Cell Culture Database Linking Shape and Fluorescence Data

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional cell culture analysis technologies fail to link information from transparent observing images and fluorescence images across different time points, making it difficult to obtain chronological data on cell culture states.

Innovation Solution

A computer program that performs image input, analysis, and database generation processes to create a database linking cell shape and fluorescence data across time points, enabling temporal analysis of cell culture states by correlating cell positions and emission states.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If conventional cell culture analysis technology is used to evaluate cell shape and fluorescence expression at specific time points, then cell state analysis is achieved, but chronological information on cell culture state cannot be obtained

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechronological informationVSAvoidinformation linking system
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a digital copy of cell information across multiple time points by extracting and storing cell shape data, fluorescence data, and identification data in a structured database format. This allows chronological tracking without requiring physical linkage of cells across time points

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary database system that stores and links cell information across different time points. The database acts as a mediator that connects observation data from multiple time points, enabling chronological analysis without direct physical connection between observations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Duration of action of moving object

If time lapse observation is performed to capture cell changes over time, then continuous imaging data is obtained, but individual cell tracking across time points becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveobservation periodVSAvoidcell identification accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary extraction and storage of cell identification data, shape data, and fluorescence data at each time point before linking them chronologically. This preliminary organization enables accurate cell tracking across extended observation periods by maintaining consistent identification criteria

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the continuous imaging data into discrete time-point observations, extracting individual cell parameters at each time point. This segmentation allows precise measurement of cell states at each moment while enabling subsequent chronological linkage through the database system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 the search and analysis of cell culture information in a time-axis direction for cells with commonality, providing continuous temporal data on cell states and improving the evaluation of cell behavior over time.

Implementation Method 1

an imaging device capturing a microscope observing image of the cells in the temperature-controlled room

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight emission and detection: Light

Data Source

PatentEP2213722B1Program, computer, and culture state analyzing method
Publication Date: 2018.01.10 NIKON CORP
  • EP2213722B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2213722B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2213722B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

In an image input process, the computer is made to read data of a transparent observing image and data of a fluorescence image. In a transparent observing image analyzing process, identification data corresponding to each of the cells and cell shape data are generated. In a fluorescence image analyzing process, fluorescence data indicating a fluorescence detecting state within a field is generated. In an emitting determination process, an emission state of each of the cells is determined. In a table generating process, each of the cell shape data and the data of the emission state are corresponded to the identification data to generate a cell analyzing table. In an identity determination process, an identity of the cells is determined with the cell shape data, and a correspondence relationship of the identification data between a plurality of cell analyzing tables at a observing times is determined. In a database generating process, based on the correspondence relationship of the identification data, a plurality of cell analyzing tables at the different observing times is recorded in a storage medium by making into a database which can be searched in a direction of a time axis for each of the cells having commonality.