Automated Cell Suction System with Image-Guided Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cell suction systems are labor-intensive and time-consuming when handling large volumes of cells, as operators must manually select and suck individual cells or cell components, leading to increased operator burden.
Innovation Solution
A cell suction support system comprising an optical system, suction action part, and information processor that includes an XY stage, microscope, XYZ stage, tip rack, and image processing capabilities to automatically detect and position cells for suction, reducing manual handling and increasing efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual cell selection and suction operation is performed by an operator, then flexibility in selecting specific cells is maintained, but operator burden and time consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic cell selection and suction through image processing and automated control mechanisms. The image processing unit automatically identifies target cells based on predetermined conditions, and the suction control unit automatically positions and operates the suction pipette, eliminating the need for manual operator intervention in cell selection and suction operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with an automated optical-mechanical system. The microscope captures cell images, the image processing unit analyzes and identifies target cells through computational algorithms, and the suction control unit mechanically positions and operates the suction pipette based on processed image data, substituting human manual operations with an integrated automated system.
2Productivity
If automated image processing and cell detection is implemented, then processing speed and precision increase, but system complexity and initial operational setup increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system integrates multiple functions into a single platform: the microscope serves both visual observation and image capture, the image processing unit performs both cell identification and coordinate extraction, and the suction control unit handles both positioning and suction operations. This multi-functional integration increases productivity while managing overall system complexity through coordinated operation of unified components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system establishes a feedback loop where the image processing unit continuously monitors cell positions and characteristics, compares them against predetermined conditions, and provides real-time feedback to the suction control unit for automatic adjustment of suction pipette positioning and operation, enabling high-speed automated cell processing with adaptive control.
Data Source
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AI summary
A cell suction support system includes: an image acquisition unit that acquires a microscopic image of a group of cells in a cell container; an image processor that uses the microscopic image to calculate a characteristic amount of each cell, and detects a cell having a characteristic amount that satisfies a predetermined condition; a display that displays information concerning the group of cells so that the detected cell is distinguishable; and a movement controller that moves the cell container so that a designated specific cell is placed at a predetermined suction position, while moving a suction tip to the suction position.