Modular incubator system providing improved illumination for image capture of incubated biological material

Abstract

A modular incubator system 500 for incubating viable biological material M is disclosed. The modular incubator system includes one or more modular incubator chambers 300 in combination with a docking station 400 including a plurality of docking ports 402 for receiving the incubator chambers 300. The modular incubator chamber 300 includes a housing 302 having a lid 304 for sealing access to the interior of the modular incubator chamber. The modular incubator chamber includes a culture dish support 308 for placing a culture dish 310 in the interior 306 of the modular incubator chamber 300 for containing one or more biological materials M within the housing 302 of the modular incubator chamber 300. The housing 302 of the modular incubator chamber 300 also includes a transparent window 316 for enabling an image of the biological material M contained within the modular incubator chamber 300 to be captured therethrough. The housing further includes a light directing element 350 for directing light in a light aiming direction A toward an area of ​​the culture dish support 308. The docking port 402 of the docking station 400 includes an image capturing device 408 for capturing an image of the interior 306 of the modular incubator chamber 300 when the modular incubator chamber 300 is docked to the docking port 402 by focusing the image capturing device 408 in a focusing direction B. When a modular incubator chamber 300 is docked to a docking port 402, the light aiming direction A of light propagating from the light directing element 350 of the modular incubator chamber 300 is tilted at a tilt angle α with respect to the focal direction B of the image capture device 408 of the docking port 402, where the tilt angle is α+0°. This provides for easier and more reliable determination of the cell division stage of the viable biological material being incubated.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates generally to the field of incubators for incubating viable biological material.

[0002] More particularly, the present invention relates in a first aspect to a modular incubator system comprising one or more modular incubator chambers combined with a docking station for incubating viable biological material.

[0003] In a second aspect, the present invention relates to a modular incubator chamber for incubating viable biological material.

[0004] In a third aspect, the present invention relates to a docking station for incubating viable biological material.

[0005] In a fourth aspect, the present invention relates to the use of a modular incubator system according to the first aspect for incubating viable biological material.

[0006] In a fifth aspect, the present invention relates to the use of a modular incubator chamber according to the second aspect for incubating viable biological material.

[0007] In a sixth aspect, the present invention relates to the use of a docking station according to the third aspect for incubating viable biological material.

[0008] In a seventh aspect, the present invention relates to a method for incubating viable biological material. [Background technology]

[0009] Advances in in vitro fertilization (IVF) have resulted in significant improvements in methods and techniques over the past few decades, increasing the success rate of IVF pregnancy and birth.

[0010] In vitro fertilization involves retrieving mature eggs from a woman's ovaries, fertilizing the ovaries with sperm, incubating the fertilized eggs in a controlled environment, and then inserting the fertilized and incubated eggs into the woman's uterus.

[0011] As it is well known, since IVF is most commonly used by women or couples who are having problems conceiving in natural ways, thus having problems that indicate some degree of reduced fertility on the part of the man or woman or both of the couple, and since IVF techniques involve very expensive procedures, these IVF techniques are usually carried out in a way that aims to optimize efficiency, especially taking into account that successful conception often requires the insertion of a fertilized egg into the woman's uterus more than once.

[0012] Additionally, for couples in which individuals suffer from or are suspected of having common illnesses, conception through IVF may offer advantages over natural methods of conception.

[0013] Therefore, to make IVF techniques effective, women typically undergo hormone treatment before eggs are harvested from their ovaries, which causes the woman's ovaries to release not just one egg but many eggs simultaneously.

[0014] To increase the chances of a viable and successful pregnancy, two or more eggs from the same woman are fertilized and incubated simultaneously in an incubator.

[0015] Prior art incubators include compartments that allow for the accommodation of two or more culture dishes containing fertilized eggs.

[0016] Some prior art incubators include a housing with one or more doors for providing access to the interior of the incubator. The interior of the incubator holds one or more culture dishes containing embryos to be cultured. Such incubators may be provided with various adjustment means for controlling the humidity, temperature, and gas composition within the incubator's interior.

[0017] Recently, smaller modular incubators have appeared on the market. These modular incubators are configured to be housed within a docking station that can provide control over the physical and chemical parameters imposed on the embryos housed within. When any manual manipulation steps with the embryos are required, the modular incubator can be removed from the docking station and placed on the laboratory bench for easy access to the embryos.

[0018] Successful IVF and embryo incubation is not easy, and one of the main reasons for the relatively low success rate of IVF is the lack of a reliable method for selecting the highest quality embryos for transfer.

[0019] Due to the lack of methods for assessing embryo quality, significant efforts have been made to develop improved assays for embryo viability. One currently reliable method for predicting embryo quality is to examine embryo morphology using standard light microscopy systems prior to transfer into the woman's uterus.

[0020] In a method for investigating the morphological quality of embryos, prior art incubators are provided with image capture means, which may be equipped with microscope optics that allow capturing a close-up image of each fertilized egg with the aim of selecting only those embryos that exhibit normal or healthy development and inserting only those embryos into the woman's uterus.

[0021] Time-lapse imaging provides a visual study of observable physical development, such as the duration of cell division at different stages and the overall rate of cell division.

[0022] Prior art use of microscope optics in studying the morphological quality of embryos for the purpose of selecting the healthiest oocytes typically involves directing light onto the oocyte from one side thereof (such as from above or below) and studying the morphological quality of the oocyte by using microscope optics positioned on the opposite side thereof (such as from below or above the oocyte).

[0023] Although such methods make it possible to provide close-up images of the oocyte, this prior art morphological assessment nevertheless presents several drawbacks.

[0024] One of these drawbacks is that when the microscope optics provide light from the opposite side of the oocyte being studied, the cell walls of the individual cells of the oocyte are often obscured, which can make it difficult to assess the actual stage of cell division. In particular, with this type of optical setup, it can be difficult to assess the stage of embryo development in terms of cell division stages, such as two pronuclei (2PN stage), four-cell stage, eight-cell stage, etc.

[0025] Prior art attempts to solve this contrast problem include applying phase contrast techniques, Hoffman contrast techniques, differential interference contrast (DIC), etc. However, these techniques improve visual contrast at very specific cell division stages at the expense of reducing visual contrast at other cell division stages.

[0026] Therefore, there remains a need for improved techniques for studying embryonic morphological development during embryo incubation. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0027] The object of the present invention is to meet such needs. [Means for solving the problem]

[0028] This object is achieved according to the present invention and its various aspects.

[0029] Thus, the present invention relates in a first aspect to a modular incubator system for incubating viable biological material, said modular incubator system comprising: One or more modular incubator chambers combined with a docking station Equipped with for one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers, the modular incubator chamber comprising a housing; the housing includes a lid, the lid configured to be transitionable between an open configuration that allows access to an interior of the modular incubator chamber and a closed configuration that blocks access to the interior of the modular incubator chamber; the modular incubator chamber comprising a culture dish support for placing a culture dish within the interior thereof for the purpose of containing one or more biological materials within the housing of the modular incubator chamber; the housing of the modular incubator chamber comprising a transparent window for enabling an image of biological material contained within the modular incubator chamber to be captured through the transparent window; the housing includes a light directing element for directing light in a light aiming direction A toward an area of ​​the culture dish support; the docking station comprising one or more docking ports for receiving an incubator chamber housing; for one or more docking ports of the docking station, the docking ports comprising an image capture device, the image capture device for capturing an image of an interior of a modular incubator chamber when the modular incubator chamber is docked to the docking port by focusing the image capture device in a focal direction B; with respect to one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers and one or more of the one or more docking ports of the docking station, a position of the transparent window of the modular incubator chamber is matched to a position of the image capture device within the docking port such that an image can be captured through the transparent window of the modular incubator chamber by the image capture device; With respect to one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers and one or more of the one or more docking ports of the docking station, when the modular incubator chamber is docked to the docking port, the light aiming direction A of the light propagating from the light directing element of the modular incubator chamber is inclined at an inclination angle α with respect to the focal direction B of the image capture device of the docking port, wherein the inclination angle α≠0°.

[0030] In a second aspect, the present invention relates to a modular incubator chamber, said modular incubator chamber comprising the features defined for the modular incubator chamber of the modular incubator system of the first aspect of the present invention.

[0031] The present invention relates in a third aspect to a docking station, said docking station comprising the features defined for the docking station of the modular incubator system of the first aspect of the invention.

[0032] In a fourth aspect, the present invention provides the use of a modular incubator system according to the first aspect of the invention for incubating viable biological material.

[0033] In a fifth aspect, the present invention provides the use of a modular incubator chamber according to the second aspect of the invention for incubating viable biological material.

[0034] In a sixth aspect, the present invention provides the use of a docking station according to the third aspect of the invention for incubating viable biological material.

[0035] In a seventh aspect, the present invention relates to a method for incubating viable biological material M, comprising the steps of: i) providing a modular incubator system according to a first aspect of the present invention; ii) providing viable biological material; iii) placing the viable biological material in a culture dish and subsequently placing the culture dish on a culture dish support within the modular incubator chamber of the modular incubator system; iv) docking the modular incubator chamber into a docking port of the docking station of the incubator system; v) allowing the viable biological material to be incubated in the modular incubator chamber; vi) while performing step v), enabling the light directing element of the modular incubator chamber to direct light in the light aiming direction A toward an area of ​​the culture dish support; vii) while performing steps v) and vi), causing the image capture device to capture an image of the viable biological material M inside the modular incubator chamber in a focal direction B, wherein the focal direction A of light propagating from the light directing element of the modular incubator chamber is tilted at a non-zero tilt angle α with respect to the focal direction B of the image capture device of the docking port; The present invention provides a method comprising:

[0036] The various aspects of the present invention provide improved contrast effects when capturing images of viable biological material being incubated in an incubator.

[0037] This allows for easier and more reliable determination of actual cell division development, such as for embryos or oocytes. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0038] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating the general concept of providing an incubator as a modular incubator system comprising multiple modular incubator chambers combined with a docking station. [Figure 2a] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the modular incubator chamber of the modular incubator system shown in FIG. 1 viewed from above. [Figure 2b] Figure 1 is a plan view of the modular incubator chamber of the modular docking system. [Figure 2c] FIG. 3 is a plan view of the modular incubator chamber shown in Figure 2 viewed from the rear end. [Figure 3] Figure 1 shows a cross-sectional view of the modular incubator chamber of the modular incubator system. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 illustrates the principle of the inventive concept. [Figure 5]FIG. 1 illustrates the concept of light aiming direction as used herein. [Figure 6] 1 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment illustrating the principles of the present invention in more detail; [Figure 7] 1 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment illustrating the principles of the present invention in more detail; [Figure 8] 1 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment illustrating the principles of the present invention in more detail; [Figure 9] 1 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment illustrating the principles of the present invention in more detail; [Figure 10] 1 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment illustrating the principles of the present invention in more detail; [Figure 11] 11 is a schematic diagram of an alternative embodiment to that shown in FIG. 10 illustrating the principles of the present invention in more detail. [Figure 12] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating the principle of including a tilt angle adjusting element for adjusting the tilt angle α. [Figure 13a] 4 illustrates the principle of including a shadowing element within the docking port 402 of a docking station. [Figure 13b] 4 illustrates the principle of including a shadowing element within the docking port 402 of a docking station. [Figure 13c] 4 illustrates the principle of including a shadowing element within the docking port 402 of a docking station. [Figure 14a] 1 illustrates the operational modes of the valves of the valve system used in the modular incubator chamber of the present invention and the associated docking ports of the docking station of the docking system. [Figure 14b] 1 illustrates the operational modes of the valves of the valve system used in the modular incubator chamber of the present invention and the associated docking ports of the docking station of the docking system. [Figure 15] 1 illustrates an example design of a gas supply system including a gas source and a gas distribution system for use in a docking station of the modular incubator system of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 16] FIG. 1 illustrates the concept of a gas source that can be incorporated into the docking station of the modular incubator system of the present invention. [Figure 17] 1 illustrates the operating modes of the control of the modular incubator system according to the present invention. [Figure 18a] 1 is a photomicrograph showing the effect of providing light at an angle relative to the focus direction in capturing images of viable biological material. [Figure 18b] 1 is a photomicrograph showing the effect of providing light at an angle relative to the focus direction in capturing images of viable biological material. [Figure 18c] 1 is a photomicrograph showing the effect of providing light at an angle relative to the focus direction in capturing images of viable biological material. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0039] First aspect of the present invention In a first aspect, the present invention relates to a modular incubator system 500 for incubating viable biological material M, said modular incubator system comprising: One or more modular incubator chambers 300 in combination with a docking station 400 Equipped with With respect to one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers 300, the modular incubator chamber 300 comprises a housing 302; the housing 302 includes a lid 304 configured to be transitionable between an open configuration that allows access to an interior 306 of the modular incubator chamber and a closed configuration that blocks access to the interior of the modular incubator chamber; the modular incubator chamber comprises a culture dish support 308 for placing a culture dish 310 in the interior 306 thereof for the purpose of containing one or more biological materials M within the housing 302 of the modular incubator chamber 300; the housing 302 of the modular incubator chamber 300 comprises a transparent window 316 for enabling an image of biological material M contained within the modular incubator chamber 300 to be captured through the transparent window; the housing includes a light directing element 350 for directing light in a light aiming direction A toward an area of ​​the culture dish support 308; the docking station 400 comprises one or more docking ports 402 for receiving the housing 302 of the incubator chamber 300; With respect to one or more docking ports 402 of the docking station 400, the docking port 402 comprises an image capture device 408, the image capture device 408 being for capturing an image of the interior 306 of the modular incubator chamber 300 when the modular incubator chamber 300 is docked to the docking port 402 by focusing the image capture device 408 in a focal direction B; with respect to one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers 300 and one or more of the one or more docking ports 402 of the docking station 400, the position of the transparent window 316 of the modular incubator chamber 300 is matched to the position of the image capture device 408 within the docking port 402 such that images can be captured by the image capture device 408 through the transparent window 316 of the modular incubator chamber 300; With respect to one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers 300 and one or more of the one or more docking ports 402 of the docking station 400, when the modular incubator chamber 300 is docked to the docking port 402, the light aiming direction A of the light propagating from the light directing element 350 of the modular incubator chamber 300 is inclined at an inclination angle α with respect to the focal direction B of the image capture device 408 of the docking port 402, where the inclination angle α is ≠ 0°.

[0040] Thus, the modular incubator system of the first aspect of the present invention is for monitoring the development of viable biological material during incubation of the viable biological material, the monitoring being performed by an image capture device 408 disposed at or within a docking port 402 of a docking station 400 of the modular incubator system 500. According to the present invention, it is ensured that the light aiming direction A of light provided at the interior 306 of the modular incubator chamber by the light directing element 350 is inclined at a non-zero tilt angle α with respect to said focusing direction B of the image capture device 408 of the docking port 402.

[0041] This allows for easier and more reliable determination of the degree of cell division occurring in viable biological material.

[0042] In the present invention, the term "modular incubator system" is understood to mean a system comprising a docking station in combination with one or more incubator chambers, the one or more incubator chambers being configured to be docked to respective docking ports of the docking station. The modular incubator system is intended for the incubation or cultivation of viable biological material.

[0043] Incubator systems comprising a docking station and one or more incubator chambers are generally configured to provide some interaction between the docking station and the incubator chambers docked to the docking station.

[0044] Such interaction may be one or more of providing a gas having a desired composition to the incubator chamber, providing electricity to the incubator chamber to power a heating element in the incubator chamber and / or to power a light source within the incubator chamber, enabling monitoring of viable biological material present within the incubator chamber by using an image capture device located within the docking station, etc.

[0045] It should be understood that within the meaning of this application, the term "modular incubator system" is to be construed as meaning that the incubator chambers are configured to be used for the incubation of viable biological material, regardless of whether the individual incubator chambers are docked to a docking port of a docking station or whether the incubator chambers are detached from a docking port of a docking station.

[0046] Thus, it should be understood that culturing or incubation of viable biological material in an individual incubator chamber may be performed and / or continued even after the incubator chamber has been removed from its docking station and placed, for example, on a laboratory bench. This may allow for manual operations such as transfer or control of culture or growth medium, manual inspection using a laboratory microscope, etc. Such operations are preferably performed under a hood providing the desired gas atmosphere.

[0047] In a preferred embodiment, to make such manual operation practical and conceivable, the incubation chambers are configured to allow support on a planar, horizontal support surface when the individual incubation chambers are removed from the docking ports. This may be achieved by providing one or more supports at the bottom of the incubator chamber, or simply by constructing the bottom of the incubator chamber as a flat surface.

[0048] In a preferred embodiment, the incubation chamber has its largest dimension horizontally in its intended orientation for use in incubation.

[0049] Thus, the horizontal dimension of the incubation chamber is larger than the vertical dimension, which ensures sufficient stability when the incubator chamber is used for incubation in locations outside the docking port of the docking station.

[0050] In embodiments, each incubator chamber may be equipped with a display, such as an electronic display, for providing information regarding the identity of the viable biological material contained in the incubator chamber.

[0051] It should be understood that in some embodiments the present invention does not relate to methods or uses involving treatment of the human or animal body by surgical or diagnostic procedures performed on the human or animal body.

[0052] It should also be understood that in other embodiments the present invention may relate to methods or uses involving treatment of the human or animal body by surgical or diagnostic procedures performed on the human or animal body.

[0053] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, for one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers 300 and one or more of the one or more docking ports 402 of the docking station 400, the tilt angle α is selected from the range of 0.5 to 25°, such as from 1 to 24°, 2 to 23°, 3 to 22°, 4 to 21°, 5 to 20°, 6 to 19°, 7 to 18°, 8 to 17°, 9 to 16°, 10 to 15°, 11 to 14°, or 12 to 13°.

[0054] These tilt angles provide the desired effect of making the cell division stages of the viable biological material being incubated easier and more reliably detectable.

[0055] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, with respect to one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers 300 and one or more of the one or more docking ports 402 of the docking station 400, when the modular incubator chamber 300 is docked to the docking port 402 of the docking station, the light directing element 350 is located in the interior 306 of the modular incubator chamber 300 at a position displaced relative to a focal direction B of the image capture device 408 of the docking port 402 in a direction perpendicular to the focal direction B, thereby providing the tilt angle α between the light aiming direction A and the focal direction B.

[0056] Placing the light directing element 350 at a position inside the modular incubator chamber 300 306 that is displaced relative to the focal direction B of the image capture device 408 is a simple way to provide a desired tilt angle between the light aiming direction A and the focal direction B.

[0057] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, for one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers 300, the culture dish support 308 defines a planar support surface P for supporting the culture dish 310.

[0058] In one embodiment, with respect to one or more of the one or more docking ports 402 of the docking station 400, when the modular incubator chamber 300 is docked to the docking port 402 of the docking station 400, the focal direction B of the image capture device 408 of the docking port 402 is substantially perpendicular to the planar support surface P of the culture dish support 308 of the modular incubator chamber 300, and the light aiming direction A of the light directing element 350 of the modular incubator chamber 300 is not perpendicular to the planar support surface P of the culture dish support 308.

[0059] Preferably, the culture dish 310 is positioned on the support 308 within the modular incubator chamber 300 so that the focal direction B of the image capture device 408 of the docking port 402 is substantially perpendicular to the planar support surface P of the culture dish support 308.

[0060] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, for one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers 300, the light directing element 350 is attached to the inside of the lid 304 of the housing 306 of the modular incubator chamber 300.

[0061] This defines the desired top-to-bottom direction for the light aiming direction A of the light directing element 350.

[0062] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, for one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers 300, the light directing element 350 comprises a diffuser, such as a diffuser lens.

[0063] This may soften the light of the light directing element.

[0064] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, for one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers 300, the transparent window 316 of the modular incubator chamber 300 is located at the bottom 330 of the housing 302 of the chamber.

[0065] Since it is preferable to position the image capture device 408 in an upwardly focused position within the docking port 402 of the docking station, the transparent window 316 of the modular incubator chamber 300 is conveniently located at the bottom 330 of the housing 302 of said modular incubator chamber 300.

[0066] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, for one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers 300, the light directing element 350 is geometrically configured to propagate the light at a maximum divergence angle of propagation of 1 to 65°, for example 5 to 60°, 10 to 55°, 15 to 50°, 20 to 45°, 25 to 40° or 30 to 35°.

[0067] Ensuring that the spread angle of the light from the light directing element 350 is not excessively large minimizes any unwanted light reflections within the interior 306 of the modular incubator chamber 300 .

[0068] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, for one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers 300, the light aiming direction A is directed towards the transparent window 316 in the housing 302 of the modular incubator 300.

[0069] The viable biological material M to be monitored is positioned above the transparent window 316 so that light directed at the transparent window 316 is also directed at or near the viable biological material.

[0070] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, for one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers 300, the modular incubator chambers 300 comprise a tilt angle adjusting element 332 for adjusting a tilt angle α between the light aiming direction A and the focus direction B, the tilt angle adjusting element 332 being configured to enable adjustment of the tilt angle α to achieve an angle selected from the range of 0.5 to 25°, for example 1 to 24°, 2 to 23°, 3 to 22°, 4 to 21°, 5 to 20°, 6 to 19°, 7 to 18°, 8 to 17°, 9 to 16°, 10 to 15°, 11 to 14°, or 12 to 13°.

[0071] This allows the degree or magnitude of the tilt angle to be adjusted during incubation and monitoring of viable biological material.

[0072] In one embodiment, the tilt angle adjustment element 332 comprises a rotation adjustment element 334 that, when adjusted, is configured to change the light aiming direction A of light direction propagation from the light directing element 350 by changing the spatial orientation of the light directing element 350, and / or the tilt angle adjustment element 332 comprises a displacement adjustment element 336 that, when adjusted, is configured to change the position of the light directing element 350.

