Contact type imaging unit and multi-mode imaging equipment

Abstract

The utility model belongs to the technical field of imaging, and relates to a contact type imaging unit and a multi-mode imaging device, which comprise an objective table with an objective area; the cover plate is hinged to the objective table, and the cover plate can be opened or closed relative to the objective table through hinging; when the cover plate covers the objective table, a first darkroom space is formed between the cover plate and the objective table, and a detected sample is located in the first darkroom space; the first imaging part is connected to the cover plate; the imaging area of the first imaging part covers the object carrying area of the object carrying table; the imaging surface of the first imaging part is attached to a detected sample. After the structure is adopted, the contact type imaging unit has the advantages of being simple in structure and low in cost.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model belongs to the field of imaging technology, in particular to a contact imaging unit and a multi-mode imaging device. Background Art

[0002] Western blot (WB), also known as protein imprinting, is one of the most commonly used techniques in biomedical research. Protein bands are distributed on the Western blot sample membrane, and these bands are usually visualized using chemiluminescence.

[0003] Currently, CMOS chip detectors are used for contact imaging of sample films. This method uses self-luminous samples (either internally generated by a light source, or illuminated by reflected light, or through a self-luminous film). Images are captured directly through the sample film or through a thin transparent resin or glass film, hence the term contact imaging. Existing CMOS chip detectors utilize carbon fiber, scintillators, and chips, converting optical signals into electrical signals to achieve image acquisition. These CMOS chip detectors are costly.

[0004] In addition, since the sample is a self-luminous sample, the protein bands on both sides of the sample membrane cannot be collected in the luminous state, resulting in no reference basis for the image after imaging, so it is necessary to make improvements. Utility Model Content

[0005] In order to solve the above problems in the prior art, the present invention provides a contact imaging unit and a multi-mode imaging device with diversified functions.

[0006] In order to achieve the above purpose, the utility model adopts the following technical solutions:

[0007] As one aspect of the present invention, a contact imaging unit is provided, which includes: a loading platform having an object loading area;

[0008] A cover plate is hingedly connected to the stage, and the cover plate can be opened or closed relative to the stage by the hinge; when the cover plate is closed on the stage, a first darkroom space is formed between the cover plate and the stage, and the sample to be tested is located in the first darkroom space;

[0009] The first imaging part is connected to the cover plate; the imaging area of ​​the first imaging part covers the loading area of ​​the loading platform; the imaging surface of the first imaging part is in contact with the sample to be tested.

[0010] Optionally, the first imaging unit is an area array camera.

[0011] Optionally, the inner side of the cover plate forms a vacant cavity with an opening, the first imaging part is arranged in the vacant cavity, and the top of the first imaging part is located at the opening so that the imaging surface of the first imaging part can be exposed from the opening on the cover plate.

[0012] Optionally, a sample membrane is further included, and the sample to be tested is placed on the loading area of ​​the loading platform through the sample membrane.

[0013] Optionally, a micro fiber optic board is further included, and the micro fiber optic board is arranged on the surface of the area array chip of the area array camera.

[0014] Optionally, a second imaging unit is further included, wherein the second imaging unit is connected to the cover plate, and an imaging area of ​​the second imaging unit covers the loading area of ​​the loading platform.

[0015] Optionally, the second imaging unit is a color camera or a black and white camera.

[0016] Optionally, a scanning camera is further included, which is movably connected to the side of the stage.

[0017] As another aspect of the present invention, a multi-mode imaging device is provided, which includes: a light shielding box having a second darkroom space therein;

[0018] The contact imaging unit as described above is arranged in the second darkroom space;

[0019] A third imaging unit, comprising a lens and a camera device; the lens and the camera device are connected; the third imaging unit is connected to the light-shielding box, the lens of the third imaging unit is located in the second darkroom space, and the imaging area of ​​the third imaging unit covers the area where the contact imaging unit is located;

[0020] The light source unit is connected to the second darkroom space.

[0021] Optionally, the lens is located directly above the stage.

[0022] Optionally, the third imaging unit is a CCD camera or a CMOS camera.

[0023] The contact imaging unit and multi-mode imaging device of the present invention have beneficial effects, which are specifically embodied in: the contact imaging unit has a simple structure and low cost; the contact imaging unit is combined with non-contact imaging, and when the sample to be detected is a self-luminous sample, the contact imaging unit is used to capture the image; when the sample to be detected is a non-self-luminous sample, non-contact imaging is used to capture the image, with diverse functions and multiple application scenarios. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] The drawings in the specification, which constitute a part of this application, are used to provide a further understanding of the present invention. The illustrative embodiments of the present invention and their descriptions are used to explain the present invention and do not constitute an improper limitation on the present invention.

