Cell Imaging Device Continuous Scanning Focus Reference
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cell imaging devices take a long time to capture images due to the need for vertical movement of the stage relative to the objective lens and subsequent particle vibration, which requires waiting for vibrations to cease before obtaining clear images.
Innovation Solution
A cell imaging device with a sample cell containing internal reference marks and drive units for simultaneous horizontal and vertical movement of the sample cell and objective lens, allowing for continuous image capture without stopping, thus maintaining focus and reducing image acquisition time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the stage is moved vertically relative to the objective lens to detect focusing position and take images, then image focus accuracy is improved, but image acquisition time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary focusing adjustment using a focusing mark before actual particle imaging. The stage is pre-positioned at the focusing mark location, and the focal point is adjusted to coincide with the focusing mark. This preliminary action establishes a known reference plane, eliminating the need for repeated vertical scanning during particle imaging, thus reducing image acquisition time while maintaining focus accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a focusing mark as a reference copy or surrogate for the actual particles. Instead of performing focusing detection on each particle, the system creates a reference focal plane using the focusing mark, then uses this reference plane to guide subsequent particle imaging. This copying approach significantly reduces the time required for focusing operations.
2Measurement precision
If the stage is moved horizontally to a new visual field region and then stopped, then particle vibration occurs due to the stop, but clear image requires waiting for vibration to stop
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates unnecessary stopping of the stage during visual field transitions. The stage continues moving horizontally at a constant speed, and the imaging system captures images continuously at different positions. By maintaining continuous motion rather than stopping at each visual field boundary, particle vibration is minimized, and image clarity is maintained without requiring waiting time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a static imaging approach (stopping at each position) to a dynamic approach (continuous motion). The stage and imaging system work together in a coordinated dynamic manner, with the stage moving at constant speed and the imaging system capturing images at multiple positions during the continuous motion. This dynamic approach eliminates vibration caused by stopping and starting.
3Measurement precision
If the stage is moved vertically by a predetermined distance in each visual field region, then focusing detection is enabled, but overall imaging time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs focusing detection only once at the beginning using a focusing mark, establishing a reference focal plane. Subsequent imaging in different visual field regions uses this pre-established reference plane without requiring repeated vertical movement for focusing detection. This preliminary focusing action enables continuous imaging at high throughput while maintaining focus accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The focusing mark serves as a universal reference for the entire imaging field. Instead of performing focusing detection separately in each visual field region, a single focusing operation at the focusing mark provides a reference plane that can be used across multiple visual field regions. This multi-functional use of the focusing mark significantly improves imaging throughput.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
Provided are a cell imaging device and a cell imaging method that can shorten the time period of taking images of cells in a liquid sample, compared with conventional techniques. This cell imaging device 100 introduces a urine sample containing cells into an internal space 11 of a sample cell 10, moves in a second direction at least one of the sample cell 10 and an objective lens 52 while at least one of the sample cell 10 and the objective lens 52 is moved in a first direction, the second direction being different from the first direction, and takes, at a plurality of imaging positions, images of cells contained in the urine sample by means of an imaging unit 50.