[0073] In these embodiments, either the light aiming direction A or the position of the light directing element 350 is simply adjusted, or a combination thereof is performed.

[0074] In one embodiment, the rotation adjustment element 334 and / or the displacement adjustment element 336 are electrically controlled by an electric actuator that provides for changing the light aiming direction A of light directional propagation from the light directing element 350 and / or changing the position of the light directing element 350 when an electric signal is supplied to the electric actuator.

[0075] This allows for remote control of the variation of the tilt angle α while monitoring and incubating viable biological material.

[0076] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, for one or more of the one or more docking ports 402 of the docking station 400, the docking port 402 comprises a shadowing element 450 configured to enable blocking of a portion of light propagating towards the optics of the image capture device 408.

[0077] The shadowing element allows for further control of the contrast effect necessary for proper monitoring of the degree of cell division occurring in viable biological material.

[0078] In one embodiment, the shadowing element 450 comprises a shadowing plate 452 having a through hole 454 having a fixed shape and / or size, such as a round hole or a rectangular hole, and the shadowing plate 452 is positioned relative to the image capture device 408 such that the focal direction B of the image capture device 408 passes through the hole 452.

[0079] This embodiment is a very simple way to provide such an additional contrast effect.

[0080] In another embodiment, the shadowing element 450 comprises an iris diaphragm 458 having a plurality of iris lamellas 460 that are movable relative to one another and configured to vary the size of a through hole 462 formed in the center of the iris diaphragm when subjected to an external force, and the iris diaphragm 458 is positioned relative to the image capture device 408 such that the focal direction B of the image capture device 408 passes through the hole 462.

[0081] In one embodiment, the iris diaphragm 458 includes an actuator 464, such as a remotely controlled electrical actuator, mechanically connected to the iris lamella 460 and configured to enable simultaneous movement of the iris lamella to vary the size of the through-hole 462.

[0082] This allows the degree of shadowing or contrast effect to be remotely controlled while monitoring and incubating viable biological material.

[0083] In one embodiment, the shadowing element 450 is coupled to an X-stage or an XY-stage 456 such that the shadowing element 450 can be individually displaced in one or two displacement directions D1, D2, each of which is optionally substantially perpendicular to the focal direction B of the image capture device 408.

[0084] This allows the location of the shadowing effect to be controlled relative to the biological material being incubated.

[0085] In one embodiment, the X-stage or the XY-stage comprises an electric actuator 466 configured to electrically control the displacement of the shadowing element 450 in one or both of the displacement directions D1, D2 when an electric signal is supplied to the electric actuator 466.

[0086] This allows for remote control of the position of the shadowing effect relative to the biological material being incubated.

[0087] In one embodiment, the shadowing element 450 is located outside the optical system of the image capture device 408 .

[0088] In another embodiment, the shadowing element 450 is located within the optics of the image capture device 408 .

[0089] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, for one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers 300, the light directing element 350 is an active light source 352 located in the interior 306 of the modular incubator chamber 300, the active light source 352 being configured to propagate light in the light aiming direction A when powered.

[0090] As described further below, the light directing element 350 may be either an active light source 352 configured to emit light when power is provided, or a passive light directing element that directs incident light in the light aiming direction A, such as by reflection.

[0091] The above embodiment is quite simple in that an active light source 352 is positioned in the interior 306 of the modular incubation chamber 300 to provide light in a light aiming direction A.

[0092] In another embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, for one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers 300, the light directing element 350 is a passive light directing element in the form of a light conveyor 354 located in the interior 306 of the modular incubator chamber 300, the light conveyor 354 being configured to direct incident light in the light aiming direction A, such as by reflecting the incident light.

[0093] In one embodiment, for one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers 300, the housing 302 of the modular incubator chamber 300 comprises a light-transmitting element 356 for providing light to the optical conveyors 354, 350 from a position outside the chamber 300, and for one or more of the one or more docking ports 402 of the docking station 400, the docking port 402 comprises an active light source 352, and the modular incubator chamber 300 comprises When docked to the docking port 402 of the docking station 400, the position of the light-transmitting element 356 of the housing 302 of the modular incubator chamber 300 and the position of the active light source 352 of the docking port 402 are matched to each other so that light emitted from the active light source 352 of the docking port 402 can pass through the light-transmitting element 356 of the housing 302 of the modular incubator chamber 300 and propagate to the light conveyors 354, 350 inside the housing 302.

[0094] In one embodiment, for one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers 300, the light-transmitting element 356 of the housing 302 of the modular incubator chamber 300 is located on top of the housing 302, such as on the lid 304 of the housing 302, and is the same entity as the light conveyors 350, 354.

[0095] In one embodiment, for one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers 300, the light-transmitting element 356 of the housing 302 of the modular incubator chamber 300 is located on a side of the housing 302.

[0096] In one of these embodiments, the light conveyor 354 is an optical deflector such as an optical prism or lens.

[0097] Thus, in the above embodiment, an active light source 352 located outside the interior 306 of the modular incubator chamber 300 and at or within the docking port 402 provides light to a light conveyor 354 located within the interior 306 of the modular incubator chamber 300.

[0098] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, for one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers 300, the light-transmitting element 356 of the housing 302 of the modular incubator chamber 300 is arranged at a bottom 330 of the housing 302, and inside the housing 302, the housing 302 comprises a light reflector 358, which is configured to reflect upwardly propagating light into substantially horizontally propagating light towards the light conveyors 350, 354, and the light conveyors 350, 354 are configured to reflect the substantially horizontally propagating light towards the light aiming direction A.

[0099] In this embodiment, light emitted from an active light source 352 located at or within the docking port 402 is directed into the interior 306 of the modular incubator chamber 300, the light is deflected by a reflector 358, and the light then strikes the light conveyor 354.

[0100] In one embodiment, the light conveyors 350, 354 are light reflectors, such as mirrors.

[0101] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, for one or more of the one or more docking ports 402 of the docking station 400, the active light source 352 is positioned at a position within the docking port 402 such that it is configured to direct emitted light in a direction substantially parallel to the focal direction B of the image capture device 408, and for one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers 300, the light conveyors 350, 354 are configured to direct the emitted light in the light aiming direction A.

[0102] In one embodiment, the light conveyors 350, 354 are light reflectors, such as mirrors.

[0103] In one of the two embodiments, the active light source 352 is positioned adjacent to the image capture device 408 .

[0104] In another embodiment, the active light source 352 is located within the optical system of the image capture device 408 .

[0105] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, the active light source 352 is selected from the group consisting of one or more LEDs, one or more laser diodes, and one or more incandescent bulbs.

[0106] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, the transparent window 316 and / or the light transmitting element 356 are made of glass or plastic.

[0107] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, the image capture device 408 comprises microscopic optics to enable capture of microscopic images.

[0108] This allows for the capture of magnified images and improved study of the morphological properties of the incubated biological material.

[0109] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, for one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers 300, an electrical connector 322 is provided, such as on an outer portion of the housing 302 of the modular incubator chamber 300, for providing power and / or electrical signals to the modular incubator chamber, and for one or more docking ports 402 of the docking station 400, an electrical connector 410 is provided at the docking port, thereby enabling power and / or electrical signals to be provided between the docking port 402 of the docking station 400 and the modular incubator chamber 300 docked to the docking port 402.

[0110] Via such connectors 322 , 410 , control instructions can be sent to the modular incubator chamber 300 via its corresponding docking port 402 and its electrical connector 410 of the docking station 400 .

[0111] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, for one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers 300, the lid 304 is a hinged lid connected to the housing of the modular incubator chamber 302 via a hinge.

[0112] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, for one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers 300, the housing 302 of the modular incubator chamber 300 comprises a display 324 configured to display information regarding the operating status of the incubation taking place within the modular incubator chamber.

[0113] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, with respect to one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers 300, the modular incubator chamber 300 comprises a chamber gas inlet opening 312, the chamber gas inlet opening 312 being in fluid communication with an interior 306 of the modular incubator chamber, the modular incubator chamber 300 further comprises a chamber gas outlet opening 314, the chamber gas outlet opening 314 being in fluid communication with the interior 306 of the modular incubator chamber, and one or more docking ports 40 of the docking station 400. 2, the docking port 402 comprises a docking port gas outlet opening 404 and a docking port gas inlet opening 406, thereby enabling gas transfer from the docking port 402 of the docking station 400 to the interior 306 of the modular incubator chamber 300 via the docking port gas outlet opening 404 and the chamber gas inlet opening 312, and thereby enabling gas transfer from the interior 306 of the modular incubator chamber 300 to the docking port 402 of the docking station 400 via the chamber gas outlet opening 314 and the docking port gas inlet opening 406.

[0114] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, with respect to one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers 300 and one or more of the one or more docking ports 402 of the docking station 400, the positions of the chamber gas inlet opening 312 of the housing 302 of the modular incubator chamber 300 and the docking port gas outlet opening 404 of the docking port 402 are aligned such that when the modular incubator chamber 300 is docked to the docking port 402, the chamber gas inlet opening 312 of the housing 302 of the modular incubator chamber 300 and the docking port gas outlet opening 404 of the docking port 402 are in fluid communication. The position of the chamber gas outlet opening 314 of the housing 302 of the modular incubator chamber 300 and the position of the docking port gas inlet opening 406 of the docking port 402 are fitted to each other such that, when the modular incubator chamber 300 is docked to the docking port 402, the chamber gas outlet opening 314 of the housing 302 of the modular incubator chamber 300 and the docking port gas inlet opening 406 of the docking port 402 are in fluid connection, thereby allowing gas to be transferred from the modular incubator chamber 300 to the docking port 402.

[0115] These embodiments ensure that gas having a desired composition can be delivered from the gas source 202 via the gas distribution system 204 to the interior 306 of the modular incubator chamber 300 via the docking port gas outlet opening 404 and the chamber gas inlet opening 312, and that gas from the interior 306 of the modular incubator chamber 300 can return to the gas source 202 via the chamber gas outlet opening 314 and the docking port gas inlet opening 406.

[0116] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, the docking port gas outlet opening 404 of the docking port 402 is equipped with a valve 4, the chamber gas inlet opening 312 of the housing 302 is equipped with a valve 2, the chamber gas outlet opening 314 is equipped with a valve 2, and the docking port gas inlet opening 406 of the docking port 402 is equipped with a valve 4.

[0117] This may ensure that gas only flows into the docking port 402 when the modular incubator chamber 300 is placed within the docking port 402. In other words, gas does not flow through the docking port 402 unless the modular incubator chamber 300 is docked within the docking port 402. Furthermore, this embodiment ensures that atmospheric air does not enter through the chamber gas inlet opening 312 and the chamber gas outlet opening 314 of the modular incubator chamber 300 when the modular incubator chamber 300 is removed from the docking port.

[0118] Thus, when the modular incubator chamber 300 is removed from its docking port 402, the gas atmosphere present in the interior 306 of the modular incubator chamber 300 is not contaminated.

[0119] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, for one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers 300, the valve 2 of the chamber gas inlet opening 312 and the valve 2 of the chamber gas outlet opening 314 each comprise a valve body 6 having a front end 10, a rear end 12, and a through channel 14, and a spring-loaded displaceable valve element. a spring-loaded displaceable valve element 8 disposed within the through channel 14, the displaceable valve element 8 configured to be displaceable within the through channel 14 of the valve body 6 such that, when not acted upon by an external force, the spring-loaded displaceable valve element 8 is not displaced within the through channel 14 of the valve body 6, thereby causing the valve to achieve a closed configuration blocking the passage of gas through the through channel 14, and such that, when acted upon by an external force, the spring-loaded displaceable valve element 8 is displaced within the through channel 14 of the valve body 6, thereby causing the valve 2 to achieve an open configuration allowing the passage of gas through the through channel 14; For one or more of the one or more docking ports 402 of the docking station 400, the valve 4 of the docking port gas outlet opening 404 and the valve 4 of the docking port gas inlet opening 406 each comprise a valve body 16 having a front end 20, a rear end 22, and a through channel 24, and a spring-loaded displaceable valve element 18, the displaceable valve element 18 being disposed within the through channel 24, and the displaceable valve element 18 being The spring-loaded displaceable valve element 18 is configured to be displaceable within the through channel 24 of the valve body 16 such that the spring-loaded displaceable valve element 18 is not displaceable within the through channel 24 of the valve body 16, thereby causing the valve to achieve a closed configuration that blocks the passage of gas through the through channel 24, and is displaceable within the through channel 24 of the valve body 16 when acted upon by an external force, thereby causing the valve 4 to achieve an open configuration that allows the passage of gas through the through channel 24.

[0120] This allows each of the two valves 2,4 to change configuration between an open and a closed configuration by displacement of the respective valve element 8,18 within the associated valve body 6,16.

[0121] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, for one or more of the one or more docking ports 402 of the docking station 400 and one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers 300, the valves 2, 4 are sized and shaped such that when the modular incubator chamber 300 is docked to the docking port 402 of the docking station 400, the displaceable valve element 8 of valve 2 and the displaceable valve element 18 of valve 4 are displaced relative to each other within their respective valve bodies 6, 16, thereby opening the valves 2, 4 at the docking port gas outlet opening 404 and the chamber gas inlet opening 312, and thereby opening the valves 2, 4 at the chamber gas outlet opening 314 and the docking port gas inlet opening 406.

[0122] This causes each of the two valves 2, 4 to open the other valve 4, 2 when they come into contact with each other by touching their respective front ends 10, 20.

[0123] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system according to the first aspect of the present invention, for one or more of the docking ports 402 of the docking station 400 of the modular incubator system 500, preferably for all of the docking ports 402, the docking port gas outlet opening 404 is provided with a flow restrictor for restricting the magnitude of the flow rate of gas entering the docking port 402.

[0124] In one embodiment, a flow restrictor may comprise a tube through which gas is delivered to the docking port 402, the tube optionally having a diameter between 0.2 and 8 mm. 2 range, e.g., 0.5 to 7 mm 2 , 1 to 6 mm 2 , 2~5mm 2 , or 3 to 4 mm 2and / or the length of the tube is optionally selected from the range of 5 to 30 mm, for example, 8 to 25 mm, 10 to 22 mm, or 15 to 20 mm.

[0125] Such a flow restrictor helps to balance the gas flow rates through the docking ports 402 with the modular incubator chamber 300 with the capacity of the gas supply system 200, thereby also helping to equalize the gas flow rates through the different docking ports 402 with respect to each other.

[0126] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, the docking station 400 comprises a gas distribution system 204 for supplying gas to and from one or more of the one or more docking ports 402, the gas distribution system 204 comprising a main gas supply line 210 and a main gas return line 212, and for one or more of the docking ports 402, the docking port gas inlet opening 404 is fluidly connected to the main gas supply line 210 and the docking port gas outlet opening 406 is fluidly connected to the main gas return line 212.

[0127] In one embodiment, the gas distribution system 204 comprises several manifold pairs 214, each manifold pair including an inlet manifold 216 and an outlet manifold 218, the inlet manifold 216 being fluidly connected to the main gas supply line 210 and the outlet manifold 218 being fluidly connected to the main gas return line 212, and each manifold pair 214 being connected to one or more docking ports 402 of the docking station 400 such that, for a particular manifold pair 214 and its connected one or more docking ports 402, the docking port gas outlet opening 404 of the docking port 402 is fluidly connected to the inlet manifold 216 and the docking port gas inlet opening 406 of the docking port 402 is fluidly connected to the outlet manifold 218.

[0128] In one embodiment, the docking station 400 comprises a gas supply system 200 comprising a gas source 202 and the gas distribution system 204, the gas source comprising a supply gas outlet 206 and a return gas inlet 208, the supply gas outlet 206 of the gas source 202 fluidly connected to the main gas supply line 210 of the gas distribution system 204, and the return gas inlet 208 of the gas source 202 fluidly connected to the main gas return line 212 of the gas distribution system 204.

[0129] In those embodiments including a gas distribution system 204, gas can be supplied from the gas source 202 to the docking port 402 via a main gas supply line 210 and returned from the docking port to the gas source 202 via a main gas return line 212.

[0130] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, the gas source 202 of the gas supply system 200 comprises a gas mixing box 242 fluidly connected to the supply gas outlet 206 and the return gas inlet 208 of the gas source, the main gas supply line 210 of the gas distribution system 204 is fluidly connected to the supply gas outlet 206, and the main gas return line 212 of the gas distribution system 204 is fluidly connected to the return gas inlet 208 of the gas source 202, thereby forming a flow loop 244 including the gas distribution system 204 and the gas mixing box 242, and the flow loop includes a pump 246.

[0131] This allows gas to circulate within the loop and through the gas distribution system 204 of the docking station 400 .

[0132] The purpose of the gas source is to provide and deliver a desired gas composition to the gas distribution system 204 that includes the various docking ports 402 of the docking station 400 .

[0133] In one implementation of this embodiment, pump 246 is located downstream relative to the main gas return line 212 .

[0134] In one embodiment, flow loop 244 includes a pump vibration damper 247 , which is optionally located immediately downstream from pump 246 .

[0135] Pump vibration dampers equalize the minute, rapid pressure fluctuations caused by each pump stroke of the pump.

[0136] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, the flow loop 244 includes a pressure sensor, such as a differential pressure sensor 248, for sensing the pressure of the gas supplied to the main gas supply line 210 of the gas distribution system 204, the pressure sensor 248 being optionally located immediately upstream of the main gas supply line 210 of the gas distribution system 204.

[0137] Pressure sensor 248 allows for adjustment of pump 246 to maintain a desired pressure in flow loop 244 via feedback.

[0138] In one embodiment, the pressure sensor 248 is a differential pressure sensor that senses pressure relative to the pressure at the return gas inlet 208 .

[0139] In one embodiment, flow loop 244 includes a discharge valve 249 to allow pressure relief within the flow loop, the discharge valve optionally being positioned immediately downstream of the gas distribution system 402 relative to the main gas return line 212.

[0140] The pressure relief valve 249 allows for improved control of the pressure within the flow loop 344 .

[0141] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, the gas mixing box 242 comprises an N2 gas inlet 250 and a CO2 gas inlet 251, the N2 gas inlet 250 is fluidly connected to an N2 valve 252 for regulating the inflow of N2 and an N2 mass flow sensor 253 disposed downstream of the N2 valve 252 for detecting the amount of N2 flowing into the gas mixing box 242, and the CO2 gas inlet 251 is fluidly connected to a CO2 valve 254 for regulating the inflow of CO2 and a CO2 mass flow sensor 255 disposed downstream of the CO2 valve 254 for detecting the amount of CO2 flowing into the gas mixing box 242.

[0142] This allows for the control of the N 2 gas inlet and CO 2 gas inlet to the gas mixing box 242 in order to obtain a desired predetermined optimum gas composition within the gas mixing box 242 .

[0143] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, the flow loop 244 includes a mass flow sensor 256 positioned upstream relative to the gas mixing box 242 for detecting the amount of return gas entering the gas mixing box.

[0144] Information regarding the amount of return gas entering the gas mixing box is used to determine the total amount of N2 and CO2 gas that needs to be introduced into the gas mixing box 242.

[0145] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, the gas source 202 comprises an O2 sensor 258 for detecting the concentration of O2 exiting the gas distribution system 204, and the gas source 202 comprises a CO2 sensor 260 for detecting the concentration of CO2 exiting the gas distribution system 204, the O2 sensor and / or the CO2 sensor being optionally located downstream relative to the pump 246.

[0146] Information about the O2 and CO2 concentrations exiting the gas distribution system 204 is used to determine the specific amounts of N2 gas and CO2 gas that need to be introduced into the gas mixing box 242.

[0147] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, the gas source 202 includes a temperature sensor 262 for detecting the temperature of the gas circulating in the flow loop 244, the temperature sensor optionally being located downstream of the pump 246, preferably at a position corresponding to the position of the O2 sensor 258.

[0148] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, the gas source 202 comprises a pressure sensor 264 for sensing the absolute pressure in the flow loop 244, the pressure sensor optionally being located downstream relative to the pump 246, preferably at a position corresponding to the position of the CO2 sensor 260.

[0149] The temperature sensor 262 and the pressure sensor 264 are useful for correcting the readings of the O2 sensor 258 due to the temperature sensitivity of the O2 sensor 258 and the CO2 sensor 260 due to the pressure sensitivity of the CO2 sensor 260.

[0150] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system according to the first aspect of the present invention, the flow loop 244 includes a UV sterilizer 266 for sterilizing gas flowing within the flow loop 244 by electromagnetic radiation in the UV range, the UV sterilizer being optionally positioned immediately downstream from the main gas return line 212.

[0151] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, the gas source 202 comprises one or more filters 268, such as HEPA and / or VOC filters, located immediately upstream of the main gas supply line 210, and / or located immediately upstream of the N gas inlet 250 to the gas mixing box 242, and / or located immediately upstream of the CO gas inlet 251 to the gas mixing box 242.

[0152] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, the gas source 202 comprises a gas mixing control system 270, which includes the N mass flow sensor 253 for detecting the amount of N entering the gas mixing box, the CO mass flow sensor 255 for detecting the amount of CO entering the gas mixing box, the mass flow sensor 256 for detecting the amount of return gas entering the gas mixing box, the O mass flow sensor 257 for detecting the concentration of O exiting the main gas return line 212 of the gas distribution system 204, and the O mass flow sensor 258 for detecting the amount of O exiting the main gas return line 212 of the gas distribution system 204. 58, the gas mixing control system is electrically connected to one or more of these sensors to receive detection signals from the CO2 sensor 260 for detecting the concentration of CO2 exiting the main gas return line 212 of the gas distribution system 204, the temperature sensor 262 for detecting the temperature circulating in the flow loop 244, the pressure sensor 264 for detecting the absolute pressure in the flow loop 244, and the pressure sensor 248 for detecting the pressure of gas supplied to the main gas supply line 210 of the distribution system 204.