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic structural diagram of the contact imaging unit of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 2 This is a schematic structural diagram of the multi-mode imaging device of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the present invention more clearly apparent, the following will provide a clear and complete description of the technical solutions of the present invention in conjunction with specific embodiments of the present invention and the corresponding drawings. Obviously, the embodiments described are only some of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of them. All other embodiments derived by persons of ordinary skill in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without inventive effort are also within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0028] A contact imaging unit according to an embodiment of the present application, such as Figure 1 As shown, it comprises: a loading platform 1, the loading platform 1 has a loading area, and the loading area is used for placing the sample to be tested;

[0029] The cover plate 2 is hingedly connected to the stage 1, and the cover plate 2 can be opened or closed relative to the stage 1 by the hinge; when the cover plate 2 is closed on the stage 1, a first darkroom space is formed between the cover plate 2 and the stage 1, and the sample to be tested is located in the first darkroom space;

[0030] The first imaging unit 3 is connected to the cover plate 2; the first imaging unit 3 is located directly above the stage 1 in the first darkroom space; the first imaging unit 3 is an area array camera, which is also called an area array CCD or CMOS camera. Its structure is existing technology and will not be repeated here; the first imaging unit 3 collects images of the sample to be inspected in the first darkroom space.

[0031] In this embodiment, the imaging area of ​​the first imaging unit 3 covers the loading area of ​​the loading stage 1 , which facilitates image acquisition of the sample to be tested on the loading stage 1 .

[0032] When it is necessary to capture an image of the sample to be detected, the sample to be detected can generate brightness by itself, that is, a self-luminous sample to be detected; the sample to be detected is placed on the stage 1; and then the cover 2 is covered on the stage 1, and a first darkroom space is formed between the cover 2 and the stage 1, and the imaging surface of the first imaging part 3 is attached to the sample to be detected to capture the image of the sample to be detected in the first darkroom space.

[0033] In one embodiment, the inner side surface of the cover plate 2 forms an empty cavity with an opening, the first imaging portion 3 is arranged in the empty cavity, and the top of the first imaging portion 3 is located at the opening, so that the imaging surface of the first imaging portion 3 can be exposed from the opening on the cover plate 2; or the top of the first imaging portion 3 is lower than the opening.

[0034] In one embodiment, a sample membrane is further included, and the sample to be tested is placed on the loading area of ​​the stage 1 through the sample membrane. The sample membrane fixes the sample to be tested. The sample membrane is a Western blot sample membrane with protein bands distributed thereon. It should be noted that the sample membrane is a prior art and will not be described in detail here.

[0035] In one embodiment, a micro fiber optic plate 6 is further included, which is detachably connected to the surface of the area array chip of the area array camera. The size of the micro fiber optic plate 6 is the same as that of the area array chip of the area array camera. The area array chip is a photosensitive chip, so that a cavity of 1-20 mm can be generated between the area array camera and the sample, creating a non-contact space, thereby preventing the sample or self-luminous film from sticking to the area array camera and requiring the operation of removing the sample and cleaning the area array camera.

[0036] In one embodiment, because the sample is self-luminous, the protein bands on both sides of the sample membrane cannot be captured in the luminescent state, resulting in a lack of reference for the image after imaging. A second imaging unit 4 is also included. The second imaging unit 4 is connected to the cover plate 2. The imaging area of ​​the second imaging unit 4 covers the loading area of ​​the stage 1, facilitating image capture of the sample under test on the stage 1. The second imaging unit 4 is a color camera or a black and white camera. Its structure is conventional and will not be described in detail here. The second imaging unit 4 captures an image of the sample under test fixed by the sample membrane, and the captured image has protein bands.

[0037] When the sample to be detected is a self-luminous sample to be detected, the cover 2 is in an open state at this time, and a color camera or a black and white camera is first used to capture images of the loading area of ​​the stage 1. The obtained image has images of the sample membrane and the sample to be detected, and there are protein bands on the sample membrane; then the cover 2 is covered on the stage 1. After covering, the first imaging part 3 captures images of the self-luminous sample to be detected, and the protein bands on the sample membrane serve as a reference for the image captured by the second imaging part 4 and the image captured by the first imaging part 3.

