Cell Observation System for Target Cell Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cell observation systems lack an efficient method to accurately locate and isolate target cells from a culturing vessel outside an incubator, leading to prolonged exposure to non-culturing environments and increased time and effort in cell handling.
Innovation Solution
A cell observation system comprising a first image-acquisition device within an incubator, a second image-acquisition device outside the incubator, a processing device, and a display that extracts and superimposes target cell positions on a culturing vessel indication, allowing for precise alignment and isolation of target cells.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single observation system is used inside the incubator, then cell observation can be performed without removing the culturing vessel, but it becomes difficult to accurately locate and isolate target cells outside the incubator
Solution Approach 1:
The observation system is segmented into two distinct parts: a first observation device inside the incubator for monitoring cell culture, and a second observation device outside the incubator for locating and isolating target cells. This segmentation allows each device to be optimized for its specific function while working together through image data sharing and coordinate transformation, resolving the contradiction between maintaining incubator conditions and enabling accurate target cell isolation.
2Ease of operation
If the culturing vessel is removed from the incubator for cell isolation, then target cells can be accessed, but cells are exposed to non-culturing environment for extended periods
Solution Approach 1:
The first observation device continuously monitors and identifies target cells inside the incubator before any removal operation. Image data and position information are captured and processed in advance, allowing the operator to plan the isolation procedure beforehand. This preliminary action minimizes the time the culturing vessel needs to be outside the incubator, as the operator can quickly locate and isolate target cells using the pre-acquired image data and coordinate information.
3Ease of manufacture
If manual searching for target cells is performed outside the incubator, then cell isolation can be achieved, but time and effort required for cell handling increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a digital copy of the cell culture environment through the first observation device's imaging system. Image data captured inside the incubator is transmitted to the second observation device, where image processing and coordinate transformation generate a virtual representation of cell positions. This copying approach eliminates the need for manual searching outside the incubator, as the operator can directly locate target cells using the transformed coordinate information, significantly improving cell handling efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A cell observation system according to the present invention includes: a first image-acquisition device disposed in an incubator and acquires a first image of cells in a culturing vessel; a second image-acquisition device disposed outside the incubator; a processing device connected to the first image-acquisition device and the second image-acquisition device; and a display displays at least a region of the first image, as well as the second image. The second image-acquisition device includes a second image-acquisition unit that acquires a second image of the interior of the culturing vessel, that removed from the incubator. The processing device extracts target cells in the first image, calculates positions at which the extracted target cells are present and stores the positions in the memory, and causes the display to display the positions at which the target cells are present in a superimposed manner on an indication indicating the culturing vessel.