[0153] This embodiment allows for obtaining information on various parameters that are used in providing feedback when controlling the operation of the gas source 202 .

[0154] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, a gas mixing control system 270 is electrically connected to one or more of the following elements to control the N2 valve 252 for regulating the inflow of N2 into the gas mixing box 242, the CO2 valve 254 for regulating the inflow of CO2 into the gas mixing box 242, the pump 246 for circulating gas within the flow loop 244, and the discharge valve 249.

[0155] This embodiment allows for providing feedback when controlling the operation of the gas source 202 .

[0156] In one embodiment, gas mixing control system 270 is configured to receive input from the pressure sensor 248 and, based on the input, control the pump 246 and, optionally, actuate the discharge valve 249 to maintain a desired predetermined pressure of gas supplied to the main gas supply line 210 of the gas distribution system 204.

[0157] This allows the pressure within the flow loop 244 to be controlled.

[0158] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, the gas mixing control system 270 is configured to receive input from the mass flow sensor 256 and, based on the input, determine the total amounts of CO2 gas and N2 gas that need to be supplied via the CO2 gas inlet 251 and the N2 gas inlet 250 according to desired predetermined criteria.

[0159] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, a gas mixing control system 270 is configured to receive inputs from the CO2 sensor 260 and the O2 sensor 258, and is configured to control the CO2 valve 254 by sending a control signal to the CO2 valve based on the detected CO2 concentration, thereby regulating the inflow of CO2 gas to reach a desired predetermined CO2 concentration, and subsequently, the gas mixing control system 270 is configured to control the N2 valve 252 by sending a control signal to the N2 valve 252 based on the detected O2 concentration, thereby regulating the inflow of N2 gas to reach a desired predetermined O2 concentration.

[0160] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, the gas mixing control system 270 is configured to compensate for the temperature sensitivity of the O2 sensor 258 using input from the temperature sensor 262.

[0161] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, the gas mixing control system 270 is configured to maintain the CO2 concentration of the gas entering the main gas supply line 210 of the gas distribution system 204 in the range of 5-10%, for example 6-9% or 7-8%, and / or to maintain the O2 concentration of the gas entering the main gas supply line 210 of the gas distribution system 204 in the range of 5-10%, for example 6-9% or 7-8%.

[0162] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, the gas mixing control system 270 is configured to compensate for the pressure sensitivity of the CO2 sensor 260 using input from the pressure sensor 264.

[0163] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, the gas mixing control system 270 is configured to maintain the pressure of the gas supplied to the main gas supply line 210 of the gas distribution system 204 at a pressure between 3 and 20 mbar, for example between 5 and 18 mbar or between 10 and 15 mbar, relative to ambient atmospheric pressure.

[0164] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, the number of modular incubator chambers 300 of said modular incubator system 500 is selected from the range of 1 to 100, such as from 2 to 95, from 5 to 90, from 10 to 85, from 15 to 80, from 20 to 75, from 25 to 70, from 30 to 65, from 35 to 60, from 40 to 55, or from 45 to 50.

[0165] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, the number of docking ports 402 in the docking station 400 of the modular incubator system 500 is selected from the range of 1 to 100, such as 2 to 95, 5 to 90, 10 to 85, 15 to 80, 20 to 75, 25 to 70, 30 to 65, 35 to 60, 40 to 55, or 45 to 50.

[0166] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, the docking station 400 comprises docking ports 402 in an arrangement of one or more shelves of adjacently located docking ports 402, and if the docking station comprises two or more shelves, the shelves are arranged one above the other.

[0167] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, with respect to one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers 300, the modular incubator chamber comprises an incubation chamber engagement means 326, and with respect to one or more docking ports 402 of the docking station 400, the docking port comprises a docking port engagement means 414, and the incubation chamber engagement means 326 is configured to engage with the docking port engagement means 414.

[0168] This allows the modular incubator chamber 300 to be easily and properly positioned and optionally secured within the docking port 402, as well as easily and properly removed from the docking port 402 of the docking station 400.

[0169] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, the modular incubator system 500 comprises an image processing unit 660 for image processing of images captured by the image capture device 408, and the modular incubator system 400 further comprises a data storage 658 for storing images captured by the image capture unit 408 and / or for storing images processed by the image processing unit.

[0170] An image processing unit is useful for manipulating the captured images, such as adjusting contrast, filtering, and generating a series of time-lapse images.

[0171] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, one or more of the image capture devices 408 of the docking ports 402 of the docking station are coupled to the image processing unit 660.

[0172] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, for one or more specific docking ports 402 of the docking station 400, the specific docking ports are provided with dedicated image capture devices 408 configured to capture only images related to the modular incubator chambers 300 docked to the specific docking ports 402.

[0173] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, the adjacently arranged docking ports 402 of the docking station 400 share a common image capturing device 408 in the sense that for N adjacently arranged docking ports 402 of the docking station 400, only one image capturing device is responsible for capturing images relating to a modular incubator chamber 300 docked to one of the N adjacently arranged docking ports 402, and the docking station comprises a displacement device 482, to which, for example, an electrical signal is provided, for enabling displacement of the common image capturing device 408 relative to the N adjacently arranged docking ports 402 of the docking station 400.

[0174] This allows one image capture device to be responsible for capturing images of biological material housed in different modular incubator chambers that are docked in different docking ports 402 of docking stations 400 on the same shelf.

[0175] In one embodiment, N is an integer selected from the range of 2 to 25 or more, such as 4 to 22, 6 to 20, 8 to 18, 10 to 16, or 12 to 14.

[0176] Individually, one or more, and preferably all, image capture devices 408 of the docking station 400 may comprise or be coupled to a displacement device 482, such as an electrically driven, remotely controlled displacement device 482, for enabling displacement of the common image capture device 408 transverse to the longitudinal direction X of the modular incubator chamber 300 docked within the docking port 402, so as to enable the capture device 408 to focus on two or more culture wells in the culture dish 310 housed within the modular incubator chamber 300, the culture wells being oriented transverse to the longitudinal direction X.

[0177] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, for one or more of the modular incubator chambers 300, the modular incubator chamber comprises, in its interior 306, an electric heating element 318 for heating the interior of the modular incubator chamber, the modular incubator chamber comprising a power supply 320 for providing power to the heating element 318, the electric heating element 318 being electrically connected to the power supply 320.

[0178] In one embodiment, the power supply 320 is a power source such as a battery, for example a rechargeable battery.

[0179] In one embodiment, the heating element 318 is thermally connected to a heat distribution element for distributing heat dissipated by the heating element, the heat distribution element being at least partially disposed within the interior 306 of the modular incubator chamber 300.

[0180] In one embodiment, the chamber includes a thermostat 374 and an electrical thermostat circuit 376, wherein the electric heating element 318, the power supply 320, and the thermostat 374 are electrically connected within the electrical thermostat circuit 376 to enable thermostatic control of the temperature within the modular incubator chamber 300.

[0181] The above embodiments provide for maintaining a desired predetermined temperature, and optionally an optimal temperature, within the interior 306 of the modular incubator chamber 300 in situations where the modular incubator chamber is removed from its associated docking port 402 for purposes of visual inspection and manual replenishment, removal, or replacement of growth medium for the incubated biological material.

[0182] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, said modular incubator system 500 comprises a control unit 650 for controlling the operation of said modular incubator system 500 .

[0183] In one embodiment, the control unit 650 is coupled to an input device 652, such as an alphanumeric input device, for allowing a user to provide configuration input regarding a desired operating protocol for the modular incubator system.

[0184] In one embodiment, the control unit 650 is coupled to a display unit 654 for displaying information regarding the configuration and / or operation of the modular incubator system 300 to a user.

[0185] In one embodiment of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the present invention, with respect to one or more docking ports 402 of the docking station 400, the control unit 650 controls the temperature of the interior 306 of the modular incubator chamber 300 by controlling the electric heating element 318, the thermostat 374, or the thermostat circuit 376, providing power to the power source 320, providing a signal to the display 324 of the modular incubator chamber 300, the tilt angle adjustment element 332, the tilt angle adjustment the actuators configured to independently control one or more of the rotation adjustment element 334 of the tilt adjustment element 332, the displacement adjustment element 336 of the tilt angle adjustment element 332, switching on and off the active light source 352 or adjusting the intensity of light emitted from the light source, the image capture device 408 of the docking station 408, the displacement device 482 for displacing the image capture device 408, the actuators of the X-stage or XY-stage 466, the actuators of the iris diaphragm 464, the gas mixing control system 270, and the gas mixing control system 660.

[0186] In one embodiment, the control unit 650 is coupled to a data processing unit 656 and, optionally, to a data storage 658 that aids in handling information during control of the modular incubator system.

[0187] In one embodiment, the temperature of the interior 306 of the modular incubator chamber 300 is controlled by controlling the electric heating element 318, the thermostat 374, or the thermostat circuit 376; providing power to the power source 320; providing a signal to the display 324 of the modular incubator chamber 300; the tilt angle adjustment element 332; the rotation adjustment element 334 of the tilt angle adjustment element 332; the displacement adjustment element 336 of the tilt angle adjustment element 332; turning the active light source 352 on and off; The control unit 650 is configured to implement automated operation of the modular incubator system 500 by configuring the control unit 650 to independently control one or more of: an adjustment of the intensity of light being emitted from the image capture device 408; the image capture device 408 of the docking station 408; the displacement device 482 for displacing the image capture device 408; the actuator of the X-stage or XY-stage 466; the actuator of the iris diaphragm 464; and the gas mixing control system 270.

[0188] In one embodiment, control unit 650 is configured to enable time-lapse capture of images by image capture device 408 .

[0189] In the above embodiment, the operation of the modular docking system 500 can be easily controlled centrally.

[0190] Second Aspect of the Invention In a second aspect, the present invention relates to a modular incubator chamber 300, said modular incubator chamber 300 comprising the features defined for the modular incubator chamber 300 of the modular incubator system 500 of the first aspect of the present invention.

[0191] Third aspect of the present invention In a third aspect, the present invention relates to a docking station 400, said docking station including the features defined for the docking station 400 of the modular incubator system 500 of the first aspect of the present invention.

[0192] Fourth aspect of the present invention In a fourth aspect, the present invention provides the use of the modular incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the invention for incubating viable biological material M.

[0193] In one embodiment, the biological material is an oocyte or an embryo, such as a human oocyte or a human embryo.

[0194] Fifth aspect of the present invention In a fifth aspect, the present invention provides the use of a modular incubator chamber 300 according to the second aspect of the invention for incubating viable biological material M.

[0195] In one embodiment, the biological material is an oocyte or an embryo, such as a human oocyte or a human embryo.

[0196] Sixth aspect of the present invention In a sixth aspect, the present invention provides the use of a docking station 400 according to the third aspect of the invention for incubating viable biological material M.

[0197] In one embodiment, the biological material is an oocyte or an embryo, such as a human oocyte or a human embryo.

[0198] Seventh aspect of the present invention In a seventh aspect, the present invention relates to a method for incubating viable biological material M, comprising the steps of: i) providing a modular incubator system 500 according to a first aspect of the present invention; ii) providing a viable biological material M; iii) placing the viable biological material M in a culture dish 310 and subsequently placing the culture dish on a culture dish support 308 in the interior 306 of the modular incubator chamber 300 of the modular incubator system 400; iv) docking the modular incubator chamber 300 to the docking port 402 of the docking station 400 of the incubator system 500; v) allowing the viable biological material M to be incubated in the modular incubator chamber 300; vi) while performing step v), enabling the light directing element 350 of the modular incubator chamber 300 to direct light in the light aiming direction A toward an area of ​​the culture dish support 308; vii) while performing steps v) and vi), causing the image capture device 408 to capture an image of the viable biological material M in the interior 306 of the modular incubator chamber 300 in a focal direction B, wherein the focal direction A of light propagating from the light directing element 350 of the modular incubator chamber 300 is tilted at a non-zero tilt angle α with respect to the focal direction B of the image capture device 408 of the docking port 302; The present invention provides a method comprising:

[0199] In one embodiment of the method of the seventh aspect of the invention, the method comprises: viii) further comprising the step of removing the incubator chamber 300 from the docking port 402 of the docking station 400 as needed to manually inspect the viable biological material M and optionally remove, add or replace growth medium / culture medium in the culture dish 310.

[0200] It is to be noted that in the claims relating to the second aspect of the invention, i.e. the modular incubator chamber, it is mentioned that the features of this modular incubator chamber may be as defined in relation to the claims relating to the first aspect of the invention, i.e. the modular incubator system.

[0201] This should be interpreted to mean that embodiments of the modular incubator chamber itself may be as defined in the claims relating to embodiments of the modular incubator system.

[0202] This should also be construed to mean that, to the extent that an interrelationship between a modular incubator chamber and a docking station or its docking port is defined in such an embodiment of the modular incubator system, the corresponding embodiment of the modular incubator chamber claimed with reference to the modular incubator system is deemed suitable for such interrelationship.

[0203] Similarly, it is noted that in the claims relating to the third aspect of the invention, i.e. the docking station, it is mentioned that the features of this docking station may be as defined in relation to the claims relating to the first aspect of the invention, i.e. the modular incubator system.

[0204] This should be interpreted to mean that embodiments of the docking station itself may be as defined in the claims relating to embodiments of the modular incubator system.

[0205] This should also be construed to mean that to the extent that an interrelationship between a modular incubator chamber and a docking station or its docking port is defined in such an embodiment with respect to a modular incubator system, the corresponding embodiment of a docking station claimed with reference to the modular incubator system is deemed suitable for such interrelationship.

[0206] Referring now to the drawings to better illustrate the present invention, FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the general concept of providing an incubator as a modular incubator system comprising multiple modular incubator chambers combined with a docking station comprising multiple docking ports.

[0207] 1 illustrates a modular incubator system 500 for incubating viable biological material. The modular incubator system 500 includes a docking station 400 in combination with several modular incubator chambers 300. The docking station 400 includes a plurality of docking ports 402. Each docking port 402 is configured to receive and hold a modular incubator chamber 300. Each docking port 402 includes a docking port engagement means 414 configured to engage with a corresponding incubation chamber engagement means 326 disposed beneath each modular incubation chamber 300.

[0208] 1, it can be seen that the docking station 400 of the incubator system 500 comprises three shelves arranged one above the other, each of the three shelves comprising six docking ports 402. Three of these docking ports 402 are occupied by modular incubator chambers 300, and a fourth modular incubation chamber is in the process of being docked to a docking port 402.

[0209] By arranging an incubator for IVF procedures as an incubator system 500 comprising multiple modular incubator chambers 300 combined with docking stations 400, it becomes possible to carry out a relatively large number of incubations in separate incubation environments, e.g., separate chemical environments with respect to gas atmosphere and growth medium composition, and separate physical environments with respect to temperature, within a single device.

[0210] This allows for a relatively large number of incubations to be performed in parallel under similar conditions in individual modular incubator chambers, with only one parameter being changed from one modular incubator chamber to another. Differences in the development of viable biological material being incubated in the various modular incubator chambers can be assigned to one incubation parameter being changed from one modular chamber to another.

[0211] This allows for the determination of optimal incubation conditions for the incubated embryos or oocytes.

[0212] Whenever it is necessary to change or add growth medium for the biological material being incubated, or whenever other manual procedures are required for a particular modular incubator chamber, that modular incubator chamber 300 is simply removed from its respective docking port 402 of the docking station 400 and transferred to a laboratory bench where such manual procedures can be performed.

[0213] However, most of the time, the modular incubator chamber will be docked to docking port 402 of docking station 400.

[0214] An image capture device 408 is provided in association with one or more of the docking ports 402 of the docking station 400. The image capture device 408 of the docking station 400 provides for monitoring of morphological changes occurring during incubation.

[0215] The image capture device includes microscope optics for capturing close-up images.

[0216] The image capture device 408 may be configured to automatically capture images of the biological material being incubated within the modular incubator chamber 300 .

[0217] It can also be seen in FIG. 1 that the docking port 402 includes an electrical connector 410 for supplying power from the docking port to the modular incubator chamber 300 docked thereto, or for transferring electrical signals between the modular incubator chamber 300 and the docking port 402.

[0218] It is apparent that to enable image capture of biological material contained within the modular incubator chamber by the image capture device 408 located within the docking system 400, the modular incubator chamber must allow for the transmission of light through the housing of the modular incubator chamber.

[0219] Such transmission of light through the housing of the modular incubator chamber is achieved by providing a transparent window in the housing of the modular incubator chamber 300, as further described below, which allows an image capture device located outside the interior of the chamber 300 to capture images of the viable biological material contained within the incubator chamber 300.

[0220] Figure 2a is a perspective view showing the modular incubator chamber of the docking system of Figure 1.

[0221] 2a shows a modular incubator chamber 300 for incubating viable biological material. The modular incubator chamber includes a housing 302 having a lid 304 configured to be transitionable between an open configuration that allows access to an interior 306 of the modular incubator chamber and a closed configuration that blocks access to the interior 306 of the modular incubator chamber. The chamber has a first end 340 and a second end 342.

[0222] FIG. 2a also shows that the housing 302 of the modular incubator chamber 300 includes a display 324 configured to display information regarding details of the incubation taking place within the modular incubator chamber, and that the housing 302 at a first end 340 of the modular incubator chamber is provided with an electrical connector 322 for providing power to the modular incubator chamber or for transmitting electrical signals between the modular incubator chamber 300 and a corresponding docking port 402.

[0223] FIG. 2b is a plan top view of the modular incubator chamber 300 shown in FIG. 2a.

[0224] FIG. 2c is a top rear view of the modular incubator chamber 300 shown in FIGS. 2a and 2b, as viewed from its first end.

[0225] 2c shows that the modular incubator chamber 300 includes chamber engagement means 326. These first engagement means 326 are configured to engage with docking port engagement means 414 of the docking port 402 of the docking station 400.

[0226] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the modular incubator chamber 300 shown in FIG.

[0227] 3 shows that the housing 302 of the modular incubator chamber 300 includes a transparent window 316 that allows for the capture of an image of the biological material contained within the modular incubator chamber 300 through said transparent window. As can be seen, the window is located on the bottom 330 of the housing 302 of the modular incubator chamber 300.

[0228] Modular incubator chamber 300 also includes an electric heating element 318 in its interior 306 for heating the interior of said modular incubator chamber. Modular incubator chamber also includes a power supply 320 in the form of a rechargeable battery for providing power to said heating element 318, which is electrically connected to power source 320. A light directing element 350 in the form of an active light source 352 is mounted inside lid 304 of modular incubator chamber 300.

[0229] 3, the interior 306 of the modular incubator chamber 300 includes a culture dish support 308 for placing a culture dish 310 thereon, thereby allowing one or more biological materials to be contained and incubated within the housing 302 of the modular incubator chamber 300.

[0230] Also visible in FIG. 3 is an engagement means 326 adapted to engage with an engagement means 414 of a docking port to which the modular incubator chamber 300 is docked.

[0231] FIG. 4 illustrates the principle of the present invention.

[0232] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the relative orientation of the light aiming direction A of the light emitted from the light sources 352, 350 and the focus direction B of the image capture device.

[0233] 4 shows viable biological material M contained in a culture dish 310. An image capture device 408 is positioned below the culture dish 310, and the image capture device 408 is focused in a focal direction B.

[0234] A light-providing element 350 in the form of a light source 352 provides light for illuminating the biological material M during image capture. The light emitted from the light source 352 propagates in a light aiming direction A.

[0235] It can be seen that the light aiming direction A of light propagating from the light source 352 is tilted at a non-zero tilt angle α with respect to the focal direction B of the image capture device 408 .

[0236] This allows for improved visual detection of individual cells of the viable biological material M.

[0237] FIG. 5 illustrates the concept of the term "light aiming direction" as the term "light aiming direction" may be used in this application.

[0238] 5 shows the active light source 352 with its center. The active light source 352 propagates light in a downward direction.

[0239] An imaginary plane IP is visualized at a distance D from the light source 352, and light emitted from the light source 352 is projected onto the imaginary plane IP to form a projection PR having a projection boundary PRB on the imaginary plane IP.

[0240] Now, for a given distance D to the light source, the imaginary plane IP may be rotated in one or two perpendicular planes of rotation, as indicated by arrows A1 and A2.

[0241] When performing this rotation of the imaginary plane IP, the shape and size of the projection boundary PRB changes.

[0242] However, for a spatial orientation of the imaginary plane IP where the area of ​​the projection PR is minimal for a given distance D to the light source 352, the light aiming direction A may be defined as the direction from the center of the light source 352 to the center CP of the projection PR.

[0243] The center CP of the projection PR may be calculated from the shape of the projection boundary PRB in the same way as calculating the center of mass of an object, where the object is a two-dimensional geometric shape PR within the projection boundary PRB.

[0244] FIG. 6 illustrates the principle of the present invention in more detail.

[0245] As already mentioned, in monitoring the development of viable biological material by studying the morphological changes that occur, it has been found desirable to provide a degree of contrast to the object being monitored. Such contrast can be provided by selecting the angle of incidence of the light on the biological material relative to the direction of focus of the image capture device.

[0246] FIG. 6 shows a portion of a modular incubator system 500 comprising a modular incubator chamber 300 docked to a docking port 402 of a docking station 400 .

[0247] As can be seen, the modular incubator chamber 300 comprises a housing 302 having a lid 304, a culture dish support 308 for placing a culture dish 310 containing viable biological material M.

[0248] The modular incubator chamber housing 302 includes a transparent window 316 at the bottom 330 of the housing that allows an image of the biological material M to be captured through the transparent window 316 by an image capture device 408 disposed in a docking port 402 of a docking station 400 when the image capture device 408 is focused in a focal direction B.

