Image reading device

Abstract

To provide an image reading device that can provide an optimal reading environment tailored to the object to be read and can read the desired image. [Solution] The image reading device comprises a first light source that emits a first emitted light to irradiate an object to be read, a first light receiving unit that receives the first reflected light reflected by the object to be read, a first unit equipped with the first light source and the first light receiving unit, a first moving mechanism that moves the first unit relative to the object to be read, a second light receiving unit positioned on the opposite side of the object to be read from the first light source and receiving the first transmitted light emitted from the first light source and passed through the object to be read, a second unit equipped with the second light receiving unit, and a second moving mechanism that moves the second unit relative to the object to be read. The image reading device reads an image of the object to be read based on at least one of the first reflected light received by the first light receiving unit and the first transmitted light received by the second light receiving unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to an image reading device for monitoring cells cultured in an incubator, for example.

Background Art

[0002] Generally, for culturing cells, an incubator in which temperature, humidity, CO2 concentration, etc. are adjusted to predetermined values is used. As a method for observing the increase amount and changes of cells, a method is known in which light is applied to the cells in the incubator without taking out the cells from the incubator, and the reflected light and transmitted light are monitored.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Depending on the type and amount of cells to be monitored for the culture status, the material and shape of the container for containing the cells, the type and amount of the culture medium, the color of the culture medium, the monitoring method, etc., there are optimal values for the intensity, direction, angle, color, etc. of the light applied to the cells. However, the conventional monitoring devices described above, for example, have a fixed relative position between the light source and the light receiving unit, and cannot control the intensity, direction, angle, color, etc. of the light according to the cells, so that a sufficiently satisfactory image could not be read.

[0005] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an image reading device that can provide an optimal reading environment according to the object to be read and can read a desired image.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The image reading device of the embodiment includes a first light source that emits a first emitted light to irradiate an object to be read, a first light receiving unit that receives the first reflected light reflected by the object to be read, a first unit comprising the first light source and the first light receiving unit, a first moving mechanism for moving the first unit relative to the object to be read, a second light receiving unit positioned on the opposite side of the object to be read from the first light source and receiving the first transmitted light emitted from the first light source and passing through the object to be read, a second unit comprising the second light receiving unit, and a second moving mechanism for moving the second unit relative to the object to be read. The image reading device reads an image of the object to be read based on at least one of the first reflected light received by the first light receiving unit and the first transmitted light received by the second light receiving unit. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the image reading device according to the embodiment installed inside an incubator. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the lower part of the image reading device shown in Figure 1, viewed from diagonally above. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing the main components of the image reading device shown in Figure 1. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a block diagram of the control system that controls the operation of the image reading device shown in Figure 1. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating the first operating mode of the image reading device shown in Figure 3. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating the second operating mode of the image reading device shown in Figure 3. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating the third operating mode of the image reading device shown in Figure 3. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating the fourth operating mode of the image reading device shown in Figure 3. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] The following describes an image reading device 100 according to one embodiment, with reference to the drawings. The image reading device 100 is used, for example, by being installed inside the incubator 200 as shown in Figure 1.

[0009] The incubator 200 can adjust its internal space to an environment suitable for cell culture, for example (temperature, humidity, CO2 concentration, etc.). Specifically, the incubator 200 has a temperature control function to adjust the temperature of the internal space, a humidity control function to adjust the humidity of the internal space, and a CO2 concentration control function to adjust the CO2 concentration of the internal space. The incubator 200 is equipped with a door (not shown) for placing / removing objects to be read, such as cells (Figure 3), to the image reading device 100 installed in its internal space. Since the incubator 200 is a well-known device, a detailed explanation is omitted here.

[0010] The image reading device 100 has a lower device 10 and an upper device 20 arranged parallel to each other and spaced apart vertically (in the direction of arrow Z in the figure) within the incubator 200. The lower device 10 has a mounting glass 1 (Figure 3) on its upper surface on which the object to be read S is placed. The upper device 20 does not have the mounting glass 1, and otherwise has substantially the same structure as the lower device 10. Therefore, in the following description, the lower device 10 will be described in detail, and a detailed description of the upper device 20 will be omitted.

