Cell Observation System Using Line and Area Cameras
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing cell observation systems, particularly those using area cameras of the image accumulating type, are limited by memory capacity, restricting imaging time and the number of cells that can be observed, as they require frequent data transfer to external storage, leading to significant downtime and reduced efficiency in identifying cancer cells.
Innovation Solution
A cell observation system employing a combination of a line camera for initial one-dimensional imaging and an area camera for high-speed, high-resolution two-dimensional imaging, with a control device managing data transfer to optimize imaging time and reduce downtime by using a ring buffer memory configuration for efficient data storage and analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If an area camera of the image accumulating type is used to capture images at high speed, then imaging speed is improved, but imaging time is restricted by memory capacity and downtime increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the imaging system into two separate cameras: a first area camera that continuously accumulates imaging data in its built-in memory at high speed, and a second area camera that captures images only when cells of interest pass through the flow cell. This segmentation allows the first camera to maintain high imaging speed capability while the second camera operates only when needed, eliminating the downtime associated with transferring large amounts of data from a single camera's memory.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines two area cameras into a single imaging system, where the first camera continuously captures and accumulates imaging data while the second camera selectively captures images of cells of interest. The control device coordinates both cameras to work together, merging their functions to achieve both high imaging speed capability and reduced downtime by avoiding frequent memory transfers.
2Speed
If an area camera of the image accumulating type is used, then high-speed imaging capability is improved, but the number of cells that can be observed is limited by memory capacity
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the imaging function between two cameras, the system can continuously accumulate data without being constrained by a single camera's memory capacity. The first camera's continuous operation combined with the second camera's selective imaging enables observation of a much larger number of cells while maintaining high-speed imaging capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The first area camera performs preliminary continuous imaging and accumulates data in its memory before the second camera is needed. This preliminary action ensures that imaging capability is always available and eliminates waiting time, allowing the system to observe more cells by maintaining continuous operation rather than pausing for memory transfers.
3Ease of operation
If an area camera of the image transferring type is used, then data transfer to external storage is simplified, but imaging speed is significantly reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the data transfer burden by having the first area camera continuously accumulate data in its built-in memory without frequent transfers, while the second camera only transfers data when cells of interest are captured. This segmentation maintains high imaging speed capability by avoiding frequent interruptions for data transfer, while still achieving simplified operation through automated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic action by having the second area camera operate only at specific intervals when cells of interest pass through the flow cell, rather than continuously. This allows the first camera to maintain continuous high-speed imaging capability while the second camera performs selective imaging only when needed, effectively reducing the frequency of data transfer operations.
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 approach enables the observation of a larger number of cells with improved efficiency, allowing for accurate identification of specific cells, such as cancer cells, by minimizing downtime and enhancing the overall observation and analysis process.
Implementation Method 1
a first observation apparatus 40 including an objective lens 41 and a line camera 42, wherein the objective lens forms an image of the cell on a light receiving plane of the line camera
Implementation Method 2
a second observation apparatus 50 including an objective lens 51 and an area camera 52, wherein the area camera is an image accumulating type and capable of allowing a high speed imaging
Data Source
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AI summary
A cell observation system 1A observes a cell 30 moving in a flow path 10 with a fluid 20, and includes a first observation apparatus 40, a second observation apparatus 50, and a control device 60. The first observation apparatus 40 includes an objective lens 41 and a line camera 42. The second observation apparatus 50 includes an objective lens 51 and an area camera 52. The control device 60 analyzes first imaging data output from the first observation apparatus 40 to determine whether the cell satisfies a specific condition, instructs the area camera 52 to output second imaging data of the cell determined to satisfy the specific condition, and analyzes the second imaging data output from the second observation apparatus 50 to determine whether the cell is a specific cell. Thus, it is possible to realize a cell observation system and a cell observation method which can observe a large number of cells and can be suitably used to identify a specific cell.