[0249] The housing 302 of the modular incubator chamber 300 includes a light directing element 350 in the form of an active light source 352 for directing light in a light aiming direction A relative to an area of ​​the culture dish support 308 to direct the light toward the viable biological material M.

[0250] It can be seen that the light aiming direction A of light propagating from the light directing elements 350, 352 of the modular incubator chamber 300 is tilted at a tilt angle α with respect to the focal direction B of the image capture device 408 of the docking port 402. It can be seen that the tilt angle α is clearly not 0°.

[0251] 7 is similar to FIG. 6 except that a light directing element 350 in the form of an active light source 352 is now positioned outside the interior 306 of the housing 302 of the modular incubator chamber 300. The active light source 352 may be part of a docking port 402 of a docking station 400.

[0252] To direct light from the active light source 352 into the interior 306 of the modular incubator chamber 300, the lid 304 is provided with a light conveyor 354 that transmits light into the interior 306 of the modular incubator chamber 300. In this manner, the transparent light conveyor 354 acts as a light directing element 350.

[0253] Again, it can be seen that the light aiming direction A of light propagating from the light directing elements 350, 354 of the modular incubator chamber 300 is tilted at a tilt angle α that is clearly not 0° relative to the focal direction B of the image capture device 408 of the docking port 402.

[0254] FIG. 8 shows another embodiment of an incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the invention, in which the active light source 352 is located outside the interior 306 of the housing 302 of the modular incubator chamber.

[0255] In FIG. 8, it can be seen that a light-transmitting element 356 is positioned on the side of the housing 302 of the modular incubation chamber 300, and that the active light source 352 is positioned to direct light through the light-transmitting element 356 into the interior 306 of the housing 302.

[0256] A light directing element 350 in the form of a light conveyor 354 is disposed within the interior 306 of the modular incubation chamber 300, the light conveyor 354 being configured to direct incident light in the light aiming direction A, such as by reflecting the incident light.

[0257] The light conveyor 354 is a light reflector 358, such as a mirror.

[0258] This causes light propagating in a light aiming direction A to be directed from the light directing elements 350, 354, 358 of the modular incubator chamber 300 and tilted at a distinct non-zero tilt angle α with respect to the focal direction B of the image capture device 408 of the docking port 402.

[0259] FIG. 9 shows yet another embodiment of an incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the invention, in which the active light source 352 is located outside the interior of the housing of the modular incubator chamber.

[0260] FIG. 9 illustrates an embodiment in which the optically transmissive element 356 of the housing 302 of the modular incubator chamber 300 is located on the bottom 330 of the housing 302 .

[0261] The active light source 352 is positioned within a docking port 402 below the modular incubator chamber 300 , thereby transmitting light through an optically transmissive element 356 into the interior 306 of the housing 302 .

[0262] The modular incubator chamber housing 302 includes an optical reflector 358 within its interior 306. The optical reflector 358 is configured to reflect upwardly propagating light into substantially horizontally propagating light toward an optical conveyor 350 in the form of a passive optical conveyor 354. The optical conveyor 354 is configured to reflect the substantially horizontally propagating light toward an optical aiming direction A.

[0263] The light conveyor 354 is a light reflector 358, such as a mirror.

[0264] Again, the light aiming direction A of light propagating from a light directing element 350 in the form of a light conveyor 354 of the modular incubator chamber 300 is tilted at a tilt angle α that is clearly not 0° relative to the focal direction B of the image capture device 408 of the docking port 402.

[0265] FIG. 10 shows yet another embodiment of an incubator system 500 according to the first aspect of the invention, in which the active light source 352 is located outside the interior of the housing of the modular incubator chamber.

[0266] FIG. 10 shows that the active light source 352 is positioned within the docking port 402 so as to direct the emitted light in a direction substantially parallel to the focal direction B of the image capture device 408 and through the transparent window 316.

[0267] The light conveyor 354 directs the emitted light propagating from the active light source 352 in a light aiming direction A.

[0268] Again, the light conveyor 354 is a light reflector 358, such as a mirror.

[0269] In this embodiment, the culture dish 310 is made from a transparent material.

[0270] The light aiming direction A of light propagating from a light directing element 350 in the form of a light conveyor 354 of the modular incubator chamber 300 is tilted at a tilt angle α that is clearly not 0° with respect to the focal direction B of the image capture device 408 of the docking port 402.

[0271] Instead of locating the active light source 352 outside the optics of the image capture device 408 of the docking port in the embodiment shown in FIG. 10, the active light source 352 may also be located within the optics of the image capture device 408.

[0272] This embodiment is shown in FIG.

[0273] FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating the principle of including a tilt angle adjusting element for adjusting the tilt angle α between the light aiming direction A and the focus direction B of the image capture device.

[0274] FIG. 12 shows the tilt angle adjustment element 332 .

[0275] A light directing element 350 in the form of an active light source 352 is suspended from a displacement adjustment element 336. The displacement adjustment element 336 is connected to a support 338. The displacement adjustment element 336 is configured to be displaceable relative to the support 338 via an electrical actuator contained within the displacement adjustment element 336 when an electrical signal is supplied to the displacement adjustment element 336, as indicated by the straight arrow in Figure 12.

[0276] Active light source 352 is mounted on rotational adjustment element 334. Rotational adjustment element 334 is configured to change the light aiming direction A of light propagating from light directing element 350 by rotation of light directing element 350 via an electrical actuator included in rotational adjustment element 334, as indicated by the curved arrow.

[0277] The rotation adjustment element 334 and the displacement adjustment element 336 are electrically controlled by electric actuators, which provide a change in the light aiming direction A of light directional propagation from the light directing element 350 and / or a change in the position of the light directing element 350 when an electric signal is supplied to the electric actuators.

[0278] Thus, in a situation where the modular incubation chamber 300 is equipped with the tilt angle adjustment element 332 and docked to the docking port 402 of the docking station 400, both the displacement adjustment element 336 and the rotation adjustment element 334, upon activation of the corresponding included actuators, result in a change in the tilt angle between the light aiming direction A of the light direction propagation from the light directing element 350 and the focus direction B of the image capture device 408.

[0279] 13a, 13b and 13c illustrate the principle of including a shadowing element within the docking port 402 of the docking station.

[0280] 13a is a partial cross-sectional view showing an image capture device 408 focusing in a focal direction B. A shadowing element 450 is positioned above the image capture device 408. The shadowing element 450 comprises a plate 452 with a hole 454 therein.

[0281] The shadowing plate 452 is positioned relative to the image capture device 408 so that the focal direction B passes through or through the hole 452 in the shadowing plate 452 .

[0282] The plate 452 rests on an XY stage 456. The XY stage is configured to allow the plate 456 to be displaced individually in one or two displacement directions D1, D2 substantially perpendicular to the focal direction B of the image capture device 408.

[0283] Thus, in FIG. 13a, the displacement direction D1 defines the movement of the plate 452 in the left-right direction, and in FIG. 12a, the displacement direction D2 defines the movement of the plate 452 in the direction perpendicular to the plane of the paper.

[0284] The XY stage is electrically controlled by an electric actuator 466, which provides displacement of the shadowing plate 452 in one or two displacement directions D1, D2 when an electric signal is supplied to the electric actuator 466.

[0285] Figure 13b is a top view of the shadowing element 450 seen in Figure 13a. Figure 13b shows a plate 452 resting on an XY stage 456. The plate has a hole 454. Below the plate 452, an image capture device 408 can be seen through the hole 454 in the plate 452. The image capture device is focused in a focal direction B through the hole 454.

[0286] By adjusting the position of the shadowing elements 450, 452 relative to the image capture device 408, it is possible to create a partial blockage of light propagating towards the image capture device 408. Such blockage of light improves the contrast of the captured image.

[0287] Instead of an XY stage, an X stage may also be used.

[0288] FIG. 13c is a photograph showing a commercially available shadowing element in the form of an iris diaphragm 458.

[0289] Shadowing element 450 in the form of iris diaphragm 458 can be seen to comprise a plurality of iris slats 460. The iris slats are configured to be movable relative to one another, thereby varying the size of a through hole 462 formed in the center of the iris diaphragm, in response to an external force. In use, iris diaphragm 458 is positioned relative to image capture device 408 such that focal direction B of image capture device 408 passes through or through hole 462.

[0290] The iris diaphragm 458 includes an actuator 464 in the form of a remotely controlled electrical actuator that is mechanically connected to the iris lamellae 460 and configured to allow simultaneous movement of the iris lamellae to vary the size of the through-hole 462 when an electrical signal is supplied to the actuator 464. The iris diaphragm may be used with an XY stage or an X stage.

[0291] 13a, 13b, and 13c, the shadowing element is located outside the optics of image capture device 408. In alternative embodiments, a similar arrangement may be located within the optics of image capture device 408 to provide the shadowing effect.

[0292] Returning now to FIG. 1, it can be seen that docking port 402 comprises docking port gas outlet opening 404 and docking port gas inlet opening 406, and that a valve 4 is disposed at each of these openings.

[0293] FIG. 2c shows that the modular incubator chamber 300 includes a chamber gas inlet opening 312 that is in fluid communication with the interior 306 of the modular incubator chamber.

[0294] The chamber gas inlet opening is equipped with valve 2.

[0295] The housing 302 of the modular incubator chamber 300 further comprises a chamber gas outlet opening 314 that is in fluid communication with the interior 306 of the modular incubator chamber 300, thereby allowing gas to be transported out of the chamber 300 via the chamber gas outlet opening 314. The chamber gas outlet opening comprises a valve 2.

[0296] By providing the housing 302 of the modular incubator chamber 300 with a chamber gas inlet opening 312 and optionally an associated valve 2, and by providing the modular incubator chamber 300 with a chamber gas outlet opening 314 and optionally an associated valve 2, gas having a suitable desired gas composition can be delivered from the docking port 402 of the docking station 400 to the interior of the modular incubator chamber 300, and gas in the interior 306 of the modular incubator chamber 300 can be returned to the docking station through the chamber gas outlet opening 314 and associated valve 2, as further described below.

[0297] This allows a constant supply of gas with an optimal chemical composition to be delivered to the interior 306 of the chamber 300. This ensures optimal incubation conditions in terms of gas composition in the environment of the interior 306 of the chamber 300 when incubating biological material.

[0298] Thus, once proper positioning of the modular incubator chamber 300 within the docking port 402 is achieved via the engagement means 326 of the chamber 300 and the engagement means 414 of the docking port 402, the relative positions of the two electrical connectors 410 and 322 of the docking port and the modular incubator chamber, respectively, match so that electrical connection between the connector 410 and the connector 322 is first possible.

[0299] Similarly, gas openings 312, 404 and 314, 406 are matched in pairs to allow gas to pass from docking port gas outlet opening 404 to interior 306 of modular incubator chamber 300 via modular incubator chamber gas inlet opening 312 and optional valves 2, 4, and from interior 306 of modular incubator chamber 300 to docking port gas inlet opening 406 via modular incubator chamber gas outlet opening 314 and optional valves 2, 4.

[0300] Thus, the modular docking system 500 of the present invention allows for the continuous provision of gas from the gas source 412 to the interior 306 of the modular incubator chamber 300 .

[0301] This is further explained below with reference to FIGS.

[0302] However, we will first turn to a more detailed description of the valve system used in the modular incubator system according to the first aspect of the present invention.

[0303] 14a and 14b illustrate the operational modes of the valves of the valve system used in the modular incubator chamber of the present invention and the associated docking ports of the docking station of the docking system.

[0304] FIG. 14a is a schematic diagram showing a valve system 100 used in the modular incubator system of the present invention, in which the two valves 2, 4 of the valve system 100 are not engaged with each other, thereby achieving a closed configuration.

[0305] FIG. 14b is a schematic diagram showing the valve system 100 seen in FIG. 14a with the two valves 2, 4 of the valve system 100 engaged with each other, thereby achieving an open configuration.

[0306] Valve 2 includes a valve body 6 having a front end 10 and a rear end 12. Valve body 6 has a through channel 14 disposed therein, and valve element 8 disposed therein. Valve element 6 is spring loaded by spring 26.

[0307] The displaceable valve element 8 is configured to be displaceable within the through channel 14 of the valve body 6 by the spring 26 in such a way that, when not acted upon by an external force, the spring-loaded displaceable valve element 8 is displaced within said through channel 14 of the valve body 6 towards the forward end 10 of the valve body 6 by the spring 26, thereby causing the valve 2 to achieve a closed configuration that blocks the passage of gas through the through channel 14.

[0308] This situation is illustrated in Figure 14a.

[0309] By analogy, when acted upon by an external force, the spring-loaded displaceable valve element 8 is displaced within the through channel 14 of said valve body 6 towards the rear end 12 of said valve body 6, thereby causing the valve 2 to achieve an open configuration and allowing gas to pass through said through channel 14.

[0310] This situation is illustrated in Figure 14b.

[0311] With respect to valve 4, Figure 14a shows that valve 4 comprises a valve body 16 having a front end 20 and a rear end 22. Valve body 16 has a through channel 24 disposed therein, and valve element 18 is disposed in through channel 24. Valve element 18 is spring loaded by spring 28.

[0312] The displaceable valve element 18 is configured to be displaceable within the through channel 24 of the valve body 16 by the spring 28 in such a way that, when not acted upon by an external force, the spring-loaded displaceable valve element 18 is displaced within said through channel 24 of the valve body 16 by the spring 28 toward the first end 20 of the valve body 16. The valve 4 thereby achieves a closed configuration that blocks the passage of gas through the through channel 24. This situation is shown in FIG. 14a.

[0313] By analogy, when acted upon by an external force, the spring-loaded displaceable valve element 18 is displaced within the through channel 24 of the valve body 16 toward the rear end 22 of the valve body 16, thereby causing the valve 4 to achieve an open configuration and allowing gas to pass through the through channel 24.

[0314] This situation is illustrated in Figure 14b.

[0315] Valve 2 of modular incubator chamber 300 and valve 4 of docking port 402 of docking station are sized and shaped such that when modular incubator chamber 300 is docked to docking port 402 of docking station 400, displaceable valve element 8 of valve 2 and displaceable valve element 18 of valve 4 are displaced relative to each other within their respective valve bodies 6, 16, thereby opening valves 2, 4 of the docking port gas outlet opening 404 and the chamber gas inlet opening 312, and also opening valves 2, 4 of chamber gas outlet opening 314 and docking port gas inlet opening 406.

[0316] Thus, the use of such valves 2, 4 on the modular incubator chamber 300 and the docking port 402 of the docking station automatically opens valve 2 on the modular incubator chamber 300 and valve 4 on the docking port 402 when the modular incubator chamber 300 is docked to the docking port 402, thereby allowing gas to pass through the interior 306 of the modular incubator chamber 300 when docked to the docking port 402, and automatically shutting off the supply of gas to and from the modular incubator chamber 300 when the modular incubator chamber 300 is removed from the docking port.

[0317] It should be noted that although this description and the appended claims describe modular incubator system 300 and docking port 402 as having valve 2 located within modular incubator system 300 and valve 4 located within docking port 402, the reverse positioning of valves 2 and 4 is also possible.

[0318] The above section describes the general principles of the modular incubator system 500, which includes a docking station 400 having multiple docking ports 402 for receiving, via docking, modular incubator chambers 300. The following section focuses on the features of gas delivery to the docking ports 402 of the docking station 400.

[0319] Figure 15 is a conceptual diagram of a gas supply system that can be incorporated into the docking station of the modular incubator system of the present invention.

[0320] 15 shows a gas supply system 200 for use in a modular incubator system 500 according to the present invention. The gas supply system 200 comprises a gas source 202 and a gas distribution system 204.

[0321] The gas distribution system 204 includes a plurality of docking ports 402 each having a docking port gas outlet opening 404 and a docking port gas inlet opening 406 .

[0322] For all docking ports, the docking port gas outlet opening 404 is in fluid communication with the inlet manifold 216 and the docking port gas inlet opening 406 is in fluid communication with the outlet manifold 218 .

[0323] A main gas supply line 210 supplies gas from a supply gas outlet 206 of the gas source 202 to an inlet manifold 216 , and a main gas return line 212 returns gas from an outlet manifold 218 to a return gas inlet 208 of the gas source 202 .

[0324] This allows gas to be circulated from the gas source 202 via the gas supply system 204 to the docking port 402 and back to the gas source 202 again.

[0325] To ensure the desired predetermined optimum gas composition of the gas supplied to the docking station, the gas source is provided with certain features as disclosed with reference to FIG.

[0326] FIG. 16 illustrates an example of a design for a gas supply system including gas sources used in the docking station of the modular incubator system of the present invention.

[0327] In FIG. 16, solid lines represent gas flow lines, and dashed lines represent signal lines for transmitting electrical signals or power.

[0328] FIG. 16 shows the gas distribution system 204 with its main gas supply line 210 and its main gas return line 212 (indicated by the box in the upper left corner).

[0329] A main gas supply line 210 and a main gas return line 212 of the gas distribution system 204 are fluidly connected to the gas source 202, as described below.

[0330] The gas source 202 of the gas supply system 200 includes a gas mixing box 242 connected to the supply gas outlet 206 and return gas inlet 208 of the gas source.

[0331] A main gas supply line 210 of the gas distribution system 204 is fluidly connected to the supply gas outlet 206 , and a main gas return line 212 of the gas distribution system 204 is fluidly connected to the return gas inlet 208 of the gas source 202 .

[0332] This forms a flow loop 244 that includes the gas distribution system 204 and the gas mixing box 242. The flow loop 244 includes a pump 246 for circulating the gas within the loop.

[0333] It can be seen that pump 246 is located downstream relative to main gas return line 212. It can also be seen in Figure 16 that flow loop 244 includes pump vibration damper 247 located immediately downstream relative to pump 246.

[0334] Additionally, flow loop 244 includes a pressure sensor 248 in the form of a differential pressure sensor for sensing the pressure of the gas supplied to main gas supply line 210 of gas distribution system 204. Pressure sensor 248 is located immediately upstream relative to main gas supply line 210 of gas distribution system 204.

[0335] The flow loop 244 further includes a discharge valve 248 to allow pressure relief within the flow loop. The discharge valve is located immediately downstream relative to the main gas return line 212 of the gas distribution system 402.

[0336] 16, it can also be seen that the gas mixing box 242 includes an N2 gas inlet 250 and a CO2 gas inlet 251.

[0337] The N2 gas inlet 250 is fluidly connected to an N2 valve 252 for regulating the inflow of N2 and an N2 mass flow sensor 253 located downstream of the N2 valve 252 for detecting the amount of N2 flowing into the gas mixing box 242.

[0338] The CO2 gas inlet 251 is fluidly connected to a CO2 valve 254 for regulating the inflow of CO2 and a CO2 mass flow sensor 255 located downstream of the CO2 valve 254 for detecting the amount of CO2 flowing into the gas mixing box 242.

[0339] The flow loop 244 also includes a mass flow sensor 256 located upstream relative to the gas mixing box 242 for sensing the amount of return gas entering the gas mixing box.

[0340] It can be seen that the gas source 202 includes an O2 sensor 258 for detecting the concentration of O2 exiting the gas distribution system 204, and that the gas source 202 includes a CO2 sensor 260 for detecting the concentration of CO2 exiting the gas distribution system 204.

[0341] The O2 and CO2 sensors are located downstream relative to the pump 246.

[0342] The gas source 202 includes a temperature sensor 262 for sensing the temperature of the gas circulating in the flow loop 244. The temperature sensor is located downstream relative to the pump 246 at a location corresponding to the location of the O2 sensor 258.

[0343] The gas source 202 includes a pressure sensor 264 for sensing the absolute pressure within the flow loop 244. The pressure sensor is located downstream relative to the pump 246 at a position corresponding to the position of the CO2 sensor 260.

[0344] 16, it can also be seen that flow loop 244 includes a UV sterilizer 266 for sterilizing gas flowing within flow loop 244 with electromagnetic radiation in the UV range. The UV sterilizer is located immediately downstream relative to main gas return line 212.

[0345] 16, it can be seen that the gas source 202 is equipped with filters 268 in the form of HEPA / VOC filters. One such filter is located immediately upstream from the main gas supply line 210. Another such filter is located immediately upstream from the N gas inlet 250 to the gas mixing box 242, and a third such filter is located immediately upstream from the CO gas inlet 251 to the gas mixing box 242.

[0346] Finally, in FIG. 16, it can be seen that the gas source 202 includes a gas mixture control system 270 .

[0347] It can be seen that the gas mixing control system 270 is electrically connected to one or more of these sensors to receive detection signals from an N mass flow sensor 253 for detecting the amount of N entering the gas mixing box, a CO mass flow sensor 255 for detecting the amount of CO entering the gas mixing box, a mass flow sensor 256 for detecting the amount of return gas entering the gas mixing box, an O sensor 258 for detecting the concentration of O exiting the main gas return line 212 of the gas distribution system 204, a CO sensor 260 for detecting the concentration of CO exiting the main gas return line 212 of the gas distribution system 204, a temperature sensor 262 for detecting the temperature circulating in the flow loop 244, a pressure sensor 264 for detecting the absolute pressure in the flow loop 244, and a pressure sensor 248 for detecting the pressure of the gas supplied to the main gas supply line 210 of the gas distribution system 204.

[0348] It can also be seen in FIG. 16 that a gas mixing control system 270 is electrically connected to one or more of the following elements to control the N2 valve 252 for regulating the inflow of N2 into the gas mixing box 242, the CO2 valve 254 for regulating the inflow of CO2 into the gas mixing box 242, the pump 246 for circulating the gases in the flow loop 244, and the discharge valve 249.

