Fiber Optic Plate Cell Imaging Without Lenses
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for observing cells, such as phase contrast and differential interferometry, require complex optical systems and manual operation, making them unsuitable for observing cells in incubators or stacked containers, and lens-less imaging methods with semiconductor optical sensors are prone to malfunction.
Innovation Solution
A monitoring device using fiber optic plates to transfer light from cells to a semiconductor optical sensor, providing clear contrast images without the need for complex optical systems and manual focusing, by filtering scattered light based on angle of incidence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If phase contrast method or differential interferometry is used to observe cells, then cell visibility and contrast are improved, but device complexity and manual operation requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential function of light transmission and image formation from complex optical systems by removing lenses, mirrors, and other optical components. The fiber optic plate directly transfers light from the cell culture container to the semiconductor sensor without requiring traditional optical elements, thereby achieving cell imaging with high visibility while eliminating device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a fiber optic plate as an intermediary element between the light source/container and the semiconductor sensor. This intermediary transfers light effectively without requiring complex optical systems, resolving the contradiction by providing a simple yet effective light transmission path that maintains cell visibility while reducing optical system complexity.
2Measurement precision
If microscopes with optical systems are used for cell observation, then imaging capability is improved, but ease of operation and automation are worsened due to manual focusing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The fiber optic plate-based system is self-aligning and does not require manual focusing operations. The plate naturally guides light from the container to the sensor without needing adjustment, making the system easy to operate and suitable for automated cell observation in incubators.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical focusing system of traditional microscopes with a passive fiber optic plate that inherently guides light without mechanical adjustment. This substitution eliminates manual focusing operations while maintaining imaging capability.
3Measurement precision
If large optical systems are used for cell observation, then imaging quality is improved, but adaptability to confined spaces and parallel use is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a fiber optic plate that creates a direct optical path from the container to the sensor, effectively copying the light transmission function of large optical systems in a compact form. This allows high-quality imaging in confined spaces like incubators where large microscopes cannot fit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from the traditional three-dimensional optical path requiring large space to a planar fiber optic plate structure that achieves the same imaging function in a two-dimensional compact format, enabling use in confined spaces and parallel deployment.
4Device complexity
If lens-less imaging method with semiconductor optical sensor is used, then device simplicity is improved, but reliability is worsened due to sensor malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The fiber optic plate serves as a protective intermediary between the external environment and the semiconductor sensor. It transfers light effectively while isolating the sensor from direct contact with culture media and environmental contaminants, thereby maintaining reliability while keeping the device simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The fiber optic plate provides beforehand protection to the semiconductor sensor by acting as a barrier against moisture, chemicals, and physical damage from the culture environment. This preventive measure reduces sensor malfunction while maintaining the simplicity of the lens-less design.
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
Enables clear and high-contrast imaging of cells without manual operation, reducing the risk of sensor malfunction and allowing for observation of multiple samples simultaneously, even in confined spaces like incubators or stacked containers.
Implementation Method 1
an image transfer element comprising an incident surface which can receive light from a light-transmissive base material on which a microbody is placed and an emission surface which emits light incident on the incident surface
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, a monitoring device includes a detector unit including an image transfer element comprising an incident surface which allows light to enter from a light-transmissive base material on which a microbody is placed and an emission surface which emits the light entering from the incident surface, which transfers two-dimensional image data of the microbody to a semiconductor optical sensor, and the semiconductor optical sensor which receives light from the emission surface.