[0011] When attaching the image reading device 100 to the incubator 200, for example, the lower device 10 is supported by a support part (not shown) provided on the inner surface of the incubator 200, and the upper device 20 is attached above the lower device 10, spaced apart, via a spacer (not shown). In this case, the upper device 20 is attached upside down to the lower device 10. In this embodiment, the case in which one image reading device 100 is attached to one incubator 200 is described, but if the incubator has sufficient capacity, multiple image reading devices 100 can be attached to one incubator 200. The attachment structure of the image reading device 100 to the incubator 200 can be any type.

[0012] As shown in Figure 2, the lower unit 10 of the image reading device 100 includes a rectangular box-shaped housing 2 with an open top, a scanning unit 11 equipped with a reading optical system (described later), a slide rail 3 that slidably mounts the scanning unit 11 within the housing 2 in the direction of arrow Y in the figure, and two slide rods 4 (only one is shown in Figure 2) that support both ends of the slide rail 3 so as to be movable in the direction of arrow X in the figure, perpendicular to arrow Y. The scanning unit 11, slide rail 3, and slide rods 4 are mounted inside the housing 2. A mounting glass 1 is provided in the opening on the top side of the housing 2.

[0013] As shown in Figure 3, the scanning unit 11 of the lower device 10 includes, as a reading optical system, a light source 12 that emits light to irradiate the object to be read S via the mounting glass 1, a reflector 13 that reflects a portion of the light emitted from the light source 12 toward the object to be read S, and first to third mirrors 14, 15, and 16 that sequentially reflect and guide the reflected light reflected by the object to be read S. The scanning unit 11 also has a CCD module 111 which includes a lens 17 that collects the light guided through the third mirror 16 and forms an image on the CCD sensor 19, a fourth mirror 18, and a CCD sensor 19.

[0014] As shown in Figure 2, the scanning unit 11 includes a slide shaft 112 that supports the CCD module 111 so as to be slidable in the direction of arrow X, and a motor 113 that moves the CCD module 111 along the slide shaft 112. The slide shaft 112 and the motor 113 function as a focusing mechanism 42 (Figure 4) that moves the CCD module 111 in the direction of arrow X within the scanning unit 11 to adjust the optical path length between the object to be read S and the CCD sensor 19.

[0015] The upper device 20 includes a scanning unit 21 having substantially the same structure as the scanning unit 11 of the lower device 10. Each component of the scanning unit 21 is laid out at a target position with respect to the object S to be read, corresponding to each component of the scanning unit 11. The scanning unit 21 functions in the same manner as the scanning unit 11. Therefore, components of the scanning unit 21 that function in the same manner as those of the scanning unit 11 are given reference numerals obtained by adding 10 to the reference numerals attached to the components of the scanning unit 11, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0016] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a control system that controls the operation of the above-described image reading apparatus 100. The image reading apparatus 100 includes a CPU 30 that functions as control means.

[0017] The image reading apparatus 100 has a moving mechanism 41 that moves the scanning unit 11 of the lower device 10 along the XY plane. The moving mechanism 41 includes a motor (not shown) that moves the slide rail 3 in the X direction along two slide rods 4, and a motor (not shown) that moves the scanning unit 11 in the Y direction along the slide rail 3. The moving mechanism 41 moves the scanning unit 11 to a desired position along the XY plane and scans the object S to be read.

[0018] The image reading apparatus 100 has a focus adjustment mechanism 42 that includes the above-described motor 113. The focus adjustment mechanism 42 adjusts the focus by changing the optical path length by moving the CCD module 111 in the X direction along the slide shaft 112. The image reading apparatus 100 has a driver 43 that drives the moving mechanism 41 and the focus adjustment mechanism 42 in accordance with a control command from the CPU 30.