[0349] The control of the gas sources by the gas mixture control system 270 is carried out according to two control strategies. The first control strategy is directed to controlling the pressure of the gas exiting the supply gas outlet 206, and the second control strategy is directed to controlling the CO and O concentrations of the gas exiting the supply gas outlet 206. The two control strategies are carried out simultaneously, as will be further described below.

[0350] The gas mixing control system 270 is configured to receive input from the pressure sensor 248 and, based on the input, control the pump 246 and, optionally, actuate the discharge valve 249 to maintain a desired predetermined pressure of the gas supplied to the main gas supply line 210 of the gas distribution system 204.

[0351] The gas mixture control system 270 is further configured to receive input from the mass flow sensor 256 and, based on this input, determine the total amount of CO2 gas and N2 gas that needs to be supplied through the CO2 gas inlet 251 and the N2 gas inlet 250 according to desired predetermined criteria.

[0352] The gas mixing control system 270 can determine the relative proportions of CO2 gas and N2 gas to be supplied to the gas mixing box 242 based on information regarding the total amounts of CO2 gas and N2 gas that need to be supplied, as described above.

[0353] This is done by receiving inputs from a CO2 sensor 260 and an O2 sensor 258.

[0354] Based on the sensed CO2 concentration, the gas mixture control system 270 controls the CO2 valve 254 by sending a control signal to the CO2 valve 254, thereby adjusting the inflow of CO2 gas to reach the desired predetermined CO2 concentration.

[0355] The gas mixture control system 270 then controls the N2 valve 252 by sending a control signal to the N2 valve 252 based on the sensed O2 concentration, thereby adjusting the inflow of N2 gas to reach the desired predetermined O2 concentration.

[0356] By using the gas sources disclosed above, a constant gas circulation is provided to one or more modular incubator chambers 300 docked to respective docking ports 402 of the docking station 400. By constantly adjusting the inflow of CO and N gases based on the sensed CO and O concentrations in the return gas from the gas distribution system 204, an optimal and predetermined gas composition can be maintained.

[0357] The design of the gas distribution system 204 allows a constant composition of gases to be maintained flowing through each modular incubator chamber 300 .

[0358] It should be noted that when referring to an upstream location relative to another location, the upstream location is still interpreted to mean a location within the gas source 202, preferably not so far upstream as to pass through the gas mixing box 242 or the gas distribution system 204.

[0359] Similarly, when referring to a downstream location relative to another location, the downstream location is understood to mean a location still within the gas source 202, preferably not downstream enough to pass through the gas mixing box 242 or the gas distribution system 204.

[0360] FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating the operating modes of the control of the modular incubator system according to the present invention.

[0361] 17 shows a control unit 650 for controlling the operation of the modular incubator system 500. The control unit is coupled to an input device 652 in the form of an alphanumeric input device for allowing a user to provide configuration input regarding a desired operating protocol for said modular incubator system.

[0362] A display unit 654 is coupled to the control unit 650 for displaying information to a user regarding the settings and / or operating status of one or more of the modular incubator chambers 300 via the docking port 402 .

[0363] It can be seen that the control unit 650 is coupled to the electrical connector 410 of the docking port 402 of the docking station 400, so that power and electrical signals can be provided to one or more modular incubator chambers 300 docked to the docking port 402 of the docking station 400 of the modular incubator system 500 via the associated connector 322 of the modular incubator chamber 300.

[0364] By connecting to the docking port 402 of the docking station 400, when one or more modular incubator chambers 300 are docked to the docking port 402 of the docking station 400, a control unit 650 is used to control the electric heating element 318, the thermostat 374, or the thermostat circuit 376 to control the temperature of the interior 306 of the modular incubator chamber 300, provide power to the power source 320, provide a signal to the display 324 of the modular incubator chamber 300, tilt the This allows for independent control of one or more of: angle adjustment element 332, the rotation adjustment element 334 of the tilt angle adjustment element 332, the displacement adjustment element 336 of the tilt angle adjustment element 332, switching on and off the active light source 352 or adjusting the intensity of the light emitted from the light source, the image capture device 408 of docking station 400, the displacement device 482 for displacing the image capture device 408, the actuator of the X-stage or XY-stage 466, the actuator of the iris diaphragm 464, the gas mixing control system 270, and the gas mixing control system 660.

[0365] The control unit 650 may include a CPU or other data processor 656 for processing information involved in controlling the operation of the modular incubator system 500, for example by including a computer program for handling the information involved in controlling the operation, and the control unit 650 may also include data storage 658.

[0366] This allows for automated operation of the modular incubator system 500 in the sense that the control unit 650 can independently control, among other things, the temperature, gas composition, on / off switching of the light source 372, and the image capture device 408 of one or more of the modular incubator chambers.

[0367] Thus, by using the modular incubator system 500 of the present invention, viable biological material can be incubated in one or more modular incubators 300 docked to the docking ports 402 of the docking station 400, while simultaneously visually monitoring the biological material via the image capture device 408.

[0368] Furthermore, at the same time, a desired gas composition can be maintained in the interior 306 of each modular incubator chamber 300. Because the modular incubator chambers are equipped with valves 2, 4 at their respective gas inlet openings 312 and gas outlet openings 314, the gas atmosphere is maintained and not disturbed by the external atmosphere (relative to the interior 306 of the modular incubator chamber 300) even when the modular incubator chamber is removed from its respective docking port 402 of the docking station 400 of the modular incubator system 500. When the modular incubator chamber 300 is so removed from the docking port 402 of the docking station 400, the power supply 320 and electric heating element 318 enable the temperature of the interior 306 of the modular incubator chamber 300 to be maintained.

[0369] The present invention thereby allows for incubation of biological material within the modular incubator chamber 300 while minimizing the detrimental effects of deviations from the optimized desired gas atmosphere inside the modular incubator chamber, while simultaneously allowing for visual monitoring of the morphological development of the biological material.

[0370] It should be noted that, with respect to N adjacently arranged docking ports 402 of a docking station 400, these adjacently arranged docking ports 402 may share a common image capture device 408 in the sense that only one image capture device is responsible for capturing images associated with a modular incubator chamber 300 docked to one of these N adjacently arranged docking ports 402.

[0371] In such circumstances, a displacement device 482 in the form of a motorized suspension of the image capture device 408 is configured to displace along a displacement track extending beneath the N adjacent docking ports 402 upon receiving a signal to the displacement device 482 to enable displacement of the common image capture device 408 relative to the N adjacently disposed docking ports 402 of the docking station 400. This enables the common image capture device 408 to capture images of biological material contained in the interior 306 of the modular incubator chamber 300 docked to any of the N docking ports 402 of the docking station 400.

[0372] Although the above embodiment is disclosed as having the first valve 2 of the valve system 100 located within the modular incubator chamber 300 and the second valve 4 of the valve system 100 located within the docking port 402, the reverse arrangement may also be possible, with both arrangements being related to the valves 2, 4 admitting gas into the chamber 300 and / or the valves 2, 4 venting gas out of the chamber 300.

[0373] 18a-c are photomicrographs illustrating the effect of providing light at an angle relative to the focus direction in capturing images of viable biological material.

[0374] Figures 18a-c show captured microscopic images of an incubated mouse embryo captured at different times at three different tilt angles α between the light aiming direction A of the light directing element (active light source) and the focus direction B of the image capture device.

[0375] The three different tilt angles α between the light aiming direction A and the focus direction B of the light directing element shown in Figures 18a to 18c were 0°, i.e., no tilt (Figure 18a), 9° (Figure 18b), and 16.7° (Figure 18c).

[0376] It can be seen that at an inclination angle α of 0°, the cell walls are not clearly visible at the intersections between cells, which makes it difficult and somewhat unreliable to identify the number of cells in the biological material.

[0377] At an inclination angle α of 9°, the cell walls are much more visible at the intersections between the cells, and therefore the identification of the number of cells is more reliable in this case.

[0378] At a tilt angle α of 16.7°, the cell walls are also clearly visible at the intersections between the cells, further providing a degree of three-dimensional effect to the image.

[0379] Therefore, the modular incubator system of the present invention improves the assessment and reliability of the developmental stages (such as various PN stages) of viable biological material, such as embryos or oocytes, that are incubated in the modular incubator system.

[0380] It is to be understood that all features and achievements described above and in the appended claims and clauses in relation to one aspect and embodiment of the invention apply equally to other aspects and embodiments of the invention.

[0381] The invention may be defined according to one or more of the following clauses.

[0382] Clause 1. A modular incubator system (500) for incubating viable biological material M, said modular incubator system comprising: One or more modular incubator chambers (300) in combination with a docking station (400) Equipped with For one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers (300), the modular incubator chamber (300) comprises a housing (302); the housing (302) includes a lid (304), the lid configured to be movable between an open configuration that allows access to an interior (306) of the modular incubator chamber and a closed configuration that blocks access to the interior of the modular incubator chamber; the modular incubator chamber (300) comprises a culture dish support (308) for placing a culture dish (310) in the interior (306) thereof for the purpose of containing one or more biological materials M within the housing (302) of the modular incubator chamber (300); the housing (302) of the modular incubator chamber (300) comprises a transparent window (316), the transparent window (316) being for enabling an image of biological material M contained within the modular incubator chamber (300) to be captured through the transparent window; the housing includes a light directing element (350) for directing light in a light aiming direction (A) toward an area of ​​the culture dish support (308); the docking station (400) comprises one or more docking ports (402) for receiving the housing (302) of the incubator chamber (300); With respect to one or more docking ports (402) of the docking station (400), the docking ports (402) are provided with an image capture device (408), the image capture device (408) for capturing an image of the interior (306) of the modular incubator chamber (300) when the modular incubator chamber (300) is docked to the docking port (402) by focusing the image capture device (408) in a focal direction (B); With respect to one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers (300) and one or more of the one or more docking ports (402) of the docking station (400), the position of the transparent window (316) of the modular incubator chamber (300) is matched to the position of the image capture device (408) within the docking port (402) such that an image can be captured by the image capture device (408) through the transparent window (316) of the modular incubator chamber (300); A modular incubator system (500), wherein, with respect to one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers (300) and one or more of the one or more docking ports (402) of the docking station (400), when the modular incubator chambers (300) are docked to the docking ports (402), the light aiming direction (A) of the light propagating from the light directing element (350) of the modular incubator chambers (300) is inclined at an inclination angle α with respect to the focal direction (B) of the image capture device (408) of the docking port (402), wherein the inclination angle α is ≠ 0°.

[0383] Clause 2. A modular incubator system (500) as described in clause 1, wherein the inclination angle α for one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers (300) and one or more of the one or more docking ports (402) of the docking station 400 is selected from the range of 0.5 to 25°, for example, 1 to 24°, 2 to 23°, 3 to 22°, 4 to 21°, 5 to 20°, 6 to 19°, 7 to 18°, 8 to 17°, 9 to 16°, 10 to 15°, 11 to 14°, or 12 to 13°.

[0384] Clause 3. A modular incubator system (500) as described in clause 1 or 2, wherein, with respect to one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers (300) and one or more of the one or more docking ports (402) of the docking station (400), when the modular incubator chamber (300) is docked to the docking port (402) of the docking station, the light directing element (350) is located in the interior (306) of the modular incubator chamber (300) at a position displaced in a direction perpendicular to the focal direction (B) with respect to the focal direction (B) of the image capture device (408) of the docking port (402), thereby providing the tilt angle α between the light aiming direction (A) and the focal direction (B).

[0385] Clause 4. A modular incubator system (500) described in any of clauses 1 to 3, wherein, with respect to one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers (300), the culture dish support portion (308) defines a planar support surface P for supporting the culture dish (310).

[0386] Clause 5. A modular incubator system (500) as described in Clause 4, wherein, with respect to one or more of the one or more docking ports (402) of the docking station (400), when the modular incubator chamber (300) is docked to the docking port (402) of the docking station (400), the focal direction B of the image capture device (408) of the docking port (402) is substantially perpendicular to the planar support surface P of the culture dish support portion (308) of the modular incubator chamber (300), and the light aiming direction A of the light directing element (350) of the modular incubator chamber (300) is not perpendicular to the planar support surface P of the culture dish support portion (308).

[0387] Clause 6. A modular incubator system (500) described in any of clauses 1 to 5, wherein, for one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers (300), the light-directing element (350) is attached to the inside of the lid (304) of the housing (306) of the modular incubator chamber (300).

[0388] Clause 7. A modular incubator system (500) described in any of clauses 1 to 6, wherein, for one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers (300), the light directing element (350) comprises a diffuser, such as a diffuser lens.

[0389] Clause 8. A modular incubator system (500) described in any of clauses 1 to 7, wherein, for one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers (300), the transparent window (316) of the modular incubator chamber (300) is located at the bottom (330) of the housing (302) of the chamber (300).

[0390] Clause 9. A modular incubator system (500) described in any of clauses 1 to 8, wherein, for one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers (300), the light directing element (350) is geometrically configured to propagate the light at a maximum divergence angle of propagation of 1 to 65°, for example 5 to 60°, 10 to 55°, 15 to 50°, 20 to 45°, 25 to 40°, or 30 to 35°.

[0391] Clause 10. A modular incubator system (500) described in any of clauses 1 to 9, wherein, for one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers (300), the light aiming direction (A) is directed toward the transparent window (316) in the housing (302) of the modular incubator (300).

[0392] Clause 11. A modular incubator system (500) according to any of clauses 1 to 10, wherein, for one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers (300), the modular incubator chambers (300) are provided with an inclination angle adjustment element (332) for adjusting the inclination angle α between the light aiming direction (A) and the focus direction (B), and the inclination angle adjustment element (332) is configured to enable adjustment of the inclination angle α so that the inclination angle α can achieve an angle selected from the range of 0.5 to 25°, for example, 1 to 24°, 2 to 23°, 3 to 22°, 4 to 21°, 5 to 20°, 6 to 19°, 7 to 18°, 8 to 17°, 9 to 16°, 10 to 15°, 11 to 14°, or 12 to 13°.

[0393] Clause 12. A modular incubator system (500) as described in Clause 11, wherein the tilt angle adjustment element (332) comprises a rotation adjustment element (334) which, when adjusted, is configured to change the spatial orientation of the light directing element (350) thereby enabling the light aiming direction A of light direction propagation from the light directing element (350) to be changed, and / or the tilt angle adjustment element (332) comprises a displacement adjustment element (336) which, when adjusted, is configured to enable the position of the light directing element (350) to be changed.

[0394] Clause 13. A modular incubator system (500) as described in clause 12, wherein the rotation adjustment element (334) and / or the displacement adjustment element (336) are electrically controlled by an electric actuator, which, when an electric signal is supplied to the electric actuator, changes the light aiming direction (A) of light propagation from the light directing element (350) and / or changes the position of the light directing element (350).

[0395] Clause 14. A modular incubator system (500) described in any of clauses 1 to 13, comprising, for one or more of the one or more docking ports (402) of the docking station (400), a shadowing element (450) configured to enable the docking port (402) to block a portion of light propagating toward the optical system of the image capture device (408).

[0396] Clause 15. A modular incubator system (500) as described in Clause 14, wherein the shadowing element (450) comprises a shadowing plate (452) having a through hole (454) having a fixed shape and / or size, such as a circular hole or a rectangular hole, and the shadowing plate (452) is positioned relative to the image capturing device (408) so that the focal direction B of the image capturing device (408) passes through the hole (452).

[0397] Clause 16. A modular incubator system (500) as described in Clause 14, wherein the shadowing element (450) comprises an iris diaphragm (458) having a plurality of iris lamellae (460), the plurality of iris lamellae (460) being movable relative to one another and configured to vary the size of a through hole (462) formed in the center of the iris diaphragm when subjected to an external force, and the iris diaphragm (458) is positioned relative to the image capture device (408) so that the focal direction (B) of the image capture device (408) passes through the hole (462).

[0398] Clause 17. A modular incubator system (500) as described in clause 16, wherein the iris diaphragm (458) comprises an actuator (464), such as a remotely controlled electrical actuator, mechanically connected to the iris lamella (460) and configured to enable simultaneous movement of the iris lamella to vary the size of the through hole (462).

[0399] Clause 18. A modular incubator system (500) described in any of clauses 14 to 17, wherein the shadowing elements (450) are coupled to an X stage or an XY stage (456) so that the shadowing elements (450) can be individually displaced in one or two displacement directions (D1, D2), each of which is optionally substantially perpendicular to the focal direction (B) of the image capture device (408).

[0400] Clause 19. A modular incubator system (500) as described in clause 18, wherein the X stage or XY stage is provided with an electric actuator (466), the electric actuator (466) being configured to electrically control the displacement of the shadowing element (450) in one or both of the displacement directions (D1, D2) when an electric signal is supplied to the electric actuator (466).

[0401] Clause 20. A modular incubator system (500) described in any of clauses 14 to 19, wherein the shadowing element (450) is positioned outside the optical system of the image capture device (408) or the shadowing element (450) is positioned within the optical system of the image capture device (408).

[0402] Clause 21. A modular incubator system (500) described in any of clauses 1 to 20, wherein, with respect to one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers (300), the light directing element (350) is an active light source (352) disposed inside (306) of the modular incubator chamber (300), and the active light source (352) is configured to propagate light in the light aiming direction (A) when power is supplied thereto.

[0403] Clause 22. A modular incubator system (500) as described in any of clauses 1 to 21, wherein, with respect to one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers (300), the light directing element (350) is a passive light directing element in the form of a light conveyor (354) disposed within the interior (306) of the modular incubator chamber (300), the light conveyor (354) being configured to direct the incident light in the light aiming direction (A), such as by reflecting the incident light.

[0404] Clause 23. With respect to one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers (300), the housing (302) of the modular incubator chamber (300) comprises a light-transmitting element (356) for providing light to the light conveyor (354, 350) from a position outside the chamber (300), and with respect to one or more of the one or more docking ports (402) of the docking station (400), the docking port (402) comprises an active light source (352), and the modular incubator chamber (300) is A modular incubator system (500) as described in clause 22, wherein when docked to the docking port (402), the position of the light-transmitting element (356) of the housing (302) of the modular incubator chamber (300) and the position of the active light source (352) of the docking port (402) are adapted to each other so that light emitted from the active light source (352) of the docking port (402) can pass through the light-transmitting element (356) of the housing (302) of the modular incubator chamber (300) and propagate to the light conveyor (354, 350) inside the housing (302).

[0405] Clause 24. A modular incubator system (500) as described in Clause 23, wherein, with respect to one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers (300), the light-transmitting element (356) of the housing (302) of the modular incubator chamber (300) is located on the top of the housing (302), such as the lid (304) of the housing (302), and is the same entity as the light conveyor (350, 354).

[0406] Clause 25. The modular incubator system (500) according to clause 24, wherein the optical conveyor (354) is an optical deflector such as an optical prism or lens.

[0407] Clause 26. A modular incubator system (500) as described in Clause 23, wherein, for one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers (300), the light-transmitting element (356) of the housing (302) of the modular incubator chamber (300) is positioned on the side of the housing (302).

[0408] Clause 27. The modular incubator system (500) according to clause 26, wherein the light conveyors (350, 354) are light reflectors such as mirrors.

[0409] Clause 28. A modular incubator system (500) as described in Clause 23, wherein, with respect to one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers (300), the light-transmitting element (356) of the housing (302) of the modular incubator chamber (300) is arranged on the bottom (330) of the housing (302), the housing (302) has an optical reflector (358) inside the housing (302), the optical reflector (358) is configured to reflect upwardly propagating light into substantially horizontally propagating light and propagate it toward the optical conveyor (350, 354), and the optical conveyor (350, 354) is configured to reflect the substantially horizontally propagating light toward the optical aiming direction (A).

[0410] Clause 29. The modular incubator system (500) according to clause 28, wherein the light conveyors (350, 354) are light reflectors such as mirrors.

[0411] Clause 30. A modular incubator system (500) as described in Clause 23, wherein, for one or more of the one or more docking ports (402) of the docking station (400), the active light source (352) is positioned at a position within the docking port (402) such that it is configured to direct emitted light in a direction substantially parallel to the focal direction (B) of the image capture device (408), and, for one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers (300), the light conveyor (350, 354) is configured to direct the emitted light in the light aiming direction (A).

[0412] Clause 31. The modular incubator system (500) according to clause 30, wherein the light conveyors (350, 354) are light reflectors such as mirrors.

[0413] Clause 32. A modular incubator system (500) according to clause 30 or 31, wherein the active light source (352) is positioned adjacent to the image capture device (408).

[0414] Clause 33. A modular incubator system (500) according to clause 30 or 31, wherein the active light source (352) is disposed within the optical system of the capture device (408).

[0415] Clause 34. A modular incubator system (500) described in any of clauses 21 to 33, wherein the active light source (352) is selected from the group consisting of one or more LEDs, one or more laser diodes, and one or more incandescent bulbs.

[0416] Clause 35. A modular incubator system (500) according to any one of clauses 1 to 34, wherein the transparent window (316) and / or the light-transmitting element (356) are made of glass or plastic.

[0417] Clause 36. A modular incubator system (500) according to any one of clauses 1 to 35, wherein the image capture device (408) comprises microscopic optics to enable capture of microscopic images.

[0418] Clause 37. A modular incubator system (500) as described in any of clauses 1 to 36, wherein, for one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers (300), an electrical connector (322) is provided, such as on an outer portion of the housing (302) of the modular incubator chamber (300), for providing power and / or electrical signals to the modular incubator chamber, and, for one or more docking ports (402) of the docking station (400), an electrical connector (410) is provided at the docking port, thereby enabling power and / or electrical signals to be provided between the docking port (402) of the docking station (400) and the modular incubator chamber (300) docked to the docking port (402).

