test solution or suspension (reproducibility), sensitivity, (A) a major step of generating and collecting hyper-spectral image data and information, and a hyperspectral active target in a test solution or suspension (i. E., {Anthracnose spore (dipicolinic acid [DPA]) terbium trichloride [TbCl ₃ ] Process for analyzing and characterizing hyper-spectral image data and information in order to identify and characterize complexes {or complexes {bio-anthrax spore antigen-antibody} complexes) (E. G., Spore-forming bacterial anthrax) in an air sample by identifying and characterizing it in an effective manner.

After completion of the main steps (process) described above for preparing a test solution or suspension of an air sample, the test solution or part of the test solution or suspension of the air sample is preferably transferred onto a clean and inert metal slide or plate, Or clean and inert plastics (e.g., Teflon ^® ) or glass microscope type slides or plates suitable for serving as sample holders in a hyper-spectral imaging and analysis system. The slide or plate (sample holder) having a test solution or suspension portion of the air sample or an equal amount of the air sample is moved in a three-dimensionally movable (i.e., labile) and possibly angular Is properly positioned and secured on the possible (i.e., rotatable) inspection stage or platform. Next, the following main steps are taken to generate and collect hyper-spectral image data and information of the test solution or suspension of the air sample.

Generation and collection of hyperspectral image data and information of test solutions or suspensions

The above main steps of the method of imaging and analyzing a sample of interest in order to identify and characterize an object of interest in a sample of interest are carried out as described in the field of the invention and background art. In general, this main step of generating and collecting hyper-spectral image data and information of a test solution or suspension of a sample of interest is to use hyper-spectral imaging and analysis systems and techniques to generate hyper-spectral image data and information In accordance with the appropriate teaching or guidance.

For example, to carry out the main steps (processes) of the present invention, use the appropriate techniques or suggestions described in references 1-29 (and references cited therein). Preferably, the chosen teachings and practices of hyper spectral imaging and analysis by the same applicant / assignee of the present invention as disclosed in references 30-36 are utilized.

Thus, from the main steps (processes) described above of the method, there is a need for a method and system for performing three-dimensionally movable (i.e., cholinergic) and occasionally angularly movable Slides or plates (sample holders) with test solutions or suspensions of the sample of interest that are properly positioned and secured on the inspection stage or platform of the system are subjected to hyper-spectral imaging and analysis. While the multiple views of the sample of interest are " hyperspecifically " scanned and imaged, the sample of interest (containing the object and its components) is exposed to electromagnetic radiation. During hyperspectral scanning and imaging, objects (and their components) that emit a relatively large number (less than one million) of multiple spectra (i.e., hyperspectral) images 'one at a time', but multiple electromagnetic waves at multiple wavelengths and frequencies, (Relatively narrow) portion or band of the entire hyperspectral emitted by the object of interest (and its components), or a band within it (and its components), in an extremely fast or fast sequential manner, Lt; / RTI > The hyper-spectral imaging and analysis system can be operated in an extremely fast or expeditious manner to provide exceptionally high-resolution spectral and spatial data and information of the imaged sample of interest (containing the object and its components).

RTI ID = 0.0 > spatially < / RTI > and / Coherence Non-interest  Object (background), and Biological agent  Or air sample (air sample) containing a chemical species of interest (target)

This major step may involve a biological agent (e. G., A microorganism) consisting of or consisting of an organic and / or inorganic material that is present (e.g., absorbed and / or adsorbed) on a solid Exemplary embodiments of the present invention which are bacterial, viral, fungal, or toxic), or chemical agents (e.g., neurogenes such as sarin, tartar, or oxalan, or chemical poisons such as cyanide compounds or organophosphorus compounds) Is readily carried out by the test solution and collection for certain embodiments. More specifically, for example, the object of interest may be chemically marked (e. G., Terbium trichloride < RTI ID = 0.0 > TbCl ₃ ]), or biologically marked (eg, through antibodies to immunoassays) spore-forming bacteria anthrax.

In some embodiments of the invention, the main steps (processes) for generating and collecting hyperspectral image data and information of the test solution or suspension are to " separately " generate and collect hyperspatial image data and information of the non- Acquisition).

Thus, a number of different types of unconcentrated objects (background), i.e., (non-target) components (especially a number of spatially and / or transiently) components present in a test solution or suspension during hyperspectral imaging and analysis of a test solution or suspension A non-target type of particulate chemical material resulting from a variety of different and different types and concentrations of (non-target) components such as dust, pollen, minerals, biological materials of a non-target type (fungi, bacteria) &Quot; separately " of the hyper-spectral image data and information of the background coherence effect caused by the presence of < / RTI >

In an exemplary embodiment, a dry form '(e.g., as illustrated in Examples 1 and 2 below), or additionally or otherwise, a ' wet form ' (Background) of one or more unfocussed objects (backgrounds) of the subject (e.g., as illustrated in Example 2). For example, according to the " wet form ", the same background reducing chemicals such as ethylene glycol (MEG) [HOCH ₂ CH ₂ OH To dissolve or suspend an exemplary unattended object, such as dust or pollen particles.

Hyperspectral  Process and analyze image data and information

This major step (process) of the method of hyperspectral imaging and analysis of the sample of interest for identifying and characterizing the object of interest in the sample of interest of the present invention is carried out as described in the field of the invention and in the Background section above. In general, this major step of processing and analyzing hyper-spectral image data and information for identifying and characterizing hyperspatial active targets in a test solution or suspension, identifying and characterizing the objects of interest in the sample of interest , Conventional techniques for processing and analyzing hyper-spectral image data and information to identify and characterize hyper-spectral active targets in test solutions or suspensions using suitable hyperspectral imaging and analysis systems discussed or contemplated in the prior art In accordance with the guidance or practice of

For example, in order to carry out the main steps (processes) of the method of the present invention, use the appropriate instructions or practices described in references 1-29 (and references cited therein). Preferably, selected guidelines and practices of hyperspectral imaging and analysis are used by the same applicant / assignee of the present invention as disclosed in references 30-36.