[0019] The image reading apparatus 100 has a lighting circuit 45 that adjusts the intensity and color of the light emitted from the light source 12 of the lower device 10. The light source 12 includes, for example, three-color LED light emitting elements (not shown) that can change the color of the emitted light.

[0020] The image reading device 100 has a control system for the upper device 20 that is similar to the control system for the lower device 10 described above. That is, the image reading device 100 has a movement mechanism 51 that moves the scanning unit 21 of the upper device 20 along the XY plane, a focus adjustment mechanism 52 including a motor 123, a driver 53, and a lighting circuit 55. Since the control system of the upper device 20 functions similarly to the control system of the lower device 10, a detailed explanation of the control system of the upper device 20 is omitted here, by adding 10 to the reference numerals used for each component of the lower device 10 and assigning them reference numerals to each component of the upper device 20.

[0021] The image reading device 100 has a memory 31 that stores electrical signals output from the CCD sensor 19 of the lower device 10 as image data, and also stores electrical signals output from the CCD sensor 29 of the upper device 20 as separate image data. The image reading device 100 also has a display unit 32 that reads and displays image data from the memory 31, and an input unit 33 that receives various operation inputs from the operator.

[0022] The first to fourth operating modes of the image reading device 100 described above will be explained below with reference to Figures 5 to 8. In the first operating mode shown in Figure 5, the image reading device 100 operates the lower device 10 to scan the object S from below and read an image of the object S. In the first operating mode, the upper device 20 does not operate.

[0023] Prior to operation, the operator first adjusts the internal environment of the incubator 200 (temperature, humidity, CO2 concentration, etc.) to match the object S to be read, and then places the object S on the mounting glass 1 of the lower device 10. After this, the image reading device 100 operates in accordance with commands input by the operator via the input unit 33.

[0024] First, the image reading device 100 emits light from the light source 12 of the lower device 10, illuminating the object to be read S from the underside. Then, the image reading device 100 receives the reflected light from the object to be read S with the CCD sensor 19 and displays the image of the object to be read S via the display unit 32.

[0025] In this state, the operator, while viewing the image of the object S to be read displayed via the display unit 32 of the image reading device 100, focuses on the cell tissue to be observed and adjusts the intensity and color of the irradiated light to match the object S. At this time, the image reading device 100, based on the input operation made by the operator via the input unit 33, biases the motor 113 of the focus adjustment mechanism 42 to focus and controls the lighting circuit 45 to adjust the intensity and color of the light irradiated onto the object S.

[0026] Subsequently, when a reading operation start instruction is input via the input unit 33, the image reading device 100 controls the movement mechanism 41 to move the focus-adjusted scanning unit 11 along the XY plane while emitting light of the input intensity and color from the light source 12, thereby scanning the object to be read S. The image reading device 100 then stores the image data acquired by this scanning in the memory 31 and displays the read image via the display unit 32. The read image data may also be transmitted to an external device installed outside the incubator 200, for example.

[0027] In the second operating mode shown in Figure 6, the image reading device 100 operates the upper device 20 to scan the object to be read S from above and read an image of the object S. In the second operating mode, the lower device 10 does not operate.

[0028] Prior to operation, the operator first adjusts the internal environment of the incubator 200 (temperature, humidity, CO2 concentration, etc.) to match the object S to be read, and then places the object S on the mounting glass 1 of the lower device 10. After this, the image reading device 100 operates in accordance with commands input by the operator via the input unit 33.

[0029] First, the image reading device 100 emits light from the light source 22 of the upper device 20, illuminating the object to be read S from the top side. Then, the image reading device 100 receives the reflected light from the object to be read S with the CCD sensor 29 and displays the image of the object to be read S via the display unit 32.

[0030] In this state, the operator, while viewing the image of the object to be read S displayed via the display unit 32 of the image reading device 100, focuses on the cell tissue to be observed and adjusts the intensity and color of the irradiated light to match the object to be read S. At this time, the image reading device 100, based on the input operation made by the operator via the input unit 33, biases the motor 123 of the focus adjustment mechanism 52 to focus and controls the lighting circuit 55 to adjust the intensity and color of the light irradiated onto the object to be read S.