[0419] Clause 38. A modular incubator system (500) described in any of clauses 1 to 37, wherein for one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers (300), the lid (304) is a hinged lid connected to the housing of the modular incubator chamber (302) via a hinge.

[0420] Clause 39. A modular incubator system (500) described in any of clauses 1 to 38, wherein, for one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers (300), the housing (302) of the modular incubator chamber (300) is provided with a display (324) configured to display information regarding the operating status of the incubation taking place within the modular incubator chamber.

[0421] Clause 40. With respect to one or more of said one or more modular incubator chambers (300), said modular incubator chamber (300) comprises a chamber gas inlet opening (312), said chamber gas inlet opening (312) being in fluid communication with said interior (306) of said modular incubator chamber; said modular incubator chamber (300) further comprises a chamber gas outlet opening (314), said chamber gas outlet opening (314) being in fluid communication with said interior (306) of said modular incubator chamber; with respect to one or more docking ports (402) of said docking station (400), said docking port (402) being in fluid communication with said docking port gas outlet opening (40 4) and a docking port gas inlet opening (406), thereby enabling gas transfer from the docking port (402) of the docking station (400) to the interior (306) of the modular incubator chamber (300) via the docking port gas outlet opening (404) and the chamber gas inlet opening (312), and thereby enabling gas transfer from the interior (306) of the modular incubator chamber (300) to the docking port (402) of the docking station (400) via the chamber gas outlet opening (314) and the docking port gas inlet opening (406).

[0422] Clause 41. With respect to one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers (300) and one or more of the one or more docking ports (402) of the docking station 400, when the modular incubator chamber (300) is docked to the docking port (402), the chamber gas inlet opening (312) of the housing (302) of the modular incubator chamber (300) and the docking port (402) are connected to each other. a position of the chamber gas inlet opening (312) of the housing (302) of the modular incubator chamber (300) and a position of the docking port gas outlet opening (404) of the docking port (402) are matched to each other so that the docking port gas outlet opening (404) of the port (402) is in fluid communication with each other, thereby enabling gas transfer from the docking port (402) to the modular incubator chamber (300); 41. The modular incubator system (500) of claim 40, wherein when the modular incubator chamber (300) is docked to the docking port (402), the position of the chamber gas outlet opening (314) of the housing (302) of the modular incubator chamber (300) and the position of the docking port gas inlet opening (406) of the docking port (402) are matched to each other so that the chamber gas outlet opening (314) of the housing (302) of the modular incubator chamber (300) and the docking port gas inlet opening (406) of the docking port (402) are in fluid connection, thereby enabling gas transfer from the modular incubator chamber (300) to the docking port (402).

[0423] Clause 42. A modular incubator system (500) as described in either clause 40 or 41, wherein the docking port gas outlet opening (404) of the docking port (402) is provided with a valve (4), the chamber gas inlet opening (312) of the housing (302) is provided with a valve (2), the chamber gas outlet opening (314) is provided with a valve (2), and the docking port gas inlet opening (406) of the docking port (402) is provided with a valve (4).

[0424] Clause 43. With respect to one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers (300), the valve (2) of the chamber gas inlet opening (312) and the valve (2) of the chamber gas outlet opening (314) each comprise a valve body (6) having a front end (10), a rear end (12), and a through channel (14), and a spring-loaded displaceable valve element (8), the displaceable valve element (8) being disposed within the through channel (14), and the displaceable valve element (8) being spring-loaded when not acted upon by an external force. a spring-loaded displaceable valve element (8) configured to be displaceable within the through channel (14) of the valve body (6) such that the spring-loaded displaceable valve element (8) is not displaced within the through channel (14) of the valve body (6), thereby causing the valve to achieve a closed configuration that blocks the passage of gas through the through channel (14), and is displaced within the through channel (14) of the valve body (6) when acted upon by an external force, thereby causing the valve (2) to achieve an open configuration that allows the passage of gas through the through channel (14); For one or more of the one or more docking ports (402) of the docking station (400), the valve (4) of the docking port gas outlet opening (404) and the valve (4) of the docking port gas inlet opening (406) each comprise a valve body (16) having a front end (20), a rear end (22), and a through channel (24), and a spring-loaded displaceable valve element (18) disposed within the through channel (24), the displaceable valve element (18) being configured to displace the spring-loaded displaceable valve element (18) when not acted upon by an external force. 43. The modular incubator system (500) of any of clauses 40 to 42, wherein the spring-loaded displaceable valve element (18) is configured to be displaceable within the through channel (24) of the valve body (16) such that the spring-loaded displaceable valve element (18) is not displaceable within the through channel (24) of the valve body (16), thereby causing the valve to achieve a closed configuration blocking the passage of gas through the through channel (24), and the spring-loaded displaceable valve element (18) is displaceable within the through channel (24) of the valve body (16) when acted upon by an external force, thereby causing the valve (4) to achieve an open configuration allowing the passage of gas through the through channel (24).

[0425] Clause 44. With respect to one or more of the one or more docking ports (402) of the docking station (400) and one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers (300), the valves (2, 4) are configured such that, upon docking of the modular incubator chamber (300) to the docking port (402) of the docking station (400), the displaceable valve element (8) of the valve (2) and the front of the valve (4) are displaceable. A modular incubator system (500) according to any of clauses 40 to 43, wherein the displaceable valve elements (18) are sized and shaped to be displaceable relative to one another within their respective valve bodies (6, 16), thereby opening the valves (2, 4) of the docking port gas outlet opening (404) and the chamber gas inlet opening (312), thereby opening the valves (2, 4) of the chamber gas outlet opening (314) and the docking port gas inlet opening (406).

[0426] Clause 45. A modular incubator system (500) described in any of clauses 1 to 44, wherein for one or more of the docking ports (402) of the docking station (400) of the modular incubator system (500), preferably for all of the docking ports (402), the docking port gas outlet opening (404) is provided with a flow restrictor for limiting the magnitude of the flow rate of gas entering the docking port (402).

[0427] Clause 46. The flow restrictor comprises a tube through which gas is delivered to the docking port (402), the tube optionally having a diameter of 0.2 to 8 mm. 2 range, e.g., 0.5 to 7 mm 2 , 1 to 6 mm 2 , 2~5mm 2 , or 3 to 4 mm 2and / or the length of the tubes is optionally selected from the range of, for example, 5 to 30 mm, e.g., 8 to 25 mm, 10 to 22 mm, or 15 to 20 mm.

[0428] Clause 47. A modular incubator system (500) described in any of clauses 40 to 46, wherein the docking station (400) comprises a gas distribution system (204) for supplying gas to and from one or more of the one or more docking ports (402), the gas distribution system (204) comprising a main gas supply line (210) and a main gas return line (212), and for one or more of the docking ports (402), the docking port gas inlet opening (404) is fluidly connected to the main gas supply line (210) and the docking port gas outlet opening (406) is fluidly connected to the main gas return line (212).

[0429] Clause 48. The gas distribution system (204) comprises several manifold pairs (214), each manifold pair including an inlet manifold (216) and an outlet manifold (218), the inlet manifold (216) being fluidly connected to the main gas supply line (210), the outlet manifold (218) being fluidly connected to the main gas return line (212), and each manifold pair (214) being fluidly connected to the particular manifold pair (214) and one or more docking ports connected thereto. 48. A modular incubator system (500) as described in clause 47, wherein the docking port (402) is connected to the one or more docking ports (402) of the docking station (400) such that the docking port gas outlet opening (404) of the docking port (402) is fluidly connected to the inlet manifold (216) and the docking port gas inlet opening (406) of the docking port (402) is fluidly connected to the outlet manifold (218).

[0430] Clause 49. A modular incubator system (500) as described in clause 47 or 48, wherein the docking station (400) comprises a gas supply system (200), the gas supply system (200) comprising a gas source (202) and the gas distribution system (204), the gas source comprising a supply gas outlet (206) and a return gas inlet (208), the supply gas outlet (206) of the gas source (202) being fluidly connected to the main gas supply line (210) of the gas distribution system (204), and the return gas inlet (208) of the gas source (202) being fluidly connected to the main gas return line (212) of the gas distribution system (204).

[0431] Clause 50. A modular incubator system (500) according to any of clauses 47 to 49, wherein the gas source (202) of the gas supply system (200) comprises a gas mixing box (242) having the supply gas outlet (206) and the return gas inlet (208) of the gas source, the main gas supply line (210) of the gas distribution system (204) being fluidly connected to the supply gas outlet (206), and the main gas return line (212) of the gas distribution system (204) being fluidly connected to the return gas inlet (208) of the gas source (202), thereby forming a flow loop (244) comprising the gas distribution system (204) and the gas mixing box (242), and the flow loop comprising a pump (246) for circulating gas within the loop.

[0432] Clause 51. The modular incubator system (500) according to clause 50, wherein the pump (246) is disposed downstream relative to the main gas return line (212).

[0433] Clause 52. A modular incubator system (500) as described in clause 50 or 51, wherein the flow loop (244) includes a pump vibration damper (247), which is optionally positioned immediately downstream of the pump (246).

[0434] Clause 53. A modular incubator system (500) described in any of clauses 50 to 52, wherein the flow loop (244) includes a pressure sensor, such as a differential pressure sensor (248), for detecting the pressure of gas supplied to the main gas supply line (210) of the gas distribution system (204), the pressure sensor (248) optionally being positioned immediately upstream of the main gas supply line (210) of the gas distribution system (204).

[0435] Clause 54. The modular incubator system (500) according to clause 53, wherein the pressure sensor (248) is a differential pressure sensor that detects pressure relative to the pressure at the return gas inlet (208).

[0436] Clause 55. A modular incubator system (500) described in any of clauses 50 to 54, wherein the flow loop (244) includes a discharge valve (249) for allowing pressure relief within the flow loop, the discharge valve optionally being positioned immediately downstream of the main gas return line (212) of the gas distribution system (402).

[0437] Clause 56. A modular incubator system (500) according to any one of clauses 50 to 55, wherein the gas mixing box (242) comprises an N2 gas inlet (250) and a CO2 gas inlet (251), the N2 gas inlet (250) being fluidly connected to an N2 valve (252) for regulating the inflow of N2 and an N2 mass flow sensor (253) arranged downstream of the N2 valve (252) for detecting the amount of N2 flowing into the gas mixing box (242), and the CO2 gas inlet (251) being fluidly connected to a CO2 valve (254) for regulating the inflow of CO2 and a CO2 mass flow sensor (255) arranged downstream of the CO2 valve (254) for detecting the amount of CO2 flowing into the gas mixing box (242).

[0438] Clause 57. A modular incubator system (500) described in any of clauses 50 to 56, wherein the flow loop (244) includes a mass flow sensor (256) positioned upstream relative to the gas mixing box (242) for detecting the amount of return gas entering the gas mixing box.

[0439] Clause 58. A modular incubator system (500) described in any of clauses 50 to 57, wherein the gas source (202) is provided with an O2 sensor (258) for detecting the concentration of O2 exiting the gas distribution system (204), and the gas source (202) is provided with a CO2 sensor (260) for detecting the concentration of CO2 exiting the gas distribution system (204), and the O2 sensor and / or the CO2 sensor are optionally positioned downstream of the pump (246).

[0440] Clause 59. A modular incubator system (500) described in any of clauses 50 to 58, wherein the gas source (202) is provided with a temperature sensor (262) for detecting the temperature of the gas circulating in the flow loop (244), the temperature sensor optionally being positioned downstream of the pump (246), preferably at a position corresponding to the position of the O2 sensor (258).

[0441] Clause 60. A modular incubator system (500) according to any of clauses 50 to 59, wherein the gas source (202) is provided with a pressure sensor (264) for detecting the absolute pressure in the flow loop (244), the pressure sensor being optionally positioned downstream of the pump (246), preferably at a position corresponding to the position of the CO2 sensor (260).

[0442] Clause 61. A modular incubator system (500) described in any of clauses 50 to 60, wherein the flow loop (244) includes a UV sterilizer (266) for sterilizing gas flowing within the flow loop (244) by electromagnetic radiation in the UV range, the UV sterilizer optionally being positioned immediately downstream of the main gas return line (212).

[0443] Clause 62. A modular incubator system (500) according to any of clauses 50 to 61, wherein the gas source (202) is provided with one or more filters (268), such as HEPA and / or VOC filters, and such filters are located immediately upstream of the main gas supply line (210), and / or such filters are located immediately upstream of an N2 gas inlet (250) to the gas mixing box (242), and / or such filters are located immediately upstream of a CO2 gas inlet (251) to the gas mixing box (242).

[0444] Clause 63. The gas source (202) comprises a gas mixing control system (270), including the N2 mass flow sensor (253) for detecting the amount of N2 entering the gas mixing box, the CO2 mass flow sensor (255) for detecting the amount of CO2 entering the gas mixing box, the mass flow sensor (256) for detecting the amount of return gas entering the gas mixing box, the O2 sensor (258) for detecting the concentration of O2 exiting the main gas return line (212) of the gas distribution system (204), and the CO2 mass flow sensor (255) for detecting the amount of return gas entering the gas mixing box. 63. The modular incubator system (500) of any of clauses 50 to 62, wherein the gas mixing control system is electrically connected to one or more of the CO2 sensor (260) for detecting the concentration of CO2, the temperature sensor (262) for detecting the temperature circulating in the flow loop (244), the pressure sensor (264) for detecting the absolute pressure in the flow loop (244), and the pressure sensor (248) for detecting the pressure of gas supplied to the main gas supply line (210) of the distribution system (204) to receive detection signals from those sensors.

[0445] Clause 64. A modular incubator system (500) as described in clause 63, wherein the gas mixing control system (270) is electrically connected to one or more of the following elements to control the N2 valve (252) for regulating the inflow of N2 into the gas mixing box (242), the CO2 valve (254) for regulating the inflow of CO2 into the gas mixing box (242), the pump (246) for circulating gas within the flow loop (244), and the release valve (249).

[0446] Clause 65. A modular incubator system (500) as described in clause 63 or 64, wherein the gas mixing control system (270) is configured to receive input from the pressure sensor (248) and, based on the input, control the pump (246) and, optionally, operate the discharge valve (249) to maintain a desired predetermined pressure of the gas supplied to the main gas supply line (210) of the gas distribution system (204).

[0447] Clause 66. A modular incubator system (500) according to any of clauses 63 to 65, wherein the gas mixing control system (270) is configured to receive input from the mass flow sensor (256) and, based on the input, determine the total amount of CO2 gas and N2 gas that needs to be supplied through the CO2 gas inlet (251) and the N2 gas inlet (250) according to desired predetermined criteria.

[0448] Clause 67. A modular incubator system (500) according to any of clauses 63 to 66, wherein the gas mixing control system (270) is configured to receive inputs from the CO2 sensor (260) and the O2 sensor (258), and is configured to control the CO2 valve (254) by sending a control signal to the CO2 valve (254) based on the detected CO2 concentration, thereby adjusting the inflow of CO2 gas to reach a desired predetermined CO2 concentration, and subsequently, the gas mixing control system (270) is configured to control the N2 valve (252) by sending a control signal to the N2 valve (252) based on the detected O2 concentration, thereby adjusting the inflow of N2 gas to reach a desired predetermined O2 concentration.

[0449] Clause 68. A modular incubator system (500) described in any of clauses 63 to 67, wherein the gas mixing control system (270) is configured to compensate for the temperature sensitivity of the O2 sensor (258) using input from the temperature sensor (262).

[0450] Clause 69. A modular incubator system (500) described in any of clauses 63 to 68, wherein the gas mixing control system (270) is configured to compensate for the pressure sensitivity of the CO2 sensor (260) using input from the pressure sensor (264).

[0451] Clause 70. A modular incubator system (500) according to any of clauses 63 to 69, wherein the gas mixing control system (270) is configured to maintain the pressure of the gas supplied to the main gas supply line (210) of the gas distribution system (204) at a pressure higher than ambient atmospheric pressure by 3 to 20 mbar, for example 5 to 18 mbar or 10 to 15 mbar.

[0452] Clause 71. A modular incubator system (500) described in any of clauses 63 to 70, wherein the gas mixing control system (270) is configured to maintain the CO2 concentration of the gas entering the main gas supply line (210) of the gas distribution system (204) in the range of 5 to 10%, for example, 6 to 9% or 7 to 8%, and / or to maintain the O2 concentration of the gas entering the main gas supply line 210 of the gas distribution system 204 in the range of 5 to 10%, for example, 6 to 9% or 7 to 8%.

[0453] Clause 72. A modular incubator system (500) according to any one of clauses 1 to 71, wherein the number of modular incubator chambers (300) of said modular incubator system (500) is selected from the range of 1 to 100, for example, from 2 to 95, from 5 to 90, from 10 to 85, from 15 to 80, from 20 to 75, from 25 to 70, from 30 to 65, from 35 to 60, from 40 to 55, or from 45 to 50.

[0454] Clause 73. A modular incubator system (500) according to any of clauses 1 to 72, wherein the number of docking ports (402) in the docking station (400) of the modular incubator system 500 is selected from the range of 1 to 100, for example, 2 to 95, 5 to 90, 10 to 85, 15 to 80, 20 to 75, 25 to 70, 30 to 65, 35 to 60, 40 to 55, or 45 to 50.

[0455] Clause 74. A modular incubator system (500) as described in any of clauses 1 to 73, wherein the docking station (400) comprises docking ports (402) in an arrangement of one or more shelves of adjacently located docking ports (402), and when the docking station comprises two or more shelves, the shelves are arranged one above the other.

[0456] Clause 75. A modular incubator system (500) as described in any of clauses 1 to 74, wherein, with respect to one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers (300), the modular incubator chamber comprises an incubation chamber engagement means (326), and with respect to one or more docking ports (402) of the docking station (400), the docking port comprises a docking port engagement means (414), the incubation chamber engagement means (326) being configured to engage with the docking port engagement means (414) so ​​as to enable easy and proper positioning, and optionally fixing, of the modular incubator chamber (300) within the docking port (402), as well as easy and proper removal of the modular incubator chamber (300) from the docking port (402) of the docking station (400).

[0457] Clause 76. A modular incubator system (500) according to any of clauses 1 to 75, wherein the modular incubator system (500) comprises an image processing unit (660) for image processing of images captured by the image capture device (408), and the modular incubator system (400) further comprises a data storage (658) for storing images captured by the image capture unit (408) and / or for storing images processed by the image processing unit.

[0458] Clause 77. A modular incubator system (500) as described in Clause 76, wherein one or more of the image capture devices (408) of the docking ports (402) of the docking station are coupled to the image processing unit (660).

[0459] Clause 78. A modular incubator system (500) described in any of clauses 1 to 77, wherein, for one or more specific docking ports (402) of the docking station (400), the specific docking ports are provided with a dedicated image capture device (408) configured to capture only images related to the modular incubator chamber (300) docked to the specific docking port (402).

[0460] Clause 79. A modular incubator system (500) described in any of clauses 1 to 78, wherein the adjacently arranged docking ports (402) of the docking station (400) share a common image capturing device (408) in the sense that, for N adjacently arranged docking ports (402), only one image capturing device is responsible for capturing images relating to a modular incubator chamber (300) docked to one of the N adjacently arranged docking ports (402), and the docking station is provided with a displacement device (482), for example to which an electrical signal is provided, for enabling displacement of the common image capturing device (408) relative to the N adjacently arranged docking ports (402) of the docking station (400).

[0461] Clause 80. The modular incubator system (500) of clause 74, wherein N is an integer selected from the range of 2 to 25 or more, for example, 4 to 22, 6 to 20, 8 to 18, 10 to 16, or 12 to 14.

[0462] Clause 81. A modular incubator system (500) as described in any of clauses 1 to 80, wherein, for one or more of the modular incubator chambers (300), the modular incubator chamber comprises, in its interior (306), an electric heating element (318) for heating the interior of the modular incubator chamber, the modular incubator chamber comprises a power supply (320) for providing power to the heating element (318), and the electric heating element (318) is electrically connected to the power supply (320).

[0463] Clause 82. The modular incubator system (500) according to clause 81, wherein the power source (320) is a power source such as a battery, e.g. a rechargeable battery.

[0464] Clause 83. A modular incubator system (500) described in either clause 81 or 82, wherein the heating element (318) is thermally connected to a heat distribution element for distributing heat dissipated by the heating element, and the heat distribution element is at least partially positioned inside (306) the modular incubator chamber (300).

[0465] Clause 84. A modular incubator system (500) as described in any of clauses 81 to 83, wherein the chamber comprises a thermostat (374) and an electrical thermostat circuit (376), and the electric heating element (318), the power source (320), and the thermostat (374) are electrically connected within the electrical thermostat circuit (376) to enable thermostatic control of the temperature within the modular incubator chamber (300).

[0466] Clause 85. A modular incubator system (500) according to any one of clauses 1 to 84, wherein the modular incubator system (500) comprises a control unit (650) for controlling the operation of the modular incubator system (500).

[0467] Clause 86. A modular incubator system (500) as described in clause 85, wherein the control unit (650) is coupled to an input device (652), such as an alphanumeric input device, for enabling a user to provide configuration inputs regarding a desired operating protocol for the modular incubator system.

[0468] Clause 87. A modular incubator system (500) as described in clause 85 or 86, wherein the control unit (650) is coupled to a display unit (654) for displaying information to a user regarding the settings and / or operating status of the modular incubator system (300).

[0469] Clause 88. With respect to one or more docking ports (402) of the docking station (400), the control unit (650) controls the temperature of the interior (306) of the modular incubator chamber (300) by controlling the electric heating element (318), the thermostat (374), or the thermostat circuit (376), providing power to the power source (320), providing a signal to the display (324) of the modular incubator chamber (300), the tilt angle adjustment element (332), the rotation adjustment element (334) of the tilt angle adjustment element (332), the change in the tilt angle adjustment element (332), 88. The modular incubator system (500) according to any of clauses 85 to 87, configured to independently control one or more of: a position adjustment element (336), for switching on and off the active light source (352) or adjusting the intensity of light emitted from the light source (352), the image capture device (408) of a docking station (408), the displacement device (482) for displacing the image capture device (408), the actuator of the X-stage or XY-stage (466), the actuator of the iris diaphragm (464), the gas mixing control system (270), and the image processing unit (660.