Thus, the hyperspectral image generated and collected from the sample of interest is associated with the emission spectrum of the sample of interest, and the emission spectrum is the spectrum 'fingerprint' of the hyperspectrally imaged material (and its components) in the sample of interest Corresponds to the spectral representation of the identification and characterization type of the 'signature' pattern type. Such hyperspectral image data and information can be used to identify, characterize, and / or correlate the physical, chemical, and / or biological, characteristic, characteristic, and behavior of the hyperspecifically imaged material (and its components) (APR) and / or Optical Character Recognition (OCR) type of classification and / or classification for the classification and /

According to some embodiments of hyper-spectral imaging and analysis of samples of interest for identifying and characterizing an object of interest, processing and analyzing hyper-spectral image data and information may be performed using any of the exemplary embodiments described herein Includes the following sub-steps (sub-procedures) which are considered to be additional special technical features:

- Evaluation of the detectability level of the hyperspectral active target in the test solution or suspension according to the following three criteria: (1) Characteristic spectra of the light emitted by the hyperspectral activity target. In a hyper-spectral image expressing the fingerprint, Pixel area, (2) the fluorescence intensity of all positive pixels in a hyperspectral image expressing a characteristic spectral fingerprint of the hyperspritals active target, and (3) positive images of hyperspectral images and hyperspectral image databases The relationship between the characteristic spectral fingerprint included in the pixel.

- Analyze the hyperspectral image of the characteristic spectral fingerprint at one pixel resolution and calculate the total area and spectral marker concentration corresponding to all positive pixels for each hyperspectral image.

- Calculate the minimum, maximum and average intensity of the spectral region around the characteristic emission peak of the hyperspectral active target.

The first database corresponds to all available spectra of the background coherence effect and the second database produces two distinct databases containing all the spectra corresponding to the hyperspectral active target.

Comparing the spectral fingerprint included in the positive pixels of the hyperspectral image with the spectral fingerprint obtained from the two clear databases to divide the positive pixel into the hyperspatial active and background coherent effects, To obtain the percentage of positive pixels corresponding to the background coherence effect and the percentage of positive pixels corresponding to the background coherence effect.

- plotting the percentage of positive pixels as a function of the number of objects in a histogram showing characteristic spectral fingerprints of the hyperspectral active and background coherent effects among the positive pixels of the hyperspritals active target

RTI ID = 0.0 > spatially < / RTI > and / Coherence Non-interest  Object (background), and Biological agent  Exemplary specific embodiments of a sample (air sample) of air containing a chemical species of interest (target)

The hyper-spectral image data and information are processed and analyzed to identify and characterize the hyperspectral activity targets in the test solution or suspension so that the sample of interest is a sample of air (i.e., an air sample) Of the present invention which is a bacterium, a virus, a fungus, or a toxin), or a chemical (e.g., a neurogenic agent such as sarin, saliva, or suffix), or a chemical poison (such as a cyanide compound or an organic phosphorus compound) This major step (process) for identifying and characterizing an object of interest in a sample of interest for an exemplary particular preferred embodiment is readily practiced. More specifically, for example, the subject of interest may be a sample of interest, which enables identification and characterization of a subject of interest (i. E., Bacteriophage-forming bacterial anthrax) through hyper-spectral imaging and analysis, (For example, via terbium trichloride [TbCl ₃ ]) or biologically marked (for example, an antibody of the immunoassay technique Spore-forming microorganisms such as anthrax.

In some embodiments of the invention, the main steps (processes) for processing and analyzing hyper-spectral image data and information include processing and analyzing hyper-spectral image data and information of an object of interest. For example, this major step (process) is generated " separately " through the previous major steps (process) of generating and collecting hyper-spectral image data and information of the test solution or suspension of the sample of interest ) ≪ / RTI > processing and analyzing hyper-spectral image data and information.

Thus, the hyper-spectral image produced by and collected from an object of interest is associated with the emission spectrum of the sample of interest, and the emission spectrum is obtained from the hyperspectral imaged un-interesting material (and its components) present in the sample of interest, Corresponds to a spectral representation of the identification and characterization type of the spectral ' fingerprint ' or ' signature ' pattern type. These hyper-spectral image data and information can be used to identify the physical, chemical, and / or biological, characteristic, characteristic, and behavior of the hypersprospectively imaged un-interested material (and its components) (APR) and / or Optical Character Recognition (OCR) types of hyper-spectral imaging data and information processing and analysis to classify and / or classify, characterize, and / The additional steps of processing and analyzing the hyperspectral image data and information of the object of interest can be used to identify non-interest hyperspectral active targets in a test solution or suspension that assist in identifying and characterizing an object of interest And provides useful data and information used to characterize and characterize the

Example

Selected embodiments of the invention, including novel inventive aspects, features, specific technical features and advantages thereof, as described above and as claimed in the following claims, are illustrated and described in the following examples, But is not intended to be limiting.

Materials and processes

Hyperspectral Imaging  And analysis system

The same hyperspectral imaging and analysis system was used in each of Examples 1-3: HyperSpectral Imaging (optical scanning) and analysis system manufactured by Green Vision Systems, Israel, Model: HyperEye ^® Detection system, FIPA ^® (fluorescence imaging particle size analyzer), and the FIPA-20 ^® (fluorescence imaging particle analyzer), containing a main component and the functional characteristics or the following conditions.