[0031] Subsequently, when a reading operation start instruction is input via the input unit 33, the image reading device 100 controls the movement mechanism 51 to move the focus-adjusted scanning unit 21 along the XY plane while emitting light of the input intensity and color from the light source 22, thereby scanning the object to be read S. The image reading device 100 then stores the image data acquired by this scan in the memory 31 and displays the read image via the display unit 32. The read image data may also be transmitted to an external device installed outside the incubator 200, for example.

[0032] As described above, when reading an image of the object S in the first or second operating mode, the image of the object S can be read from the bottom or top of the object S, and the intensity and color of the light illuminating the object S can be adjusted to the desired intensity and color. In other words, when the image reading device 100 is operated in the first or second operating mode, the direction of the light illuminating the object S (upward or downward) can be selected, and the intensity and color of the light illuminating the object S can be adjusted to match the object S, allowing for optimal light illumination tailored to the object S and enabling the reading of a desired, high-quality image.

[0033] In the first operating mode described above, only the lower device 10 is operated, and in the second operating mode described above, only the upper device 20 is operated. However, in the first operating mode, the light emitted from the light source 22 of the upper device 20 may be used as auxiliary light to illuminate the object to be read S from above, and in the second operating mode, the light emitted from the light source 12 of the lower device 10 may be used as auxiliary light to illuminate the object to be read S from below via the mounting glass 1. When illuminating with auxiliary light in this way, it is desirable to move the scanning unit 11 of the lower device 10 and the scanning unit 21 of the upper device 20 in synchronous motion. By illuminating with auxiliary light from the opposite side of the object to be read S in this way, the variations in illumination for the object to be read S can be increased, and a more suitable image tailored to the object to be read S can be read.

[0034] Furthermore, in the first operating mode described above, the transmitted light that has passed through the object to be read S may be received by the CCD sensor 29 of the upper device 20, and in the second operating mode described above, the transmitted light that has passed through the object to be read S may be received via the CCD sensor 19 of the lower device 10. When the transmitted light is received by the CCD sensor on the opposite side in this way, the scanning unit 11 of the lower device 10 and the scanning unit 21 of the upper device 20 are moved in sync. In this case, the image of the object to be read S can be read based on at least one of the reflected light received by the CCD sensor 19 of the lower device 10 and the transmitted light received by the CCD sensor 29 of the upper device 20 in the first operating mode. Furthermore, in the second operating mode, the image of the object to be read S can be read based on at least one of the reflected light received by the CCD sensor 29 of the upper device 20 and the transmitted light received by the CCD sensor 19 of the lower device 10.

[0035] In the third operating mode shown in Figure 7, the image reading device 100 scans the object to be read S from below using the light sources 22 of the lower device 10 and the upper device 20 to read an image of the object to be read S. In the third operating mode, the light source 12 of the lower device 10 does not emit light.

[0036] Prior to operation, the operator first adjusts the internal environment of the incubator 200 (temperature, humidity, CO2 concentration, etc.) to match the object S to be read, and then places the object S on the mounting glass 1 of the lower device 10. After this, the image reading device 100 operates in accordance with commands input by the operator via the input unit 33.

[0037] First, the image reading device 100 emits light from the light source 22 of the upper device 20, illuminating the object to be read S from the top side. Then, the image reading device 100 receives the transmitted light that has passed through the object to be read S with the CCD sensor 19 of the lower device 10, and displays an image of the object to be read S via the display unit 32.

[0038] In this state, the operator focuses on the cell tissue to be observed while viewing the image of the object S to be read displayed via the display unit 32 of the image reading device 100, and adjusts the intensity and color of the irradiated light to match the object S. At this time, the image reading device 100 adjusts the focus by energizing the motor 113 of the focus adjustment mechanism 42 of the lower device 10 based on the input operation made by the operator via the input unit 33, and controls the lighting circuit 55 of the upper device 20 to adjust the intensity and color of the light irradiated onto the object S to be read.