[0470] Clause 89. A modular incubator system (500) according to any of clauses 85 to 88, wherein the control unit (650) is coupled to a data processing unit (656) and optionally also to a data storage (658) useful in handling information during the control of the modular incubator system.

[0471] Clause 90. The temperature of the interior (306) of the modular incubator chamber (300) by controlling the electric heating element (318), the thermostat (374), or the thermostat circuit (376), providing power to the power source (320), providing a signal to the display (324) of the modular incubator chamber (300), the tilt angle adjustment element (332), the rotation adjustment element (334) of the tilt angle adjustment element (332), the displacement adjustment element (336) of the tilt angle adjustment element (332), switching on and off the active light source (352) or adjusting the intensity of the light emitted from the light source, and the docking station (40 8) The modular incubator system (500) according to any of clauses 85 to 89, wherein the control unit (650) is configured to perform automated operation of the modular incubator system (500) by configuring the control unit (650) to independently control one or more of the image capture device (408), the displacement device (482) for displacing the image capture device (408), the actuator of the X-stage or XY-stage (466), the actuator of the iris diaphragm (464), the gas mixing control system (270), and the image processing unit (660).

[0472] Clause 91. A modular incubator system (500) described in any of clauses 85 to 90, wherein the control unit (650) is configured to enable time-lapse capture of images by the image capture device (408).

[0473] Clause 92. A modular incubator chamber (300) having the features defined for the modular incubator chamber (300) of the modular incubator system (500) according to any of clauses 1 to 91.

[0474] Clause 93. A docking station (400) having the features defined for the docking station of the modular incubator system (500) according to any of clauses 1 to 91.

[0475] Clause 94. Use of a modular incubator system (500) according to any of clauses 1 to 91 for incubating viable biological material M.

[0476] Clause 95. Use of the modular incubator chamber (300) according to clause 92 for incubating viable biological material M.

[0477] Clause 96. Use of the docking station (400) according to clause 93 for incubating viable biological material M.

[0478] Article 97. Use according to any of articles 94 to 96, wherein said biological material M is an oocyte or an embryo, such as a human oocyte or a human embryo.

[0479] Clause 98. A method for incubating viable biological material M, said method comprising: i) providing a modular incubator system (500) according to any of clauses 1 to 91; ii) providing a viable biological material M; iii) placing the viable biological material M in a culture dish (310) and subsequently placing the culture dish on a culture dish support (308) in the interior (306) of the modular incubator chamber (300) of the modular incubator system (400); iv) docking the modular incubator chamber (300) into the docking port (402) of the docking station (400) of the incubator system (500); v) allowing the viable biological material M to be incubated in the modular incubator chamber (300); vi) while performing step v), enabling the light directing element (350) of the modular incubator chamber (300) to direct light in the light aiming direction (A) toward the area of ​​the culture dish support (308); vii) while performing steps v) and vi), causing the image capture device (408) to capture an image of the viable biological material M inside (306) of the modular incubator chamber (300) in a focal direction (B), wherein the focal direction (A) of light propagating from the light directing element (350) of the modular incubator chamber (300) is tilted at a non-zero tilt angle α with respect to the focal direction (B) of the image capture device (408) of the docking port (302); A method comprising:

[0480] Clause 99.viii) The method described in Clause 98, further comprising the step of removing the incubator chamber (300) from the docking port (402) of the docking station (400) as needed to manually inspect the viable biological material M and optionally remove, add or replace the growth medium in the culture dish (310). [Explanation of symbols]

[0481] 2 valves 4 valves 6 First valve body of the first valve 8 First valve element of first valve 8a First portion of first valve element 8b second portion of first valve element 10 Front end of first valve body 12 Rear end of first valve body 14 First through-channel of first valve 16 Second valve body of the second valve 18 Second valve element of second valve 20 Front end of second valve 22 Rear end of second valve 24 Second through-channel of the second valve 26 First valve first spring 28 Second valve second spring 100 Valve System 200 Gas Supply System 202 Gas Sources in Gas Supply Systems 204 Gas distribution system for gas supply systems 206 Gas source supply gas outlet 208 Return gas inlet of gas source 210 Main gas supply line of gas distribution system 212 Main gas return line of gas distribution system 214 Manifold Pair 216 Inlet manifold of manifold pair 218 Manifold pair outlet manifold 228 Docking Port Groups 242 Gas Mixing Box 244 Gas Supply System Flow Loop 246 Gas Source Pump 247 Pump vibration damper 248 Pressure sensor for detecting the pressure of gas supplied to the main gas supply line 249 Pressure Relief Valve 250 N2 gas inlet 251 CO2 gas inlet 252 N2 valve 253 N2 Mass Flow Sensor 254 CO2 valve 255 CO2 mass flow sensor 256 Mass flow sensor for detecting the amount of return gas entering the gas mixing box 258 O2 sensor 260 CO2 sensor 262 Temperature Sensor 264 Pressure Sensor 266 UV sterilizer 268 filters 270 Gas Mixing Control System 300 Modular Incubator Chambers 302 Modular Incubator Chamber Housing 304 Modular Incubator Chamber Lid Inside the 306 modular incubator chamber 308 Culture dish support part 310 Culture dish 312 Modular Incubator Chamber Gas Inlet Opening 314 Modular Incubator Chamber Gas Outlet Opening 316 Modular incubator chamber housing transparent window 318 Electric Heating Elements 320 Power Source 322 Modular Incubator Chamber Electrical Connector 324 Modular Incubator Chamber Housing Display 326 Modular incubator chamber engagement means 330 Modular Incubator Chamber Housing Bottom 332 Tilt angle adjustment element 334 Rotational adjustment element of tilt angle adjustment means 336 Displacement adjustment element of tilt angle adjustment means 338 Support for displacement adjustment element 340 First end of modular incubator chamber 342 Second end of modular incubator chamber 350 light directing elements 352 Active light source 354 Light directing element in the form of a passive light conveyor 356 Light-transmitting elements of the housing of the modular incubator chamber 358 Modular Incubator Chamber Internal Light Reflector 374 Thermostat 376 Thermostat Circuit 400 Docking Station 402 Docking Station Docking Port 404 Docking port gas outlet opening 406 Docking port gas inlet opening 408 Docking Station Docking Port Image Capture Device 410 Docking Port Electrical Connector 414 docking station docking port engagement means 450 Shadowing Elements 452 Shadowing Elements Shadowing Board 454 Shadowing element plate hole 456 X stage or XY stage of shadowing element 458 Shadowing Element Iris Diaphragm 460 Iris diaphragm iris thin plate 462 Iris diaphragm through hole 464 Iris diaphragm actuator 466 X stage or XY stage actuator 482 Displacement element for displacing an image capture device 500 Modular Incubator System 650 Control Unit 652 Input Devices 654 Display Unit 656 Data Processing Unit 658 Data Storage 660 Image Processing Unit A. Light aiming direction of light directing element A1, A2 rotation direction B. Focus direction of the image capture device D distance D1, D2: Displacement direction of the XY stage of the shadowing element IP Virtual Plane M Viable biological material P Planar support surface defined by the culture dish support PR Projection on a virtual plane PRB Projection boundary on a virtual plane X Longitudinal direction of modular incubator chamber α Tilt angle

Claims

1. A modular incubator system (500) for incubating viable biological material M, said modular incubator system comprising: One or more modular incubator chambers (300) in combination with a docking station (400) Equipped with For one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers (300), the modular incubator chamber (300) comprises a housing (302); the housing (302) includes a lid (304), the lid configured to be transitionable between an open configuration that allows access to an interior (306) of the modular incubator chamber and a closed configuration that blocks access to the interior of the modular incubator chamber; the modular incubator chamber comprises a culture dish support (308) for placing a culture dish (310) in the interior (306) thereof for the purpose of containing one or more biological materials M within the housing (302) of the modular incubator chamber (300); the housing (302) of the modular incubator chamber (300) comprises a transparent window (316), the transparent window (316) being for enabling an image of biological material M contained within the modular incubator chamber (300) to be captured through the transparent window; the housing includes a light directing element (350) for directing light in a light aiming direction (A) toward an area of ​​the culture dish support (308); the docking station (400) comprises one or more docking ports (402) for receiving the housing (302) of the incubator chamber (300); With respect to one or more docking ports (402) of the docking station (400), the docking ports (402) are provided with an image capture device (408), the image capture device (408) for capturing an image of the interior (306) of the modular incubator chamber (300) when the modular incubator chamber (300) is docked to the docking port (402) by focusing the image capture device (408) in a focal direction (B); with respect to one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers (300) and one or more of the one or more docking ports (402) of the docking station (400), a position of the transparent window (316) of the modular incubator chamber (300) is matched to a position of the image capture device (408) within the docking port (402) such that an image can be captured by the image capture device (408) through the transparent window (316) of the modular incubator chamber (300); for one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers (300) and one or more of the one or more docking ports (402) of the docking station (400), when the modular incubator chambers (300) are docked to the docking ports (402), the light aiming direction (A) of the light propagating from the light directing element (350) of the modular incubator chambers (300) is inclined at an inclination angle α with respect to the focal direction (B) of the image capture device (408) of the docking port (402), wherein the inclination angle α≠0°; a light directing element (350) positioned in the interior (306) of the modular incubator chamber (300) at a position displaced in a direction perpendicular to the focal direction (B) with respect to the focal direction (B) of the image capture device (408) of the docking port (402), thereby providing the tilt angle α between the light aiming direction (A) and the focal direction (B), for one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers (300) and one or more of the one or more docking ports (402) of the docking station (400), when the modular incubator chamber (300) is docked to the docking port (402) of the docking station;

2. 2. The modular incubator system (500) of claim 1, wherein the tilt angle α for one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers (300) and one or more of the one or more docking ports (402) of the docking station 400 is selected from the range of 0.5 to 25°, such as 1 to 24°, 2 to 23°, 3 to 22°, 4 to 21°, 5 to 20°, 6 to 19°, 7 to 18°, 8 to 17°, 9 to 16°, 10 to 15°, 11 to 14°, or 12 to 13°.

3. 3. The modular incubator system (500) of claim 1 or 2, wherein, for one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers (300), the modular incubator chamber (300) has its largest dimension in the horizontal direction in its intended orientation when used for incubation.

4. 4. A modular incubator system (500) as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, for one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers (300), the culture dish support (308) defines a planar support surface P for supporting the culture dish (310).

5. 5. The modular incubator system of claim 4, wherein, for one or more of the one or more docking ports of the docking station, when the modular incubator chamber is docked to the docking port of the docking station, the focal direction B of the image capture device of the docking port is substantially perpendicular to the planar support surface P of the culture dish support of the modular incubator chamber, and the light aiming direction A of the light directing element of the modular incubator chamber is not perpendicular to the planar support surface P of the culture dish support.

6. 6. A modular incubator system (500) as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, for one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers (300), the light directing element (350) is attached to the inside of the lid (304) of the housing (306) of the modular incubator chamber (300).

7. 7. A modular incubator system (500) as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein for one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers (300), the light directing element (350) comprises a diffuser, such as a diffuser lens.

8. 8. A modular incubator system (500) as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, for one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers (300), the transparent window (316) of the modular incubator chamber (300) is located at the bottom (330) of the housing (302) of the chamber (300).

9. 9. The modular incubator system (500) of any of claims 1 to 8, wherein for one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers (300), the light directing element (350) is geometrically configured to propagate the light at a maximum divergence angle of propagation of 1 to 65°, for example 5 to 60°, 10 to 55°, 15 to 50°, 20 to 45°, 25 to 40°, or 30 to 35°.

10. 10. A modular incubator system (500) as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein, for one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers (300), the light aiming direction (A) is directed toward the transparent window (316) in the housing (302) of the modular incubator (300).

11. 11. The modular incubator system of claim 1, wherein for one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers, the modular incubator chambers comprise a tilt angle adjusting element for adjusting the tilt angle α between the light aiming direction and the focus direction, the tilt angle adjusting element being configured to enable adjustment of the tilt angle α to achieve an angle selected from the range of 0.5 to 25°, e.g., 1 to 24°, 2 to 23°, 3 to 22°, 4 to 21°, 5 to 20°, 6 to 19°, 7 to 18°, 8 to 17°, 9 to 16°, 10 to 15°, 11 to 14°, or 12 to 13°.

12. 12. The modular incubator system of claim 11, wherein the tilt angle adjustment element comprises a rotation adjustment element configured to, when adjusted, change the spatial orientation of the light directing element to thereby change the light aiming direction A of the light directional propagation from the light directing element, and / or the tilt angle adjustment element comprises a displacement adjustment element configured to, when adjusted, change the position of the light directing element.

13. 13. The modular incubator system (500) of claim 12, wherein the rotation adjustment element (334) and / or the displacement adjustment element (336) are electrically controlled by an electric actuator, which provides for changing the light aiming direction (A) of light propagation from the light directing element (350) and / or changing the position of the light directing element (350) when an electric signal is supplied to the electric actuator.

14. 14. A modular incubator system (500) as described in any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein, for one or more of the one or more docking ports (402) of the docking station (400), a shadowing element (450) is provided that is configured to enable the docking port (402) to block a portion of the light propagating toward the optical system of the image capture device (408).

15. 15. The modular incubator system of claim 14, wherein the shadowing element comprises a shadowing plate having a through hole having a fixed shape and / or size, such as a round hole or a rectangular hole, and the shadowing plate is positioned relative to the image capturing device such that the focal direction B of the image capturing device passes through the hole.

16. 15. The modular incubator system of claim 14, wherein the shadowing element comprises an iris diaphragm having a plurality of iris lamellae configured to be movable relative to one another and thereby vary the size of a through hole formed in the center of the iris diaphragm when subjected to an external force, and the iris diaphragm is positioned relative to the image capture device such that the focal direction of the image capture device passes through the hole.

17. 17. The modular incubator system (500) of claim 16, wherein the iris diaphragm (458) comprises an actuator (464), such as a remotely controlled electric actuator, mechanically connected to the iris lamella (460) and configured to enable simultaneous movement of the iris lamella to vary the size of the through-hole (462).

18. 18. The modular incubator system (500) of any of claims 14 to 17, wherein the shadowing elements (450) are coupled to an X-stage or an XY-stage (456) so that the shadowing elements (450) can be individually displaced in one or two displacement directions (D1, D2), each optionally substantially perpendicular to the focus direction (B) of the image capture device (408).

19. 20. The modular incubator system (500) of claim 18, wherein the X-stage or the XY-stage comprises an electric actuator (466), the electric actuator (466) being configured to electrically control the displacement of the shadowing element (450) in one or both of the displacement directions (D1, D2) when an electric signal is supplied to the electric actuator (466).

20. 20. The modular incubator system (500) of any one of claims 14 to 19, wherein the shadowing element (450) is positioned outside the optical system of the image capture device (408) or the shadowing element (450) is positioned within the optical system of the image capture device (408).

21. 21. A modular incubator system (500) as described in any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein, for one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers (300), the light directing element (350) is an active light source (352) disposed in the interior (306) of the modular incubator chamber (300), and the active light source (352) is configured to propagate light in the light aiming direction (A) when power is supplied to it.

22. 22. A modular incubator system (500) as described in any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein, for one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers (300), the light directing element (350) is a passive light directing element in the form of a light conveyor (354) disposed in the interior (306) of the modular incubator chamber (300), the light conveyor (354) being configured to direct the incident light in the light aiming direction (A) by, for example, reflecting the incident light.

23. For one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers (300), the housing (302) of the modular incubator chamber (300) comprises a light-transmitting element (356) for providing light to the light conveyor (354, 350) from a position outside the chamber (300), and for one or more of the one or more docking ports (402) of the docking station (400), the docking port (402) comprises an active light source (352), and the modular incubator chamber (300) is connected to the docking port (402) of the docking station (400).

23. The modular incubator system (500) of claim 22, wherein when docked to a docking port (402), the position of the light-transmitting element (356) of the housing (302) of the modular incubator chamber (300) and the position of the active light source (352) of the docking port (402) are matched to each other so that light emitted from the active light source (352) of the docking port (402) can pass through the light-transmitting element (356) of the housing (302) of the modular incubator chamber (300) and propagate to the light conveyor (354, 350) inside the housing (302).

24. 24. The modular incubator system (500) of claim 23, wherein, for one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers (300), the light-transmitting element (356) of the housing (302) of the modular incubator chamber (300) is located on the top of the housing (302), such as the lid (304) of the housing (302), and is the same entity as the light conveyor (350, 354).

25. 25. The modular incubator system (500) of claim 24, wherein the light conveyor (354) is a light deflector such as an optical prism or lens.

26. 24. The modular incubator system (500) of claim 23, wherein, for one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers (300), the light-transmitting element (356) of the housing (302) of the modular incubator chamber (300) is positioned on a side of the housing (302).

27. 27. The modular incubator system (500) of claim 26, wherein the light conveyor (350, 354) is a light reflector such as a mirror.

28. 24. The modular incubator system of claim 23, wherein, for one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers, the light-transmitting element of the housing of the modular incubator chamber is disposed on a bottom of the housing, the housing includes a light reflector in the interior of the housing, the light reflector is configured to reflect upwardly propagating light into substantially horizontally propagating light and propagate it toward the light conveyor, and the light conveyor is configured to reflect the substantially horizontally propagating light toward the light aiming direction.

29. 30. The modular incubator system (500) of claim 28, wherein the light conveyor (350, 354) is a light reflector such as a mirror.

30. 24. The modular incubator system (500) of claim 23, wherein, for one or more of the one or more docking ports (402) of the docking station (400), the active light source (352) is positioned at a position within the docking port (402) such that the active light source (352) is configured to direct emitted light in a direction substantially parallel to the focal direction (B) of the image capture device (408), and, for one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers (300), the light conveyor (350, 354) is configured to direct the emitted light in the light aiming direction (A).

31. 31. The modular incubator system (500) of claim 30, wherein the light conveyor (350, 354) is a light reflector such as a mirror.

32. 32. The modular incubator system (500) of claim 30 or 31, wherein the active light source (352) is positioned adjacent to the image capture device (408).

33. 32. The modular incubator system (500) of claim 30 or 31, wherein the active light source (352) is disposed within the optical system of the capture device (408).

34. 34. The modular incubator system (500) of any of claims 21 to 33, wherein the active light source (352) is selected from the group consisting of one or more LEDs, one or more laser diodes, and one or more incandescent bulbs.

35. 35. The modular incubator system (500) of any of claims 1 to 34, wherein the transparent window (316) and / or the light-transmitting element (356) are made of glass or plastic.

36. 36. The modular incubator system (500) of any of claims 1 to 35, wherein the image capture device (408) comprises microscopic optics to enable capture of microscopic images.

37. 37. A modular incubator system (500) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 36, wherein for one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers (300), an electrical connector (322) is provided, such as on an outer portion of the housing (302) of the modular incubator chamber (300), for providing power and / or electrical signals to the modular incubator chamber, and for one or more docking ports (402) of the docking station (400), an electrical connector (410) is provided at the docking port, thereby enabling power and / or electrical signals to be provided between the docking port (402) of the docking station (400) and the modular incubator chamber (300) docked to the docking port (402).

38. 38. A modular incubator system (500) as described in any one of claims 1 to 37, wherein for one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers (300), the lid (304) is a hinged lid connected to the housing of the modular incubator chamber (302) via a hinge.

39. 39. A modular incubator system (500) as described in any one of claims 1 to 38, wherein, for one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers (300), the housing (302) of the modular incubator chamber (300) is provided with a display (324) configured to display information regarding the operating status of the incubation taking place in the modular incubator chamber.

40. With respect to one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers (300), the modular incubator chamber (300) comprises a chamber gas inlet opening (312), the chamber gas inlet opening (312) being in fluid communication with the interior (306) of the modular incubator chamber, the modular incubator chamber (300) further comprises a chamber gas outlet opening (314), the chamber gas outlet opening (314) being in fluid communication with the interior (306) of the modular incubator chamber, and with respect to one or more docking ports (402) of the docking station (400), the docking port (402) being in fluid communication with a docking port gas outlet opening (404). and a docking port gas inlet opening (406) to allow gas transfer from the docking port (402) of the docking station (400) to the interior (306) of the modular incubator chamber (300) via the docking port gas outlet opening (404) and the chamber gas inlet opening (312), and to allow gas transfer from the interior (306) of the modular incubator chamber (300) to the docking port (402) of the docking station (400) via the chamber gas outlet opening (314) and the docking port gas inlet opening (406).

41. With respect to one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers (300) and one or more of the one or more docking ports (402) of the docking station 400, when the modular incubator chamber (300) is docked to the docking port (402), the chamber gas inlet opening (312) of the housing (302) of the modular incubator chamber (300) and the docking port (402) are in contact with each other. a position of the chamber gas inlet opening (312) of the housing (302) of the modular incubator chamber (300) and a position of the docking port gas outlet opening (404) of the docking port (402) are matched to each other so that the chamber gas inlet opening (312) of the housing (302) of the modular incubator chamber (300) is in fluid communication with the docking port gas outlet opening (404) of the docking port (402), thereby enabling gas transfer from the docking port (402) to the modular incubator chamber (300); 41. The modular incubator system of claim 40, wherein when the modular incubator chamber is docked to the docking port, a position of the chamber gas outlet opening of the housing of the modular incubator chamber and a position of the docking port gas inlet opening of the docking port are matched to each other so that the chamber gas outlet opening of the housing of the modular incubator chamber and the docking port gas inlet opening of the docking port are in fluid connection, thereby enabling gas transfer from the modular incubator chamber to the docking port.