Sample light (light beam) Source: mercury lamp, narrow band-pass filter centered at 100 W (watts), 334 or 365 nanometers (nm) and bandwidth of ± 10 nm

Optical Scan Bandwidth : 400 - 900 nm Range or Range

Digital analysis range : 400 - 900 nm.

Optical : objective, x10 Zeiss Ultrafluar ^® , pixel size 6.45 microns (μ) x 6.45 μ.

Wavelength resolution : 1.5 nm.

The hyper-spectral imaging and analysis system included a three-dimensionally movable (i.e., transportable), and an angularly movable (i.e., rotatable) inspection stage or platform to place test samples.

Chemical and biological reagents

Water ( Examples 1-3, for washing and rinsing ) : Only distilled deionized water produced by a laboratory laboratory grade water purification system was used.

Ethanol ( Examples 2, 3): dehydrated ethyl alcohol, ≥ 85.0%, Sigma-Aldrich (No. 636-1).

Ethylene glycol ( Examples 2 and 3): Ethylene glycol (monoethylene glycol (MEG) or ethane-1,2-diol) [HOCH ₂ CH ₂ OH], ≥98.0%, Sigma-Aldrich (Fluka brand, ).

Dipicolinic acid [ DPA ] ( Example 3) : 2,6-pyridinedicarboxylic acid, 99%, Sigma-Aldrich (Aldrich Brand No. P63808).

Terbium trichloride [ TbCl ₃ ] ( Example 3) : Terbium chloride (III), anhydrous powder, 99% (based on metal), Sigma-Aldrich (Aldrich brand number 439657).

Biological agent, Bacillus subtilis spores (Examples 3 and 4): Bacillus subtilis (ATCC 6633), freeze-dried cells, Sigma-Aldrich (. Sigma brand, no B4006). Bacteria Bacteria were used as (functionally equivalent) substitutes for (very harmful) anthrax bacteria.

General Test Methods and Procedures

Examples 1-3 are "real" or "working" examples and experimental methods and procedures described and illustrated by the same applicant / assignee as the present invention have been developed and implemented and experimental results have been obtained.

In Example 3, the production of a test solution or suspension of the sample of interest indicated was carried out according to the above description of the invention.

In Examples 1-3, generating, collecting, processing, and analyzing hyperspectral image data and information of the indicated sample of interest is performed by the same applicant / assignee as the present invention disclosed in References 30-36, According to the above description of the present invention in accordance with selected instructions and practices of imaging and analysis.

Example 4 is " prophylactic ", and the (prophylactic) experimental methods and procedures were developed by the same applicant / assignee as the present invention.

Example   1: Indoor From the air source  Of the 'dust particles' present in the collected air sample Hyperspectral Imaging  And analysis

In Example 1, dust particles of different sizes and types (in dry form) present in air samples collected from an indoor air source (a member of a particulate object of interest (a target) such as a biological agent or a chemical agent) And analyzed. The main purpose is to identify 'unattended objects' (backgrounds) during hyperspectral imaging and analysis of similarly collected air samples or other types of samples of interest that may exist as 'objects of interest' (targets) such as biological agents or chemicals. Acquire hyper-spectral image data and information of images and spectral fingerprint (SFP) or spectral signature pattern types of identification and characterization forms of dust particles of variously different sizes and shapes present in the air source serving as a useful reference relating to .

Experimental methods and processes

The air samples are sent to a standard type of air sampling or collection system from indoor air sources (the absence of specific objects (targets) such as biological or chemical agents), which is the immediate vicinity of the post office staff handling and processing letters within the post office Respectively. The post office is usually in a closed window and is in a standard type of HVAC (heating, ventilation, air conditioning) environment control. Each air sample was collected on a porous (dry or pre-wetted) plastic or fiberglass (filter-like or screen-like) material and acted as a filter to filter, capture and collect the sample from the air source.

Indoor air sources typically include dust (fine, dry particles), pollen (powdered material made of granules or pollen produced by plants), minerals, biological materials of a non-target type (fungi, bacteria) And a number of spatially and / or temporally diverse and different types and concentrations of components, such as particulate chemical materials of the target type. All of these components present in the collected air sample may consist of or consist of organic and / or inorganic substances present (e.g., absorbed and / or adsorbed) on the particles of the collected air sample, As a whole. The dust particles had characteristic sizes ranging from about 1 micron to about 20 microns and were of a different shape.

For each air sample, a portion of the (dry) dust particles was placed on a clean and inactive glass microscope type slide or on a plate to serve as a sample holder in a hyper-spectral imaging and analysis system. The slide or plate (sample holder) with a portion of the dust particles was properly positioned and fixed on the inspection stage or platform of the hyperspectral imaging and analysis system. Fifty separate dust particles of different sizes and shapes were subjected to hyper-spectral scanning and imaging to obtain identification and characterization of hyperspectral image and spectral fingerprint (SFP) or spectral signature pattern types.

result

The results for the two exemplary and representative discrete dust particles of 50 separate spectral imaging and analytically processed 50 separate (individual) dust particles are shown in Fig. 1 as emission of exemplary dust particles 1 and 2 showing spectral fingerprint (SFP) Are shown in Figures 2a and 2b, which are exemplary experimentally determined graph plots (spectra) of emission intensity (normalized) as a function of wavelength (nm). Figures 2a and 2b show that dust particle 1 and dust particle 2, respectively, are characterized by approximately the same spectral fingerprint (SFP) with approximately the same characteristic shape and same characteristic emission intensity at an emission wavelength of about 460 nm.