[0039] At this time, the operator adjusts the angle of incidence of the light emitted from the light source 22 of the upper device 20 to the object S, while viewing the image of the object S displayed on the display unit 32 of the image reading device 100. At this time, the image reading device 100 controls the movement mechanism 51 of the upper device 20 to move the scanning unit 21 along the XY plane based on the input operation made by the operator via the input unit 33, and adjusts the relative position of the scanning unit 21 with respect to the lower device 10.

[0040] Subsequently, when a reading operation start instruction is input via the input unit 33, the image reading device 100 controls the movement mechanism 41 to move the scanning unit 11 of the lower device 10, which has been focused, along the XY plane while emitting light of the input intensity and color from the light source 22 of the upper device 20, and controls the movement mechanism 51 to move the two scanning units 11 and 21 synchronously along the XY plane while maintaining the relative positions of the scanning unit 21 of the upper device 20 and the scanning unit 11 of the lower device 10, thereby scanning the object to be read S.

[0041] The image reading device 100 stores the image data acquired by this scan in the memory 31 and displays the read image via the display unit 32. The read image data may also be transmitted to an external device installed outside the incubator 200, for example.

[0042] In the fourth operating mode shown in Figure 8, the image reading device 100 scans the object to be read S from above using the light sources 12 of the upper device 20 and the lower device 10 to read an image of the object to be read S. In the fourth operating mode, the light source 22 of the upper device 20 does not emit light.

[0043] Prior to operation, the operator first adjusts the internal environment of the incubator 200 (temperature, humidity, CO2 concentration, etc.) to match the object S to be read, and then places the object S on the mounting glass 1 of the lower device 10. After this, the image reading device 100 operates in accordance with commands input by the operator via the input unit 33.

[0044] The image reading device 100 first emits light from the light source 12 of the lower device 10, illuminating the object to be read S from the underside. The image reading device 100 then receives the transmitted light that has passed through the object to be read S with the CCD sensor 29 of the upper device 20, and displays an image of the object to be read S via the display unit 32.

[0045] In this state, the operator focuses on the cell tissue to be observed while viewing the image of the object to be read S displayed via the display unit 32 of the image reading device 100, and adjusts the intensity and color of the irradiated light to match the object to be read S. At this time, the image reading device 100 adjusts the focus by energizing the motor 123 of the focus adjustment mechanism 52 of the upper device 20 based on the input operation made by the operator via the input unit 33, and controls the lighting circuit 45 of the lower device 10 to adjust the intensity and color of the light irradiated onto the object to be read S.

[0046] At this time, the operator adjusts the angle of incidence of the light emitted from the light source 12 of the lower device 10 to the object S, while viewing the image of the object S displayed on the display unit 32 of the image reading device 100. At this time, the image reading device 100 controls the movement mechanism 41 of the lower device 10 to move the scanning unit 11 along the XY plane based on the input operation made by the operator via the input unit 33, and adjusts the relative position of the scanning unit 11 with respect to the upper device 20.

[0047] Subsequently, when a reading operation start instruction is input via the input unit 33, the image reading device 100 controls the movement mechanism 51 to move the scanning unit 21 of the upper device 20, which has been focused, along the XY plane while emitting light of the input intensity and color from the light source 12 of the lower device 10, and controls the movement mechanism 41 to move the two scanning units 11 and 21 synchronously along the XY plane while maintaining the relative positions of the scanning unit 11 of the lower device 10 and the scanning unit 21 of the upper device 20, thereby scanning the object to be read S.

[0048] The image reading device 100 stores the image data acquired by this scan in the memory 31 and displays the read image via the display unit 32. The read image data may also be transmitted to an external device installed outside the incubator 200, for example.