42. 42. The modular incubator system (500) of claim 40 or 41, wherein the docking port gas outlet opening (404) of the docking port (402) is provided with a valve (4), the chamber gas inlet opening (312) of the housing (302) is provided with a valve (2), the chamber gas outlet opening (314) is provided with a valve (2), and the docking port gas inlet opening (406) of the docking port (402) is provided with a valve (4).

43. For one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers (300), the valve (2) of the chamber gas inlet opening (312) and the valve (2) of the chamber gas outlet opening (314) each comprise a valve body (6) having a front end (10), a rear end (12), and a through channel (14), and a spring-loaded displaceable valve element (8), the displaceable valve element (8) being disposed within the through channel (14), and the spring-loaded displaceable valve element (8) being displaceable when not acted upon by an external force. a displaceable valve element (8) configured to be displaceable within the through channel (14) of the valve body (6) such that the displaceable valve element (8) is not displaced within the through channel (14) of the valve body (6), thereby causing the valve to achieve a closed configuration blocking the passage of gas through the through channel (14), and the spring-loaded displaceable valve element (8) is displaced within the through channel (14) of the valve body (6) when acted upon by an external force, thereby causing the valve (2) to achieve an open configuration allowing the passage of gas through the through channel (14); For one or more of the one or more docking ports (402) of the docking station (400), the valve (4) of the docking port gas outlet opening (404) and the valve (4) of the docking port gas inlet opening (406) each comprise a valve body (16) having a front end (20), a rear end (22), and a through channel (24), and a spring-loaded displaceable valve element (18) disposed within the through channel (24), the spring-loaded displaceable valve element (18) being configured to displace when not acted upon by an external force.

43. The modular incubator system of claim 40, wherein the spring-loaded displaceable valve element is configured to be displaceable within the through channel of the valve body when acted upon by an external force, such that the spring-loaded displaceable valve element is not displaceable within the through channel of the valve body, thereby causing the valve to achieve a closed configuration that blocks the passage of gas through the through channel, and the spring-loaded displaceable valve element is displaceable within the through channel of the valve body when acted upon by an external force, thereby causing the valve to achieve an open configuration that allows the passage of gas through the through channel.

44. For one or more of the one or more docking ports (402) of the docking station (400) and one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers (300), the valves (2, 4) are configured to displace the displaceable valve element (8) of the valve (2) and the displaceable valve element (8) of the valve (4) when the modular incubator chamber (300) is docked to the docking port (402) of the docking station (400).

44. The modular incubator system (500) of any of claims 40 to 43, wherein movable valve elements (18) are sized and shaped to be displaceable relative to one another within their respective valve bodies (6, 16), thereby opening the valves (2, 4) of the docking port gas outlet opening (404) and the chamber gas inlet opening (312), and thereby opening the valves (2, 4) of the chamber gas outlet opening (314) and the docking port gas inlet opening (406).

45. 45. A modular incubator system (500) as described in any one of claims 1 to 44, wherein for one or more of the docking ports (402) of the docking station (400) of the modular incubator system (500), preferably for all of the docking ports (402), the docking port gas outlet opening (404) is provided with a flow restrictor for limiting the magnitude of the flow rate of gas entering the docking port (402).

46. The flow restrictor comprises a tube through which the gas is delivered to the docking port (402), the tube optionally having a diameter of 0.2 to 8 mm. ２ In the range of, for example, 0.5 to 7 mm ２ , 1 to 6 mm ２ , 2 to 5 mm ２ , or 3 to 4 mm ２ and / or the length of the tubes is optionally selected from the range of 5 to 30 mm, such as 8 to 25 mm, 10 to 22 mm, or 15 to 20 mm.

47. 47. The modular incubator system of claim 40, wherein the docking station comprises a gas distribution system for supplying gas to and from one or more of the one or more docking ports, the gas distribution system comprising a main gas supply line and a main gas return line, and wherein, for one or more of the docking ports, the docking port gas inlet opening is fluidly connected to the main gas supply line and the docking port gas outlet opening is fluidly connected to the main gas return line.

48. The gas distribution system (204) comprises several manifold pairs (214), each manifold pair including an inlet manifold (216) and an outlet manifold (218), the inlet manifold (216) being fluidly connected to the main gas supply line (210), the outlet manifold (218) being fluidly connected to the main gas return line (212), and each manifold pair (214) having a specific manifold pair (214) and one or more docking ports (40) connected thereto. 2), the modular incubator system (500) is connected to the one or more docking ports (402) of the docking station (400) such that the docking port gas outlet openings (404) of the docking ports (402) are fluidly connected to the inlet manifold (216) and the docking port gas inlet openings (406) of the docking ports (402) are fluidly connected to the outlet manifold (218).

49. 49. The modular incubator system of claim 47 or 48, wherein the docking station comprises a gas supply system comprising a gas source and the gas distribution system, the gas source comprising a supply gas outlet and a return gas inlet, the supply gas outlet of the gas source being fluidly connected to the main gas supply line of the gas distribution system, and the return gas inlet of the gas source being fluidly connected to the main gas return line of the gas distribution system.

50. 50. The modular incubator system of claim 47, wherein the gas source of the gas supply system comprises a gas mixing box having the supply gas outlet and the return gas inlet of the gas source, the main gas supply line of the gas distribution system being fluidly connected to the supply gas outlet and the main gas return line of the gas distribution system being fluidly connected to the return gas inlet of the gas source, thereby forming a flow loop including the gas distribution system and the gas mixing box, the flow loop including a pump for circulating gas within the loop.

51. 51. The modular incubator system (500) of claim 50, wherein the pump (246) is located downstream relative to the main gas return line (212).

52. 52. The modular incubator system (500) of claim 50 or 51, wherein the flow loop (244) includes a pump vibration damper (247), optionally positioned immediately downstream from the pump (246).

53. 53. The modular incubator system (500) of any of claims 50 to 52, wherein the flow loop (244) includes a pressure sensor, such as a differential pressure sensor (248), for detecting the pressure of gas supplied to the main gas supply line (210) of the gas distribution system (204), the pressure sensor (248) optionally being positioned immediately upstream of the main gas supply line (210) of the gas distribution system (204).

54. 54. The modular incubator system (500) of claim 53, wherein the pressure sensor (248) is a differential pressure sensor that senses pressure relative to the pressure at the return gas inlet (208).

55. 55. The modular incubator system (500) of any of claims 50 to 54, wherein the flow loop (244) includes a discharge valve (249) for allowing pressure relief within the flow loop, the discharge valve optionally being positioned immediately downstream of the main gas return line (212) of the gas distribution system (402).

56. The gas mixing box (242) contains N ２ Gas inlet (250) and CO ２ and a gas inlet (251), ２ The gas inlet (250) is ２ N to regulate the inflow of ２ valve (252), and the N ２ N2 entering the gas mixing box (242) located downstream of the valve (252) ２ N for detecting the amount of ２ a mass flow sensor (253) in fluid communication with the CO ２ The gas inlet (251) is ２ CO to regulate the inflow of ２ a valve (254) and the CO ２ CO entering the gas mixing box (242) located downstream of the valve (254) ２ for detecting the amount of CO ２ 56. The modular incubator system (500) of any of claims 50 to 55, in fluid communication with a mass flow sensor (255).

57. 57. The modular incubator system (500) of any of claims 50 to 56, wherein the flow loop (244) includes a mass flow sensor (256) positioned upstream relative to the gas mixing box (242) for detecting the amount of return gas entering the gas mixing box.

58. The gas source (202) is configured to generate O 2 ２ for detecting the concentration of ２ a sensor (258) for detecting CO 2 from the gas distribution system (204) ２ for detecting the concentration of CO ２ A sensor (260) is provided, ２ sensor and / or the CO ２ 58. The modular incubator system (500) of any of claims 50 to 57, wherein a sensor is optionally located downstream relative to the pump (246).

59. The gas source (202) comprises a temperature sensor (262) for sensing the temperature of the gas circulating in the flow loop (244), the temperature sensor being optionally located downstream relative to the pump (246), preferably downstream relative to the O ２ 59. The modular incubator system (500) of any of claims 50 to 58, wherein the incubator system (500) is located at a position corresponding to the position of the sensor (258).

60. The gas source (202) comprises a pressure sensor (264) for sensing absolute pressure in the flow loop (244), the pressure sensor optionally being downstream relative to the pump (246), preferably the CO ２ 60. The modular incubator system (500) of any of claims 50 to 59, wherein the incubator system (500) is arranged at a position corresponding to the position of the sensor (260).

61. 61. The modular incubator system (500) of any of claims 50 to 60, wherein the flow loop (244) includes a UV sterilizer (266) for sterilizing gas flowing within the flow loop (244) by electromagnetic radiation in the UV range, the UV sterilizer optionally being positioned immediately downstream relative to the main gas return line (212).

62. The gas source (202) may include one or more filters (268), such as HEPA and / or VOC filters, disposed immediately upstream relative to the main gas supply line (210), and / or the filter may be configured to filter the N 2 O 3 to the gas mixing box (242). ２ The filter is located immediately upstream of the gas inlet (250) and / or the filter is configured to filter the CO ２ 62. The modular incubator system (500) of any of claims 50 to 61, arranged immediately upstream relative to the gas inlet (251).

63. The gas source (202) includes a gas mixing control system (270) for controlling the N ２ The amount of N ２ Mass flow sensor (253), CO entering the gas mixing box ２ for detecting the amount of CO ２ a mass flow sensor (255), said mass flow sensor (256) for sensing the amount of return gas entering said gas mixing box; and an O 2 flow sensor (256) for sensing the amount of return gas exiting said main gas return line (212) of said gas distribution system (204). ２ for detecting the concentration of ２ a sensor (258), CO exiting the main gas return line (212) of the gas distribution system (204); ２ for detecting the concentration of CO ２ 63. The modular incubator system (500) of any of claims 50 to 62, wherein the gas mixing control system is electrically connected to one or more of the sensors (260), the temperature sensor (262) for detecting the temperature circulating in the flow loop (244), the pressure sensor (264) for detecting the absolute pressure in the flow loop (244), and the pressure sensor (248) for detecting the pressure of the gas supplied to the main gas supply line (210) of the distribution system (204).

64. The following elements: N ２ The N ２ Valve (252), CO to the gas mixing box (242) ２ for regulating the inflow of CO ２ 64. The modular incubator system (500) of claim 63, wherein the gas mixing control system (270) is electrically connected to one or more of the elements to control a valve (254), the pump (246) for circulating gas within the flow loop (244), and the release valve (249).

65. 65. The modular incubator system (500) of claim 63 or 64, wherein the gas mixing control system (270) is configured to receive input from the pressure sensor (248) and, based on the input, control the pump (246) and, optionally, operate the release valve (249) to maintain a desired predetermined pressure of gas supplied to the main gas supply line (210) of the gas distribution system (204).

66. The gas mixture control system (270) receives input from the mass flow sensor (256) and, based on the input, adjusts the CO ２ Gas inlet (251) and the N ２ CO which needs to be supplied via gas inlet (250) ２ Gas and N ２ 66. The modular incubator system (500) of any of claims 63 to 65, configured to determine a total amount of gas.

67. The gas mixture control system (270) ２ The sensor (260) and the O ２ configured to receive input from a sensor (258) and ２ Based on the concentration, ２ By sending a control signal to the valve (254), the CO ２ Controlling the valve (254) to provide a desired predetermined CO ２ to reach a concentration of CO ２ The gas mixture control system (270) is configured to adjust the inflow of gases based on the detected O ２ Based on the concentration, ２ By sending a control signal to the valve (252), ２ Controlling the valve (252) to provide a desired predetermined O ２ N to reach a concentration ２ 67. The modular incubator system (500) of any of claims 63 to 66, configured to regulate gas inflow.

68. The gas mixture control system (270) uses input from the temperature sensor (262) to control the O ２ 68. The modular incubator system (500) of any of claims 63 to 67, configured to compensate for the temperature sensitivity of the sensor (258).

69. The gas mixture control system (270) uses the input from the pressure sensor (264) to control the CO ２ 69. The modular incubator system (500) of any of claims 63 to 68, configured to compensate for pressure sensitivity of the sensor (260).

70. 70. The modular incubator system (500) of any of claims 63 to 69, wherein the gas mixing control system (270) is configured to maintain a pressure of the gas supplied to the main gas supply line (210) of the gas distribution system (204) relative to ambient atmospheric pressure at a pressure between 3 and 20 mbar, e.g., between 5 and 18 mbar or between 10 and 15 mbar above ambient atmospheric pressure.

71. The gas mixture control system (270) controls the CO content of gas entering the main gas supply line (210) of the gas distribution system (204). ２ and / or to maintain a concentration in the range of 5-10%, for example 6-9% or 7-8% of the gas entering the main gas supply line 210 of the gas distribution system 204. ２ 71. The modular incubator system (500) according to any of claims 63 to 70, configured to maintain a concentration in the range of 5-10%, such as in the range of 6-9% or 7-8%.

72. 72. The modular incubator system (500) of any of claims 1 to 71, wherein the number of modular incubator chambers (300) of the modular incubator system (500) is selected from the range of 1 to 100, such as 2 to 95, 5 to 90, 10 to 85, 15 to 80, 20 to 75, 25 to 70, 30 to 65, 35 to 60, 40 to 55, or 45 to 50.

73. 73. The modular incubator system (500) of any of claims 1 to 72, wherein the number of docking ports (402) in the docking station (400) of the modular incubator system (500) is selected from the range of 1 to 100, for example, 2 to 95, 5 to 90, 10 to 85, 15 to 80, 20 to 75, 25 to 70, 30 to 65, 35 to 60, 40 to 55, or 45 to 50.

74. 74. A modular incubator system (500) as described in any one of claims 1 to 73, wherein the docking station (400) comprises docking ports (402) in an arrangement of one or more shelves of adjacently located docking ports (402), and when the docking station comprises two or more shelves, the shelves are arranged one above the other.

75. 75. The modular incubator system of claim 1, wherein, for one or more of the one or more modular incubator chambers, the modular incubator chamber comprises an incubation chamber engaging means, and for one or more docking ports of the docking station, the docking ports comprise a docking port engaging means, the incubation chamber engaging means being configured to engage with the docking port engaging means so as to facilitate easy and proper positioning, and optionally fixing, of the modular incubator chamber within the docking port, as well as easy and proper removal of the modular incubator chamber from the docking port of the docking station.

76. 76. A modular incubator system (500) as described in any one of claims 1 to 75, wherein the modular incubator system (500) comprises an image processing unit (660) for image processing of images captured by the image capture device (408), and the modular incubator system (400) further comprises data storage (658) for storing images captured by the image capture unit (408) and / or for storing images processed by the image processing unit.

77. 77. The modular incubator system (500) of claim 76, wherein one or more of the image capture devices (408) of the docking ports (402) of the docking station are coupled to the image processing unit (660).

78. 78. A modular incubator system (500) as described in any one of claims 1 to 77, wherein, for one or more specific docking ports (402) of the docking station (400), the specific docking ports are provided with dedicated image capture devices (408) configured to capture only images related to the modular incubator chambers (300) docked to the specific docking ports (402).

79. 79. The modular incubator system of claim 1, wherein the adjacently arranged docking ports of the docking station share a common image capturing device in the sense that, for N adjacently arranged docking ports of the docking station, only one image capturing device is responsible for capturing images associated with a modular incubator chamber docked to one of the N adjacently arranged docking ports, and the docking station comprises a displacement device to which, for example, an electrical signal is provided, for enabling displacement of the common image capturing device relative to the N adjacently arranged docking ports of the docking station.

80. 75. The modular incubator system (500) of claim 74, wherein N is an integer selected from the range of 2 to 25 or more, such as 4 to 22, 6 to 20, 8 to 18, 10 to 16, or 12 to 14.

81. 80. A modular incubator system (500) as described in any one of claims 1 to 80, wherein for one or more of the modular incubator chambers (300), the modular incubator chamber comprises an electric heating element (318) in its interior (306) for heating the interior of the modular incubator chamber, the modular incubator chamber comprises a power source (320) for providing power to the heating element (318), and the electric heating element (318) is electrically connected to the power source (320).

82. 82. The modular incubator system (500) of claim 81, wherein the power source (320) is a power source such as a battery, e.g., a rechargeable battery.

83. 83. A modular incubator system (500) as described in either claim 81 or 82, wherein the heating element (318) is thermally connected to a heat distribution element for distributing heat dissipated by the heating element, and the heat distribution element is at least partially disposed within the interior (306) of the modular incubator chamber (300).

84. 84. A modular incubator system (500) as described in any of claims 81 to 83, wherein the chamber comprises a thermostat (374) and an electrical thermostat circuit (376), and the electric heating element (318), the power source (320), and the thermostat (374) are electrically connected within the electrical thermostat circuit (376) to enable thermostatic control of the temperature within the modular incubator chamber (300).

85. 85. The modular incubator system (500) of any of claims 1 to 84, wherein the modular incubator system (500) comprises a control unit (650) for controlling the operation of the modular incubator system (500).

86. 86. The modular incubator system (500) of claim 85, wherein the control unit (650) is coupled to an input device (652), such as an alphanumeric input device, for enabling a user to provide configuration inputs regarding a desired operating protocol for the modular incubator system.

87. 87. The modular incubator system (500) of claim 85 or 86, wherein the control unit (650) is coupled to a display unit (654) for displaying information to a user regarding the settings and / or operating status of the modular incubator system (300).

88. With respect to one or more docking ports (402) of the docking station (400), the control unit (650) controls the temperature of the interior (306) of the modular incubator chamber (300) by controlling the electric heating element (318), the thermostat (374), or the thermostat circuit (376), providing power to the power source (320), providing a signal to the display (324) of the modular incubator chamber (300), controlling the tilt angle adjustment element (332), the rotation adjustment element (334) of the tilt angle adjustment element (332), the displacement adjustment element (332), and the like.

88. The modular incubator system (500) of any of claims 85 to 87, configured to independently control one or more of: an adjusting element (336), switching on and off the active light source (352) or adjusting the intensity of light emitted from the light source (352), the image capture device (408) of a docking station (408), the displacement device (482) for displacing the image capture device (408), the actuator of the X-stage or XY-stage (466), the actuator of the iris diaphragm (464), the gas mixing control system (270), and the image processing unit (660).

89. 89. The modular incubator system (500) of any of claims 85 to 88, wherein the control unit (650) is coupled to a data processing unit (656) and, optionally, to a data storage (658) useful in handling information during control of the modular incubator system.

90. controlling the temperature of the interior (306) of the modular incubator chamber (300) by controlling the electric heating element (318), the thermostat (374), or the thermostat circuit (376); providing power to the power source (320); providing a signal to the display (324) of the modular incubator chamber (300); the tilt angle adjustment element (332), the rotation adjustment element (334) of the tilt angle adjustment element (332), the displacement adjustment element (336) of the tilt angle adjustment element (332); switching the active light source (352) on and off or adjusting the intensity of the light emitted from the light source; and a docking station (408).

90. The modular incubator system (500) of any of claims 85 to 89, wherein the control unit (650) is configured to perform automated operation of the modular incubator system (500) by configuring the control unit (650) to independently control one or more of the image capture device (408), the displacement device (482) for displacing the image capture device (408), the actuator of the X-stage or XY-stage (466), the actuator of the iris diaphragm (464), the gas mixing control system (270), and the image processing unit (660).

91. 91. The modular incubator system (500) of any of claims 85 to 90, wherein the control unit (650) is configured to enable time lapse capture of images by the image capture device (408).

92. A modular incubator chamber (300) having the features defined for the modular incubator chamber (300) of the modular incubator system (500) according to any of claims 1 to 91.

93. A docking station (400) having the features defined for a docking station of a modular incubator system (500) according to any of claims 1 to 91.

94. Use of a modular incubator system (500) according to any of claims 1 to 91 for incubating viable biological material M.

95. 93. Use of the modular incubator chamber (300) according to claim 92 for incubating viable biological material M.

96. Use of a docking station (400) according to claim 93 for incubating viable biological material M.

97. 97. Use according to any of claims 94, 95 or 96, wherein said biological material M is an oocyte or an embryo, such as a human oocyte or a human embryo.

98. 1. A method for incubating viable biological material M, comprising: i) providing a modular incubator system (500) according to any of claims 1 to 91; ii) providing a viable biological material M; iii) placing the viable biological material M in a culture dish (310) and subsequently placing the culture dish on the culture dish support (308) in the interior (306) of the modular incubator chamber (300) of the modular incubator system (400); iv) docking the modular incubator chamber (300) into a docking port (402) of the docking station (400) of the incubator system (500); v) allowing said viable biological material M to be incubated in said modular incubator chamber (300); vi) while performing step v), enabling the light directing element (350) of the modular incubator chamber (300) to direct light in the light aiming direction (A) toward the area of ​​the culture dish support (308); vii) while performing steps v) and vi), causing the image capture device (408) to capture an image of the viable biological material M in the interior (306) of the modular incubator chamber (300) in a focal direction (B), wherein the focal direction (A) of light propagating from the light directing element (350) of the modular incubator chamber (300) is tilted at a non-zero tilt angle α with respect to the focal direction (B) of the image capture device (408) of the docking port (302); A method comprising:

99. 99. The method of claim 98, further comprising the step of: viii) removing the incubator chamber (300) from the docking port (402) of the docking station (400) as needed to manually inspect the viable biological material M and, optionally, remove, add, or replace growth medium in the culture dish (310).

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