Example   2: To determine the degree of 'background' signal reduction by each liquid, use different liquids (ethanol or ethylene glycol) Suspended  Of 'dust particles' Hyperspectral already Gong and analysis

In Example 2, (natural) dust particles of different sizes and shapes, which were manually collected from the dust originating from the room air source (a member of a specific object of interest such as a biological agent or chemical agent) Or ethylene glycol), followed by hyper-spectral imaging and analysis. The main objective is to determine the hyperspectral image of the suspended dust particles (as an exemplary test suspension) and the spectral signature (SFP) or spectral signature pattern type of the spectral signature pattern type to determine the degree of 'background' signal reduction, And to obtain hyper-spectral image data and information in the form of identification and characterization. The experimental data and information can be used to determine the 'non-interest' (background) and background (s) during hyperspectral imaging and analysis of other types of interest samples that may be present as an air sample or an 'object of interest' It serves as a useful reference.

Experimental methods and processes

(Natural) dust particles were usually collected manually from a clean 'dusty' desktop (using inert 'dust-free' surgical gloves and metal spats). The dust particles originate from room air sources (absence of certain objects of interest such as biological or chemical agents), usually with windows closed and with standard types of HVAC (heating, ventilation, air conditioning) environmental controls.

In the case of Embodiment 1, the room air source typically includes a plurality of spatially and / or temporally diverse and different types and concentrations of components, such as dusts, pollen, minerals, non-target biological material, Particulate chemistry. All of these components present in the collected dust sample are in particulate solid form and / or consist of or consist of organic and / or inorganic substances that are present (e.g., absorbed and / or adsorbed) on the indoor air particles, Particle '. The dust particles have characteristic sizes ranging from about 1 micron to about 20 microns and have different shapes.

A series of three types of samples (sample types) were prepared and tested: (Type 1 sample): dry particulate dust particles in the absence of liquid (for reference or control); (Type 2 sample): Test suspension of dust particles suspended in ethanol; And (Type 3 sample): Test suspension of dust particles suspended in ethylene glycol.

For each sample type (1, 2, and 3), a portion or aliquot of each sample was placed on a clean and inactive glass microscope type slide or on a plate serving as a sample holder in a hyperspectral imaging and analysis system. The sample or a portion of the slide or plate (sample holder) having an equal amount was properly placed and fixed on the inspection stage or platform of the hyperspectral imaging and analysis system. For each sample type, several discrete dust particles of different sizes and shapes were subjected to hyper-spectral scanning and imaging and identification and characterization of the hyperspectral image and spectral fingerprint (SFP) or spectral signature pattern types .

result

At an exemplary characteristic emission wavelength of about 460 nm, the 'average' emission intensity (absolute random unit) for each of the three samples tested was:

Type 1 Sample: Dry Type Dust particles (baseline reference or control): 12,700.

Type 2 Sample: Test suspension of dust particles suspended in ethanol 11,700.

Type 3 Samples: Test suspension of 1,600 dust particles suspended in ethylene glycol.

For dry-form dust particles (baseline or control), the results indicate that ethanol has a relatively minor effect (i.e., only 1000 units) in predominantly reducing the background signal (average emission intensity) Of the total population). By strong contrast, the ethylene glycol had a relatively very significant effect in reducing the background signal (mean emission intensity) mainly due to dust particles in the Type 3 sample (i.e., a reduction of 11,100 units). Based on these results, it was determined that, in the case of the test samples and conditions used and tested in Example 2, the ethylene glycol could significantly reduce the background signal (average emission intensity) due to the dust particles present in the test suspension of the sample of interest . Ethylene glycol was also considered to be 'backbone' and an effective background-reducing chemical for use in hyperspectral imaging and analysis of samples of interest.

Example   3: The background reducing chemical which is ethylene glycol Suspended  {( Dipicolinic acid  [ DPA ]) Trichlorosilicate  terbium[ TbCl ₃ ]} Complex  Target-containing test suspension, and { Biological product Superficial spore Dipicolinic acid  [ DPA ]) Trichlorosilicate Terre Barium [ TbCl ₃ ]} Complex ] Of the target-containing test suspension Hyperspectral Imaging  And analysis

Rapid and accurate identification of biological agents is an important task for the first responders to perform timely and timely action during biological attack. Anthrax bacteria, spore-forming bacteria and harmful germs that cause anthrax are important examples. Among potential biologic agent candidates, anthrax spores are particularly important. First, they are highly resistant to environmental stress and are relatively easy to produce from non-laboratory inorganic grades. Second, anthrax is an epidemic requiring medical attention within 24-48 hours of initial inhalation of more than 104 anthrax spores. However, the diagnosis of anthrax is not immediate because it takes 1 to 60 days for anthrax symptoms appearing in humans. Thus, rapid detection of anthrax spores in the environment prior to infection is an extremely important goal for human safety.

Anthrax bacteria may exist in the form of spores. Structurally, spores are made up of a central core surrounded by various protective layers. Dipicolinic acid [DPA] is found in these protective layers and also accounts for about 10% of the dry weight of spores. Dipicolinic acid [DPA] interacts with spore-forming bacteriophage anthracnose (via DPic acid [DPA]) to form complex {terbium anthracin [DPA]) terbium trichloride [TbCl ₃ ] For example, terbium trichloride [TbCl ₃ ], which is a kind of spectral markers of the chemical type that is to be detected (i.e., spectral mark). The complexes formed can also be detected by other types of electromagnetic radiation or light, such as ultraviolet (UV), visible (VIS), or infrared (IR) Phosphorescence) characteristics, characteristics, and behavior.

In Example 3, the (non-hazardous) biotic Bacillus was used as a functional equivalent to the (very harmful) biological anthrax. The main object of Example 3 was to carry out the present invention as follows: (i) Detectability of {(dipicolinic acid [DPA]) terbium trichloride [TbCl ₃ ]} complex, (ii) (DPA) tetrabromide [TbCl ₃ ]} complexes, and (iii) a biomass Bacteria spore (diphicolinic acid [DPA]) terbium [TbCl ₃ ]} due to the background of natural dust particles. (Iv) database creation, identification and determination.

