Dynamic Magnification for Biological Specimen Observation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional biological specimen observation apparatuses using time lapse observation cannot accurately observe regions where changes in biological specimens occur, as they maintain a fixed magnification rate for both change detection and observation, limiting high-magnification observation of changed areas.

Innovation Solution

The apparatus employs a dual-mode observation system for macro and micro observations, allowing adjustable magnification rates and prioritization of observation schedules to focus on changed regions, using a combination of macro and micro object lenses and image analysis to dynamically adjust observation parameters based on detected changes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a fixed magnification rate is used for both change detection and observation, then the observation system is simple to operate, but high-magnification observation of changed areas cannot be achieved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation simplicityVSAvoidobservation accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the magnification rate based on detected changes in the biological specimen. When a change is detected by the image analysis unit, the observation unit automatically switches to a higher magnification rate to observe the changed region in detail, transforming the fixed magnification system into an adaptive dynamic system that optimizes observation accuracy while maintaining ease of operation through automated control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the magnification parameter from a fixed value to a variable that can be adjusted based on the observation needs. The system uses image analysis to detect changes and automatically modifies the magnification rate parameter, allowing the same observation system to operate at different magnification levels without requiring manual intervention, thus resolving the contradiction between operational simplicity and observation accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If the same magnification rate is maintained for change detection and detailed observation, then the observation schedule is easy to manage, but detailed observation of changed regions is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem complexityVSAvoiddetection precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The observation process is segmented into two distinct phases: a first observation phase using a first magnification rate for change detection, and a second observation phase using a second magnification rate for detailed observation of changed regions. This segmentation allows each phase to use the appropriate magnification level, improving detection precision without significantly increasing system complexity since the same observation unit is used for both phases

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary observation at a lower magnification rate to detect changes before switching to high-magnification observation. This preliminary action allows the system to identify which regions require detailed observation, enabling efficient resource allocation and maintaining manageable system complexity while achieving high detection precision when needed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If high magnification is used for all observations, then detailed observation is achieved, but the observation area coverage is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveobservation detailVSAvoidobservation area
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies different magnification rates to different regions of the biological specimen based on local needs. Changed regions that require detailed observation are viewed at high magnification, while unchanged regions are monitored at low magnification. This local quality approach ensures that high observation detail is applied only where necessary, maintaining broad area coverage while achieving detailed observation of critical regions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP2418473B1Organism sample observation device
Publication Date: 2022.01.26 NIKON CORP
  • EP2418473B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2418473B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2418473B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a biological specimen observation apparatus whereby observation of a biological specimen can be performed accurately. In macro observation, a biological change region is extracted from a macro image (S32), a micro observation point corresponding to an extracted biological change region is registered (S33), and an object for tracking is identified. In micro observation, it is judged from the micro image whether or not biological change has continued in the biological change region at the micro observation point (S41), and the registered micro observation point is updated on the basis of this judgment result (S42). By this means, it is possible to carry out both macro observation for detecting a biological change region and micro observation for observing the progress of growth of a partial minute region where biological change has been exhibited, and therefore it is possible to carry out accurate observation of a biological specimen. The present invention can be applied to a biological specimen observation apparatus which carries out observation of a biological specimen, for example.