Automatic Focusing Analyzer for Biological Sample Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current analyzers for biological samples face challenges in efficiently and accurately analyzing tangible components due to variations in sample preparation thickness, lack of automatic focusing capabilities for flowing samples, and uncertainty about component presence, leading to inefficiencies and inaccuracies in analysis.
Innovation Solution
An analyzer with automatic focusing capabilities that detects the focus state and adjusts the objective lens position to ensure accurate focusing, using a control mechanism to determine the analysis start and end positions between a light-transmitting plate and cover glass, and shifting visual fields to efficiently analyze tangible components present in biological samples.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual analysis methods are used, then flexibility and adaptability are maintained, but analysis time increases and accuracy varies between individuals
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-diagnosis and self-adjustment through automatic focusing mechanisms. The focus detection unit automatically detects focus states without manual intervention, and the drive unit automatically adjusts the objective lens position, enabling the system to service itself and eliminate variability between analysts.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical operations are replaced with automated mechanical systems. The automated focusing mechanism uses electronic control instead of manual hand adjustment, with the drive unit precisely positioning the objective lens based on signals from the focus detection unit, thereby standardizing the analysis process.
2Speed
If automatic focusing is implemented, then focusing speed improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The focusing control function is extracted from the overall system and implemented as a dedicated automatic focusing mechanism. The focus detection unit and drive unit are separate modular components that work together to provide automated focusing, isolating the complexity to a specific subsystem while improving overall speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback control where the focus detection unit continuously monitors the focus state and sends signals to the drive unit, which adjusts the objective lens position accordingly. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables rapid and accurate focusing while maintaining control through a systematic approach.
3Adaptability or versatility
If fixed focus position is used, then operation simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to different sample thicknesses decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static fixed focus position to a dynamic focusing mechanism. The automated focusing system continuously adjusts the objective lens position based on real-time focus detection, allowing the system to adapt to varying sample thicknesses while maintaining operational simplicity through automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically changes the focusing parameter (objective lens position) based on detected focus states. By varying the focus position dynamically rather than maintaining a fixed setting, the system adapts to different sample characteristics while the user simply needs to provide the sample, maintaining ease of operation.
4Measurement precision
If extensive focusing search is performed, then focusing accuracy improves, but analysis time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary focus detection and adjustment before actual analysis begins. The focus detection unit scans for focus states in advance, and the drive unit positions the objective lens accordingly, so that when analysis starts, the system is already optimized for accurate detection, avoiding time-consuming adjustments during the analysis process.
Solution Approach 2:
The focus detection and adjustment process operates continuously and efficiently in the background, maintaining constant readiness for analysis. By continuously monitoring and adjusting focus without interrupting the overall analysis workflow, the system achieves high focusing accuracy while minimizing the impact on analysis throughput.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables efficient and accurate analysis of tangible components by ensuring precise focusing and reducing analysis time through automatic focusing and strategic visual field shifting, improving detection sensitivity and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
an objective lens for observing the sample
Implementation Method 2
sample held between a light-transmitting plate and a light-transmitting covering plate
Implementation Method 3
focus state detecting means for detecting a focus state of the objective lens
Data Source
AI summary
This invention provides an analyzer for judging whether or not a tangible component is present in a sample in a preparation, and analyzing, if a tangible component is present, the tangible component with efficiency and high accuracy. For this purpose, an analyzer (100) of the present invention analyzes a tangible component in a sample (23) held by a preparation (20). The analyzer (100) checks whether or not a tangible component is present in the sample (23) by extensively observing an area in a certain visual field in which area the tangible component is assumed to be present. If the tangible component is judged to be present, the analyzer (100) analyzes the tangible component. Then, another visual field is selected, and another analysis is started therein so as to analyze only in the vicinity of the area where the tangible component was judged to be present. The analyzer (100) can determine whether or not a tangible component is present, and can analyze the tangible component with efficiency and high accuracy.