Experimental methods and processes

During all measurements the laboratory was completely darkened.

The detectability level was assessed by three distinct criteria: (1) {(Dipicolinic acid [DPA]) Terbium trichloride [TbCl ₃ ]} Characteristic spectrum of emitted light according to whether the complex was released by UV light Fingerprint (2) the fluorescence intensity of all pixels representing the characteristic SFP of {(dipicolinic acid [DPA]) terbium trichloride [TbCl ₃ ]} complex, and (3) the fluorescence intensity of the predetermined image and spectral data The relationship between the SFPs contained in the positive pixels of the base.

(i) {( Dipicolinic acid  [ DPA ]) Trichlorosilicate  terbium[ TbCl ₃ ]} Complex Detectability

To investigate the detection level of the {[DPA] - [TbCl ₃ ]} complex by the hyper-spectral imaging and analysis system, 10 μl (microliter) of DPA and [TbCl ₃ ] solution (prepared in ethanol) Applied on a metal plate, and three spectral images were obtained for each DPA concentration.

reagent

> [TbCl ₃ ]: 8 mM (mmol).

DPA: 30 mM, 15 mM, 500 μM (micromolar), 50 μM, 5 μM, 500 nM (nanomolar), 50 nM, and 5 nM.

As a control, 10 μl of [TbCl ₃ ], 25 mM applied on a black metal plate was assayed.

Data Analysis

The hyperspectral image was assayed for the characteristic spectra emitted by the {[DPA]) - [TbCl ₃ ]} complex at one pixel resolution, and the total area for all positive pixels was calculated for each hyperspectral image and DPA concentration . The minimum, maximum and average intensities of the spectral region near the characteristic emission peak of the {[DPA] - [TbCl ₃ ]} complex (540 ± 5 nm) were also calculated.

result

The detection level of {[DPA] - [TbCl ₃ ]} complex was found to increase with DPA concentration. In general, the percentage of pixels (among all the pixels contained in each acquired spectral image) representing the characteristic spectral fingerprint (SFP) of the {[DPA] - [TbCl ₃ ]} complex (positive pixel) Respectively. The highest percentages of positive pixels were found at a DPA concentration of 30 mM, while the lowest% was achieved at the lowest DPA concentration tested, 5 nM. Additionally, when [TbCl ₃ ] was only assayed, only 7.2% of the pixels were found to be positive. The average intensity of the emission peak of the {[DPA] - [TbCl ₃ ]} complex decreased with DPA concentration until the DPA concentration around the steady state of 50 μM was reached.

( ii ) { Biological agent  Bacillus spores Dipicolinic acid  [ DPA ]) Trichlorosilicate  terbium[ TbCl ₃ ]} Complex  Detectability

(Nonhazardous) biologic antibiotics were used as functionally equivalent alternatives to (extremely harmful) anthrax bacteria.

Different concentrations of spore suspension were prepared to check the detection level of the biosynthesized sporozoite (DPK) terbium [TbCl ₃ ] complex. For stock suspension of Bacillus subtilis spores, five consecutive dilutions were made. Prior to testing for detectability, the highest diluted spores were counted using a standard hemocytometer. The number of spores at each dilution was calculated by multiplying the number of spores at the highest dilution by the ratio between the highest dilution and the dilution under consideration. To release DPA molecules from the spores, the spores were broken by heating at 80 DEG C for 15 minutes. The heat-treated spores were stored at 4 캜 until spore detection was checked.

Experimental procedure for [TbCl _3] 40 μM solution, and 15 ㎕ of ethylene glycol (reducing background chemical property) of the spore suspension of the pre-heating, 10 ㎕ 10 ㎕ were comprises applying onto white Teflon ^® plate. The following final concentrations were achieved: 7.2 x 10 ⁶ , 7.2 x 10 ⁵ , 7.2 x 10 ⁴ , 7.2 x 10 ³ and 7.2 x 10 ² spores / ml (milliliters). Samples were examined using a hyperspectral imaging and analysis system.

result

The detection levels of DPA (extracted from Bacillus subtilis) and complexes containing [TbCl ₃ ] molecules were examined. The majority of the pixels contained in the acquired spectral images exhibited a characteristic spectral fingerprint (SFP) of the {[DPA] - [TbCl ₃ ]} complex (positive pixels). Through various spore concentrations, the fluorescence intensities of all positive pixels were found to decrease with the spore concentration. The highest fluorescence intensity was achieved by irradiation of the sample, including 7.2 x 10 ⁶ , while the lowest fluorescence intensity was achieved when a sample containing 7.2 x 10 ² spores / ml was irradiated. The results are provided in Figures 3a and 3b.

Figure 3a shows a background-alone test suspension [the organic liquid ethylene glycol (monoethyleneglycol (MEG)) suspended in an exemplary background reducing chemical agent that has been subjected to hyperspectral imaging and analysis to show its spectral fingerprint (SFP) The absence of a target of interest or absence of a target (i. E., The absence of a hyperspectral active target, such as an exemplary biomass Bacterial sporozoite (Dipyrcholic acid [DPA]) Terbium trichloride [TbCl ₃ ] Is an exemplary empirically determined graph plot (spectrum) of emission intensity (normalized) as a function of wavelength (nm).

Figure 3b is a graphical representation of a target-containing test suspension [uncharacterized subject, and exemplary subject matter or target (i. E., A hyperspectral active target is depicted as an exemplary < RTI ID = 0.0 > (Nm) of organic biocide (DPK) complex (Terpicolin [DPA]) Terbium trichloride [TbCl ₃ ] complex, background reducing agent, organic liquid Ethylene glycol (monoethylene glycol (Spectral) of the emission intensity (normalized). In Figure 3b, in the SFP plane, the following reference values can be applied to the indicated concentrations:

SFP 5: 7.2 x 10 ² spores / ml.

