Cell Observation System Using Segmented Illumination for Precision Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cell observation techniques are time-consuming and inefficient, particularly when switching between whole container and magnified views, and fail to provide continuous observation from cell emergence to completion, due to limitations in illumination and image capture systems.
Innovation Solution
An observation system and program that includes a configuration with separate entire and magnifying observation units, using CMOS and CCD cameras with distinct illumination sources, and image processing algorithms for identifying and tracking cell masses, enabling precise detection and continuous observation of cell growth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single illumination source is used for both entire container observation and magnified observation, then device complexity is reduced, but observation precision deteriorates because different illumination types are required for different observation purposes
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination system is segmented into two independent illumination sources: a first illumination source for entire container observation and a second illumination source for magnified observation. This segmentation allows each illumination source to be optimized for its specific observation purpose, resolving the contradiction between device complexity and observation precision.
Solution Approach 2:
Different illumination qualities are provided for different observation regions: the first illumination source provides illumination suitable for wide-field entire container observation, while the second illumination source provides phase difference illumination suitable for high-precision magnified observation of cell masses. This local quality differentiation ensures optimal observation conditions for each purpose.
2Device complexity
If high-magnification observation is performed using the same optical system as entire container observation, then device complexity is reduced, but observation precision deteriorates due to insufficient illumination for magnified views
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system is segmented into two independent observation paths: an entire observation unit with its own illumination source for wide-field viewing, and a magnifying observation unit with its own phase difference illumination source for detailed cell mass observation. This segmentation eliminates the limitation of using a single optical system for both purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The illumination parameters are changed according to observation requirements: the first illumination source uses parameters suitable for entire container illumination, while the second illumination source uses phase difference illumination parameters optimized for magnified observation, thereby achieving high precision in both observation modes.
3Productivity
If continuous observation from cell emergence to completion is implemented, then productivity is improved, but loss of time increases due to repeated position searching and setting
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses image processing to automatically detect and track cell masses across multiple observation time points. The observation position is determined based on feedback from image analysis, eliminating the need for manual position searching and setting, thereby enabling continuous observation without time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The observation system performs self-positioning through automatic image processing and cell mass detection. The system automatically determines observation positions and tracks cell masses without requiring external intervention or repeated manual setup, enabling uninterrupted continuous observation from emergence to completion.
4Area of stationary object
If the entire container is observed at low magnification to identify cell masses, then the field of view is sufficient for locating cell masses, but observation precision deteriorates because individual cell mass details cannot be seen
Solution Approach 1:
The observation system is segmented into two independent observation units: the entire observation unit provides a wide field of view for locating cell masses, while the magnifying observation unit provides high magnification for detailed cell mass observation. This segmentation allows both wide viewing and detailed observation to be performed with optimized precision for each purpose.
Data Source
AI summary
A recording medium having an observation program recorded therein, the program may cause a computer to execute: an entire-image-pickup process of picking up an image of a sample by picking up an image of an entire container containing the sample and a solution; a sample-mass-identification process of identifying a sample mass having the samples gathering therein, from the image picked up in the entire image-pickup process; a sample-mass-determination process of extracting shape information of the identified sample mass, and determining a state of the sample mass based on the shape information; a coordinate-detection process of selecting a magnifying-observation-target sample mass from the identified sample masses, and detecting coordinates of the center of the magnifying-observation-target sample mass.