Bottom-Side Cell Observation Imaging With Heat-Controlled Exposure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing observation devices face challenges in securing sufficient light for imaging biological samples without causing excessive heat generation, which can damage the samples, especially when using containers with low reflectance lids.
Innovation Solution
The observation device employs a configuration with illumination and imaging systems on the downward side of the sample, utilizing polarized illumination and controlling exposure amounts based on required imaging times to avoid excessive heat buildup.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If illumination luminance is increased to secure sufficient light for imaging, then image quality is improved, but heat generation increases which can damage biological samples
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic imaging cycles with alternating operation periods and pause periods. During operation periods, illumination is provided at controlled luminance levels. During pause periods, illumination is reduced or stopped to allow heat dissipation. This periodic on-off cycling enables sustained imaging capability while preventing excessive heat accumulation that would damage biological samples.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts illumination luminance based on real-time temperature monitoring. When temperature approaches predefined thresholds, the system automatically reduces illumination luminance to maintain safe operating conditions. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize image quality while preventing heat-related sample damage through continuous parameter adjustment.
2Productivity
If imaging frequency is increased to improve monitoring efficiency, then productivity is improved, but heat accumulation increases which can damage samples
Solution Approach 1:
The system structures imaging operations into periodic cycles comprising operation periods (where imaging occurs) and pause periods (where imaging is suspended). By controlling the duration and frequency of these cycles, the system achieves efficient monitoring throughput while ensuring adequate cooling intervals to prevent heat accumulation and sample damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates temperature monitoring with feedback control that adjusts imaging frequency and illumination parameters based on real-time thermal conditions. When temperature sensors detect approaching threshold values, the control unit automatically reduces imaging frequency or extends pause periods, creating a self-regulating system that maintains productivity within safe thermal boundaries.
3Measurement precision
If illumination is provided from upward side for phase contrast imaging, then image quality is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional optical components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional illumination arrangement by providing illumination from the downward side (substrate side) rather than the upward side (cover glass side). This inversion eliminates the need for complex condenser lenses and optical components typically required for phase contrast imaging from above, while achieving equivalent or superior imaging quality through the substrate interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates unnecessary optical components from the imaging system. By utilizing the substrate as an effective phase-shifting interface and implementing downward-side illumination, the system removes the need for complex condenser optics, phase plates, and other components traditionally required for phase contrast imaging, thereby simplifying the overall device architecture.
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
This configuration allows for high-contrast imaging of phase objects like cultured cells within an incubator without overheating, enabling continuous monitoring while maintaining image quality and sample safety.
Implementation Method 1
images the sample with transmitted light that is reflected on the upward side in the illumination light emitted from the illumination system
Implementation Method 2
transmitted light that is reflected on the upward side in the illumination light emitted from the illumination system and is transmitted through the sample
Data Source
AI summary
An observation device includes: an illumination system that is disposed on a downward side of a sample and emits illumination light from the downward side toward an upward side of the sample; an imaging system that is disposed on the downward side and images the sample with transmitted light that is reflected on the upward side in the illumination light emitted from the illumination system and is transmitted through the sample from the upward side to the downward side; and a control unit that executes imaging control using the illumination system and the imaging system. The control unit controls an exposure amount in correspondence with required time for the imaging control which includes required operation time and required pause time determined based on imaging conditions.