SFP 4: 7.2 x 10 ³ spores / ml.

SFP 2, 3: 7.2 x 10 ⁴ spores / ml, 7.2 x 10 ⁵ , spores / ml.

SFP 1: 7.2 x 10 ⁶ spores / ml.

( iii ) (Natural) dust on the background { Biological agent  Bacillus spores Dipicolinic acid  [ DPA ]) Trillion Terbium [ TbCl ₃ ]} Complex Detectability

In order to test the detectability of a complex of {biopharmaceuticals, reprecipitator spores (DPA)) terbium [TbCl ₃ ]} complexes on a background of (natural) dusts, a hyperspectral imaging and analysis system was used to analyze three different spores The suspension was assayed. Since the total number of particles to be placed on the sample plate is 15 million, the number of dispersed particles on the chemical portion of the sample plate is 3.75 million. Dust particles ranging in size from 1 to 20 mu m were suspended in distilled water and spores were counted using a hemocyte cell counter. 3.75 million particles of dust (200 μl (microliter) of dust particle suspension) were uniformly applied onto a white Teflon ^® plate and 10 μl of spore suspension (disrupted spores and shredded to achieve extraction of DPA molecules) Was added to the sample plate. The dust-spore suspension was partially evaporated by heating the sample with an IR light source, and 10 μl of [TbCl ₃ ] 40 mM (final concentration: 6 mM) and 50 μl of ethylene glycol Was added.

The detectability of terbium trichloride [TbCl ₃ ]} complex {biopharmaceuticals on the background of natural dust (dipicolinic acid [DPA]) 2,500; 5,000; 25,000; 50,000; 0.0 > 250,000 < / RTI > and 2,500,000 spores. In addition to these spore suspensions, samples containing all reagents but not spores were assayed as controls. Five hyperspectral images were obtained for each spore suspension. That is, it conformed to the detection requirements of 9000 spores / 15,000,000 particles.

result

The detectability levels on the Dusty background of the complexes containing DPA (extracted from Bacillus sp.) And [TbCl ₃ ] molecules were investigated by a hyperspectral imaging and analysis system. The percentage of the positive pixels (pixels representing the characteristic spectral fingerprint (SFP) of biomass Bacteria spore (Dipicolinic acid [DPA]) terbium trichloride [TbCl ₃ ]} complex contained in the acquired hyper- It increases according to the total. That is, 12% of the pixels corresponding to the hyperspectral image of the highest spore count (2.5 x 10 ⁶ spores) were found to be positive. On the other hand, 1.35% of the pixels included in the hyperspectral images taken at 2.5 x 10 ³ spores were positive. In the image of the control sample (no spore), the percentage of positive pixels was found to be 3.16%. Thus, recently a spore suspension of the resulting higher positive pixel% compared to the control sample is a type obtained from the suspension of 2.5 x 10 ⁴ spores. The hyper-spectral imaging and analysis system is capable of detecting spore suspension that lasts at least 25,000.

( iv ) Creating, verifying, and determining databases

In addition to analyzing the hyperspectral image for the exact emission peak of the biomass Bacteria spore (Dipicholinic acid [DPA]) terbium trichloride [TbCl ₃ ] complex, another method is to use all hyper- It was to create a large database containing the spectrum. After confirmation of the emission peak of interest, all pixels not displaying the correct emission peak (negative pixels) were discarded from the following analysis. The spectral fingerprint (SFP) contained in the positive pixel was compared and determined for the hyperspectral database as the second step validation.

Creation of background and target database

I made two obvious databases. The first database corresponded to all available spectra of the dusty particulate background ('background'), and the remaining database contained all spectra corresponding to Bacillus spores ('target'). After identifying emission peaks, spectral fingerprints (SFPs) contained in positive pixels were detected, analyzed, grouped and then placed in a 'target' database. These 'target' databases included all 30 spectral images acquired from six different spore coefficients. The 'background' database was generated considering all SFPs contained in the positive pixels found in the 5-spectrum image of the Dusty background.

Determination step

By comparing the SFP incorporated into the positive pixels of a given image with the SFP from the 'target' and 'background' databases, the positive pixels were then divided by 'target' and 'background'. This division yielded% of positive pixels corresponding to 'target' and% of pixels matched to 'background'. The crystals to be lowered are based on the pixel distribution and thus the relationship between the newly acquired SFP and the large spectral database and the concentration of terbium trichloride [TbCl ₃ ] complex Consider the presence of an exact emission peak.

result

The results of the above-described database creation, verification and determination are provided in Figures 4A and 4B.

FIG. 4A is a graph of the emission peak (540 +/- 5 nm) of an exemplary target or target (i.e., , And the distribution of the 'background' and 'target' spectral fingerprint (SFP) among the hyperspectral active targets are exemplified {biocide Bacillus sp. (DPK) terbium [TbCl ₃ ] Is an experimentally determined bar graph of positive pixels (%) as a function of spore count (absolute number).

FIG. 4B is a graph showing the distribution of a positive pixel (an exemplary target object or an image of interest) as a function of spore count based on hyperspectral image data and information obtained by repeated experiments of Example 3, as described in Example 4 below, The 'background' and 'background' of the target's emission peak (540 ± 5 nm) (ie, the hyperspotallic active target is an exemplary {biologic agent Bacillus spore (DPA)) terbium trichloride [TbCl ₃ ] (%) As a function of the spore total (absolute number) showing the reproducibility of the distribution of the target ' spectral fingerprint (SFP).