[0038] In one embodiment, a scanning camera 5 is further included, which is movably connected to the side of the stage 1. The scanning camera 5 captures images of the inspected samples in the loading area of ​​the stage 1. It should be noted that the structure of the scanning camera 5 is prior art and will not be described in detail here.

[0039] In one embodiment, a moving unit is further included, which includes a screw connected to the stage 1 through a bearing seat, a screw block is threadedly connected to the screw, and the scanning camera 5 is connected to the screw block; one end of the screw is connected to the motor provided on the stage 1; the motor works to drive the screw to rotate, thereby enabling the scanning camera 5 to move relative to the stage 1, so that the scanning camera 5 can capture images of the inspected samples in the loading area of ​​the stage 1; in order to make the scanning camera 5 run smoothly, a slide rail is provided on the stage 1, and a slider is connected to the slide rail, and the scanning camera 5 is connected to the slider.

[0040] Fluorescence detection is an important method in molecular biology research. Fluorescent dyes, when excited by light sources such as visible or ultraviolet light, emit light of a specific wavelength. Therefore, in molecular biology research, fluorescent dyes are combined with test samples and then illuminated with a corresponding excitation light source to excite the fluorescent dye. By measuring the intensity of the emitted light wavelength, qualitative and quantitative analysis of the sample is achieved, commonly known as gel imaging.

[0041] As the market continues to change, companies are somewhat hesitant to use single imaging equipment. The reason is that single gel imaging and single contact imaging are relatively expensive, so improvements are necessary.

[0042] A multi-mode imaging device according to an embodiment of the present application, such as Figure 2 As shown, it comprises: a light shielding box 10, wherein the light shielding box 10 has a second darkroom space.

[0043] The contact imaging unit as described above is arranged in the second darkroom space;

[0044] The third imaging unit 20 includes a lens 201 and a camera device 202; the lens 201 and the camera device 202 are connected; the lens 201 is located directly above the stage 1, and the third imaging unit 20 is connected to the light-shielding box 10. The lens 201 of the third imaging unit 20 is located in the second darkroom space. The imaging area of ​​the third imaging unit 20 covers the area where the contact imaging unit is located; the third imaging unit 20 is a CCD camera or a CMOS camera, and its structure is conventional and will not be described in detail.

[0045] The light source unit 30 is connected to the second darkroom space; the light source unit 30 illuminates the sample to be tested on the stage 1; as an example, the light source unit 30 is a fluorescent light source. It should be noted that the types of fluorescent light sources include but are not limited to the following:

[0046] Ultraviolet light: Ultraviolet light is often used to excite fluorescent dyes (such as EB, SYBR Green, etc.) in DNA or RNA gels.

[0047] Blue or green light: Used to excite certain fluorescent proteins or other fluorescent markers. Gel imaging analysis systems using blue light as the excitation light source can replace UV.

[0048] LED light source: LED as a fluorescent light source has the advantages of good stability, long life, and adjustable spectrum width.

[0049] Laser light source: Laser light source has extremely high light intensity and monochromaticity, which can stimulate extremely weak fluorescence signals. Laser light source plays an irreplaceable role in high-sensitivity fluorescence detection.

[0050] Selecting different fluorescent light source types according to different imaging requirements is a common technical means used by those skilled in the art. Exemplarily, the bottom of the fluorescent light source is installed on the upper part of the second darkroom.

[0051] In one embodiment, a filter wheel is provided between the lens 201 and the camera device 202 or a filter wheel is provided at the front end of the lens 201 for installing a filter to filter the fluorescent light source.

[0052] In this embodiment, the third imaging unit 20 captures images of the sample to be detected that cannot emit light by itself. During the acquisition, the cover 2 is in the open state, and the first imaging unit 3 and the second imaging unit 4 are not working; the light source unit 30 is turned on, and the third imaging unit 20 captures images of the sample on the stage 1.

[0053] To summarize, the present application combines a contact imaging unit with non-contact imaging (gel imaging). When the sample to be detected is a self-luminous sample, a contact imaging unit is used for image acquisition. When the sample to be detected is a non-self-luminous sample, non-contact imaging is used for image acquisition. It has diverse functions and many application scenarios.

[0054] It should be noted that the terms used herein are only for describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments according to the present application. As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular form is also intended to include the plural form. In addition, it should be understood that when the terms "comprise" and / or "include" are used in this specification, they indicate the presence of features, steps, operations, devices, components and / or combinations thereof.