[0049] As described above, when reading an image of the object S in the third or fourth operating mode, an image based on transmitted light that has passed through the object S from either the bottom or top side can be read, and the intensity and color of the light illuminating the object S can be adjusted to the desired intensity and color. Furthermore, when the image reading device 100 is operated in the third or fourth operating mode, the angle of the illumination light illuminating the object S can be adjusted. In other words, when the image reading device 100 is operated in the third or fourth operating mode, the direction of the light illuminating the object S (upward or downward) can be selected, the intensity and color of the light illuminating the object S can be adjusted to match the object S, and the angle of the illumination light illuminating the object S can be adjusted, allowing for optimal light illumination tailored to the object S, and enabling the reading of a desired, high-quality image.

[0050] In addition, while the third and fourth operating modes described above describe the case in which an image is read based on transmitted light that has passed through the object to be read S, in the third operating mode, the light emitted from the light source 12 of the lower device 10 may be used as auxiliary light to illuminate the object to be read S from below via the mounting glass 1, and in the fourth operating mode, the light emitted from the light source 22 of the upper device 20 may be used as auxiliary light to illuminate the object to be read S from above. In this way, by irradiating the object to be read S with auxiliary light, the variations in illumination for the object to be read S can be increased, and a more suitable image tailored to the object to be read S can be read.

[0051] Furthermore, in the third operating mode described above, the reflected light reflected by the object to be read S may be received by the CCD sensor 29 of the upper device 20, and in the fourth operating mode described above, the reflected light reflected by the object to be read S may be received via the CCD sensor 19 of the lower device 10. In this way, when both transmitted light that has passed through the object to be read S and reflected light that has been reflected by the object to be read S are received, an image of the object to be read S can be read based on at least one of the transmitted light and reflected light received in each operating mode.

[0052] As described above, the image reading device 100 of this embodiment can provide an optimal reading environment tailored to the object S to be read, and can read the desired image.

[0053] While embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The novel embodiments described above can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. The embodiments described above and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims of the invention and its equivalents. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0054] 1... Mounting glass, 10... Lower device, 11... Scanning unit, 12... Light source, 19... CCD sensor, 20... Upper device, 21... Scanning unit, 22... Light source, 29... CCD sensor, 30... CPU, 31... Memory, 32... Display unit, 33... Input unit, 41... Movement mechanism, 42... Focus adjustment mechanism, 45... Lighting circuit, 51... Movement mechanism, 52... Focus adjustment mechanism, 55... Lighting circuit, 100... Image reading device, 200... Incubator.

Claims

1. A first light source that emits a first emitted light to irradiate the object to be read, A first light receiving unit that receives the first reflected light reflected from the object to be read, A first unit comprising the first light source and the first light receiving unit, A first moving mechanism moves the first unit relative to the object to be read, A second light receiving unit is positioned on the opposite side of the object to be read from the first light source and receives the first transmitted light emitted from the first light source and passed through the object to be read. The second unit includes the second light receiving section, The second unit comprises a second movement mechanism for moving the second unit relative to the object to be read, An image reading device that reads an image of an object to be read based on at least one of the first reflected light received by the first light receiving unit and the first transmitted light received by the second light receiving unit.

2. The system has a second light source that emits a second emitted light that irradiates the object to be read from the opposite side of the first light source, The second light receiving unit receives the second reflected light, which is obtained when the second emitted light is reflected by the object to be read. The first light receiving unit receives the second transmitted light that has passed through the object to be read by the second emitted light, The image reading device according to claim 1, wherein an image of the object to be read is read based on at least one of the first reflected light received by the first light receiving unit, the second transmitted light received by the first light receiving unit, the second reflected light received by the second light receiving unit, and the first transmitted light received by the second light receiving unit.

3. The second unit comprises the second light source, The image reading device according to claim 2.

4. A first focus adjustment mechanism for adjusting the optical path length between the object to be read and the first light receiving unit, A second focus adjustment mechanism for adjusting the optical path length between the object to be read and the second light receiving unit, The image reading device according to claim 3, comprising:

5. A first lighting circuit that adjusts the intensity and color of the first emitted light emitted from the first light source, A second lighting circuit for adjusting the intensity and color of the second emitted light emitted from the second light source, The image reading device according to claim 3, comprising:

Images