To produce the results presented in FIG. 4b, the detectability of a complex of terbinafine trichloride (DPA) terbium [TbCl ₃ ]} on the background of natural dust {4,500; 9,000; 45,000; 90,000; And five different spore suspensions containing 450,000 spores. In addition to these spore suspensions, samples containing all reagents but no spores were assayed as controls. Five hyperspectral images were obtained from each spore suspension. That is, it meets the detection requirements of 9000 spores / 15,000,000 particles.

Example   4 (Prophetic): A product containing the background reducing chemical, ethylene glycol Water  Bacillus spore antigen-antibody} Complex ] Of the target-containing test solution or suspension Hyperspectral Imaging  And analysis

Immunofluorescence  Detection of Bacillus spores by microscope - Hyperspectral Imaging  And analysis

Sample preparation

> Bacillus spore suspension (105-106 / ml) was fixed in 0.1% glutaraldehyde in PBS for 10 minutes.

A sample (10 μl) is immediately applied to the microscope cover slip (HDH) treated with> 0.01% (wt / vol) poly-L-lysine (Sigma) (see below).

After 4 minutes, the liquid is vented from the slide and allowed to dry in air at room temperature.

The coverslips were washed with phosphate buffered saline (PBS) (pH 7.4) and, if necessary, blocked with 2% bovine serum albumin (BSA) (Sigma BSA) in PBS at room temperature for 15 minutes and then washed again.

> Samples were incubated with 50 μl of a staining solution (see below) for 5, 10, or 15 minutes in a staining solution (see below).

> The sample was rinsed from a 10 ml pipette with 10 ml of PBS using a single flow.

An equal amount of ethylene glycol was added to the sample as a background reducing chemical.

The cover slip is mounted on a microscope slide and subjected to hyperspectral imaging and analysis of the sample as described above.

Polylysine - Coated Cover slip ( Polylysine - coated microscope slide, (sigma)

> Cover slip (12 mm) in acetone is sonicated for 15 minutes at room temperature.

The cover slip is washed with distilled water (dH 2 O) to completely remove the acetone.

> Place the cover slips on a clean sheet of paper and separate them from each other. Allow the cover slip to dry in the air.

≫ 20 ml polylysine (Sigma) solution (0.1 mg / ml dH2O) is gently spread on the surface of the cover slip.

> Leave the polylysine drop on the cover slip at room temperature to dry.

Dyeing solution:

1: 1 mixture of primary antibody and secondary antibody in PBS + 1% BSA:

Antibody dilution from 1 mg / ml stock solution: 1: 100/1: 500/1: 2500/1: 12500.

Primary antibodies:

Anti-rabbit purified polyclonal Bacillus subtilis / Bacillus cereus (Bacillus cereus spores (US Biological catalog # B0003-27).

Secondary antibodies:

Goat Anti Rabbit IgG (H + L) ML. Depending on the nature of the microscope, the following four selections are possible:

Cy conjugate is FITC or TRITC (slower light fade). (Jackson Immunoresearch Laboratories).

Cy2 conjugate (A = 492 / E = 510 nm) Cat # 111-225-144 (Green fluorescence).

FITC conjugate (A = 492 / E = 520 nm) Cat # 111-095-144 (Green fluorescence).

TRITC conjugate (A = 550 / E = 570 nm) Cat # 111-025-144 (Red fluorescence).

Cy3 conjugate (A = 550 / E = 570 nm) Cat # 111-165-144 (Red fluorescence).

The invention described and illustrated in detail above has several advantageous aspects, features and characteristics.

First, the present invention relates to a method and apparatus for analyzing a sample of interest, wherein the object of interest and at least one object of interest in the sample is composed or made up of a solid (e.g., particulate) phase, a liquid (e.g., solution or suspension) phase, and / And are generally available for on-line (e.g., real-time or near real-time) or off-line hyper spectral imaging and analysis of samples of interest of different types or classes. The present invention is based on the finding that the 'ultimate' combination of highly desirable performance variables of high accuracy, 'high precision (high reproducibility),' high sensitivity ', and' high resolution ' (I.e., simultaneously) on-line or off-line in an optimal and highly effective manner.

Second, the present invention provides a method of treating a subject of interest, wherein the subject of interest is a mammal, such as a biological agent (e.g., a bacterium, a virus, a fungus, or a toxin) Line (real-time or near-real-time) or off-line hyper-spectral imaging and analysis of samples of air (i.e., air samples) to identify and characterize a subject of interest in a sample Lt; / RTI >

Third, the present invention provides a method and system for collecting or acquiring air samples from an indoor air source (e.g., a post office, an airport, a subway station, a shopping mall, a sports arena, or an office building) Lt; RTI ID = 0.0 > (e.

Fourth, the present invention is particularly applicable to applications in which the object of interest is a biological agent or a chemical agent. More specifically, the sample of interest is a sample of air (i.e., an air sample) and the object of interest is a biological sample (e.g., a bacterium, a virus, a fungus, or a toxin) Or a chemical poison [for example, a cyanide compound or an organic phosphorus compound]). Generally, a subject of interest (i.e., a biological or chemical agent) in an air sample can be an organic and / or a carrier gas on a solid (e.g., particulate) phase, a liquid (e.g., solution or suspension) phase, and / Or made of inorganic material. Preferably, the object of interest (i. E., Biological or chemical) in the air sample is a particulate solid form and / or an organic and / or inorganic material present (e.g., absorbed and / or adsorbed) Configured or implemented. The subject of interest is a subject of interest to the preparation of a test sample or suspension of a sample of interest, that is, an air sample, which can be identified and characterized through hyper-spectral imaging and analysis, including chemically marked (e.g., terbium trichloride [TbCl ₃ ]), or biologically marked (eg, through antibodies to immunoassays) spore-forming bacteria anthrax.