[0055] Unless otherwise specifically stated, the relative arrangement of the parts and steps, numerical expressions and numerical values ​​set forth in these embodiments do not limit the scope of the present application. At the same time, it should be understood that, for ease of description, the sizes of the various parts shown in the accompanying drawings are not drawn according to actual proportional relationships. The technology, methods and equipment known to those of ordinary skill in the relevant art may not be discussed in detail, but in appropriate cases, the technology, methods and equipment should be considered as part of the specification. In all examples shown and discussed here, any specific value should be interpreted as being merely exemplary, rather than as a limitation. Therefore, other examples of the exemplary embodiments may have different values. It should be noted that similar numbers and letters represent similar items in the following figures, and therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further discussed in subsequent figures.

[0056] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the directions or positional relationships indicated by directional words such as "front, back, up, down, left, right", "horizontal, vertical, vertical, horizontal" and "top, bottom" are usually based on the directions or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description. Unless otherwise specified, these directional words do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific direction or be constructed and operated in a specific direction. Therefore, they cannot be understood as limiting the scope of protection of this application; the directional words "inside and outside" refer to the inside and outside relative to the outline of each component itself.

[0057] For ease of description, spatially relative terms such as "above", "above", "on the upper surface of", "above", etc. may be used herein to describe the spatial positional relationship of a device or feature to other devices or features as shown in the figures. It should be understood that spatially relative terms are intended to include different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation described in the figures. For example, if the device in the drawings is inverted, the device described as "above other devices or structures" or "above other devices or structures" will be positioned as "below other devices or structures" or "below other devices or structures". Thus, the exemplary term "above" can include both "above" and "below". The device can also be positioned in other different ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatially relative descriptions used here are interpreted accordingly.

[0058] In addition, it should be noted that the use of terms such as "first" and "second" to limit components is only for the convenience of distinguishing the corresponding components. Unless otherwise stated, the above terms have no special meaning and therefore cannot be understood as limiting the scope of protection of this application.

[0059] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, the terms "installed," "provided with," "connected," etc. should be understood in a broad sense. For example, "connected" may refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it may refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it may refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it may refer to internal communication between two components. Those skilled in the art will be able to understand the specific meanings of the above terms in this utility model in specific circumstances.

[0060] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention. All equivalent changes and modifications made according to the scope of the patent application of the present invention should fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A contact imaging unit, characterized in that: It includes: A loading platform, the loading platform having a loading area; The cover is hinged to the loading platform, and the cover can be opened or closed relative to the loading platform by the hinge; When the cover plate is closed on the stage, a first darkroom space is formed between the cover plate and the stage, and the sample to be tested is located in the first darkroom space; The first imaging part is connected to the cover plate; the imaging area of ​​the first imaging part covers the loading area of ​​the loading platform; the imaging surface of the first imaging part is in contact with the sample to be tested.

2. The contact imaging unit according to claim 1, wherein The first imaging unit is an area array camera.

3. The contact imaging unit according to claim 1, wherein An empty cavity with an opening is formed on the inner side surface of the cover plate. The first imaging portion is arranged in the empty cavity, and the top of the first imaging portion is located at the opening.

4. The contact imaging unit according to claim 1, wherein It also includes a sample membrane, and the sample to be tested is placed on the loading area of ​​the loading platform through the sample membrane.

5. The contact imaging unit according to claim 2, wherein: The system also includes a micro fiber optic board, which is arranged on the surface of the area array chip of the area array camera.

6. The contact imaging unit according to claim 1, wherein: The device further comprises a second imaging portion, wherein the second imaging portion is connected to the cover plate, and an imaging area of ​​the second imaging portion covers an object loading area of ​​the loading platform.

7. The contact imaging unit according to claim 6, wherein: The second imaging unit is a color camera or a black and white camera.

8. The contact imaging unit according to claim 1, wherein The device also includes a scanning camera, which is movably connected to the side of the object stage.

9. A multi-mode imaging device, characterized in that It includes: A light-shielding box body, wherein the light-shielding box body has a second darkroom space, The contact imaging unit according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the contact imaging unit is arranged in the second darkroom space; A third imaging unit, comprising a lens and a camera device; the lens and the camera device are connected; the third imaging unit is connected to the light-shielding box, the lens of the third imaging unit is located in the second darkroom space, and the imaging area of ​​the third imaging unit covers the area where the contact imaging unit is located; The light source unit is connected to the second darkroom space.

10. The multi-mode imaging device according to claim 9, wherein The lens is located directly above the stage.

11. The multi-mode imaging device according to claim 9, wherein The third imaging unit is a CCD camera or a CMOS camera.

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