Cell Picking Support Device with Visual Coordinate Overlay
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cell selection and extraction methods are inefficient, requiring manual microscope observation, which hampers operation efficiency in cell culture processes, especially when dealing with pluripotent cells like ES and iPS cells.
Innovation Solution
A cell picking support device that includes a cell culture observation device with image analysis capabilities to identify and locate specific cells, coupled with a support device that fixes the well plate and provides visual cues for picking cells, allowing for precise and efficient cell selection without the need for continuous microscope observation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual microscope observation is used for cell selection and extraction, then cell picking accuracy can be maintained, but operation efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary image capture and analysis to identify and mark the positions of target cells before the actual picking operation. The coordinate information and image data are prepared in advance, allowing the operator to quickly locate and pick cells without time-consuming microscope observation during the picking process itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a visual copy of the cell culture plate image with overlaid coordinate information and markers indicating target cell positions. This visual copy serves as a guide for the picking operation, replacing the need for real-time microscope observation and significantly speeding up the process while maintaining accuracy.
2Ease of operation
If continuous microscope observation is performed during cell picking, then picking accuracy is maintained, but work efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces an intermediary visual display that shows the captured image with coordinate information and target cell markers. This intermediary display acts as a bridge between the cell culture plate and the operator, providing all necessary picking information without requiring direct microscope observation, thereby improving ease of operation and productivity simultaneously.
3Measurement precision
If manual cell selection under microscope is used, then precise cell identification is achieved, but operation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic image analysis to identify target cells, calculate their coordinates, and generate visual markers indicating which cells to pick. The system serves itself by automatically processing the image data and providing ready-to-use picking information, eliminating the need for complex manual operations while maintaining high identification precision.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a cell picking support device, a display device and a culture container that can enhance work efficiency. An adapter 52A fixes a well plate 31A that holds cells cultured in a cell culture observation device. A control unit 71 reads culture observation information that includes cell information and coordinate information, from a memory card that is fitted to an external memory I/F 62a. A display unit 72 is provided on a placing surface side of the well plate 31A that is fixed by the adapter 52A, and in response to control by the control unit 71, displays the cell information, read from the memory card, at display positions corresponding to positions on the bottom face of the well plate 31A, as specified by the coordinate information. The present invention can be used, for instance, as a cell picking support device that supports a picking operation that is performed in a clean bench.