Fifth, the present invention provides a method for identifying and characterizing one or more objects of interest (i. E., Parts, materials, components) among different and different types or kinds of unattached objects Particularly those in the scientific and technical arts, including those involving on-line (real time or near real time) or off-line analysis based on the need to analyze samples of interest. Such characterization may include biological, chemical, and / or physical, characteristic, characteristic, characteristic, variable and / or behavior of any number and type or kind of at least one object of interest.

Based on the above description, the present invention successfully solves and overcomes various important shortcomings and limitations and extends the range of currently known techniques and methods of hyperspectral imaging and analysis of samples of interest. In particular, the present invention is based on the finding that a very problematic and complicated viewpoint and a corresponding negative impact due to the spatial and / or temporal variation of the unconcentrated object (background) in the sample of interest, such as a sample of air, Resolve and overcome.

The present invention is applicable to a wide variety of different industries.

Certain aspects, features, and characteristics of the present invention, which are set forth in detail in the context and format of a plurality of separate embodiments, are provided by way of example and may be provided in any suitable combination or subcombination of the content or format of the single embodiment. You know. On the contrary, various aspects, features, and characteristics of the present invention, which are described and provided in detail in the context of a single embodiment or as a combination or subcombination of formats, may be described and provided in detail in the context or format of a plurality of separate embodiments.

While the present invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to preferred and specific embodiments thereof, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that numerous modifications, variations and variations are possible. Accordingly, all such modifications, variations, and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims.

All references (patents, patent applications and publications) cited or referenced herein are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety and each individual reference (patent, patent application, or disclosure) is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety Are included to the same extent as they are specifically indicated as being included individually. Also, citation or identification of any reference herein should not be construed or implied as to the reference to the prior art of the present invention.

references

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Claims (20)

If a sample of interest is added to a spectral marker specific to the object of interest so that the object of interest is present in the test solution or suspension, the spectral marker marked with interest will become the hyperspectally active target, To prepare a test solution or suspension of the sample of interest so that it can be detected and identified in a truculent manner;
Generate and collect hyperspectral image data and information of the test solution or suspension; In addition
Comprising identifying and characterizing a subject of interest in a sample of interest by processing and analyzing hyper-spectral image data and information to identify and characterize the hyper-spectral active target in a test solution or suspension,
The preparation of the test solution or suspension comprises adding a background reducing chemical to the test solution or suspension, wherein the background reducing chemical is selected by the presence of an unattended object in the test solution or suspension during hyperspectral imaging and analysis Thereby increasing the likelihood of detection of the hyperspectral activity of the hyperspectral activity target in the test solution or suspension by reducing the induced background interference effect;
Generating and collecting hyper-spectral image data and information of the test solution or suspension comprises acquiring hyper-spectral image data and information of the un-
A method of hyper-spectral imaging and analysis of a sample of interest, for identifying and characterizing an object of interest. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the sample of interest is an air sample. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the object of interest is a biological or chemical agent. 4. The method of claim 3, wherein the biological agent is selected from the group consisting of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and toxins. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein said spectral marker specific for a subject is selected from the group consisting of a chemical marker and a biological marker. The method of claim 5, wherein said chemical markers are terbium trichloride [TbCl _3]. 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the biological marker is an antibody of the immunoassay technique. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein said background reducing chemical is selected from the group consisting of solid and liquid. 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the liquid is an organic liquid. 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the organic liquid is ethylene glycol (monoethylene glycol (MEG) or ethane-1,2-diol) method [HOCH ₂ CH ₂ OH]. The method of claim 1, wherein learning separately acquiring hyper-spectral image data and information of the object of interest is selected from the group consisting of dust, pollen, minerals, non-target types of biological materials, and non- RTI ID = 0.0 > 1, < / RTI > 2. The method of claim 1, wherein acquiring hyper-spectral image data and information of the object of interest is performed for one or more un-interested objects in a dry form. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein individual acquisition of hyperspectral image data and information of the unattached object is performed on one or more unattended objects in the wetted form dissolved or suspended in the background of reducing the chemical. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the background for reducing the chemical is ethylene glycol. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein processing and analyzing the hyper-spectral image data and information comprises evaluating a detectability level of a hyperspatial active target in the test solution or suspension according to three criteria:
(1) all positive pixel areas in a hyperspectral image expressing a characteristic spectral fingerprint of light emitted by a hyperspectral active target, and (2) characteristic spectra of a hyperspectral active target. In a hyper-spectral image expressing a fingerprint, And (3) the characteristic spectral fingerprint included in the positive pixels of the hyperspectral image and the hyper-spectral image database. 16. The method of claim 15, further comprising analyzing the hyperspectral image for the characteristic spectral fingerprint at one pixel resolution and calculating the total area and spectral marker concentration for all positive pixels for each hyperspectral image Way. 16. The method of claim 15, further comprising calculating a minimum, a maximum, and an average intensity of a spectral region around a characteristic emission peak of the hyperspatial active target. 16. The method of claim 15, further comprising creating two distinct databases, wherein the first database corresponds to all possible spectra of the background interference effect and the second database corresponds to the hyperspatial active target How to include all spectra. 19. The method of claim 18, further comprising comparing spectral fingerprints included in the positive pixels of the hyperspectral image to the spectral fingerprint from two distinct databases, whereby the positive pixel is selected from the group consisting of hyperspotal active targets and background Coherence effect, and then associating to obtain a percentage of positive pixels corresponding to the hyper spectral active target and a percentage of positive pixels corresponding to the background coherence effect. 20. The method of claim 19, wherein% of the positive pixels are used in a histogram that shows the distribution of the characteristic spectral fingerprint of the background interference effect among the positive pixels of the hyperspectral active target and the hyperspectral active target as a function of the total of the objects of interest Way.

Images