Cell Colony Growth Direction Analysis via Polar Coordinate Imaging
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for evaluating the growth characteristics of cell colonies focus on area variation over time, which is inadequate for assessing directional growth, as colonies exhibit varying growth degrees in different directions, leading to incomplete evaluation of their shape dynamics.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus and system that analyze time-sequential photography images of cell colonies to specify and display growth direction and degree using polar and orthogonal coordinate systems, generating a growth image that represents directional growth and growth degree, enabling comprehensive evaluation of colony shape changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the projection area of the colony is calculated to evaluate growth characteristic, then the size evaluation is improved, but the directionality evaluation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the colony growth evaluation into multiple directional components by dividing the colony into multiple radial sectors. Each sector's growth is measured independently, allowing both overall size and directional characteristics to be evaluated simultaneously without information loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the evaluation from a two-dimensional area measurement to a three-dimensional representation by adding angular/directional information. The growth is visualized using a polar coordinate system where radial distance represents growth magnitude and angular position represents direction, preserving both size and directionality information.
2Ease of operation
If only the area of the colony is evaluated, then the evaluation process is simplified, but the shape dynamics evaluation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The evaluation process is segmented into automated image processing steps that calculate radial growth distances in multiple directions. This segmentation allows comprehensive shape dynamics evaluation while maintaining operational simplicity through automated computation rather than manual analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses visual representation where different colors or intensities indicate growth magnitude in different directions. This visual encoding allows shape dynamics information to be presented intuitively without complicating the evaluation process, as the color-coded growth image provides immediate visual insight into directional growth patterns.
3Measurement precision
If the colony growth is evaluated in multiple directions, then the directionality evaluation is improved, but the measurement complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a universal image processing approach that can evaluate colony growth in any number of directions using the same fundamental methodology. The system uses multi-functional algorithms that handle both simple area measurement and complex directional analysis with a single integrated process, avoiding the need for separate measurement systems for different evaluation types.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical or manual measurement systems with automated image processing and computational analysis. Digital image analysis algorithms automatically calculate growth in multiple directions from captured images, eliminating the need for physical measurement tools and reducing system complexity while improving measurement precision.
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, an image processing apparatus includes processing circuitry. The processing circuitry specifies, based on a time-sequential photography image relating to a colony including a plurality of cultured cells, a growth direction of the colony, and a growth degree of the colony in the growth direction. The processing circuitry generates, based on the photography image, a growth image representing the growth direction and the growth degree of the colony.