Fiber Optic Plate Cell Imaging Sensor
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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 automated monitoring, especially in confined spaces like incubators or stacked culture plates, and are prone to malfunction in semiconductor optical sensors.
Innovation Solution
A monitoring device using fiber optic plates to transfer images from transparent base materials to semiconductor optical sensors, providing clear contrast and reducing heat effects, allowing for automated imaging without manual adjustment and complex optical systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
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 image contrast enhancement from complex optical systems (phase contrast, differential interferometry) and implements it using a simple semiconductor optical sensor that directly contacts the culture container bottom. This eliminates the need for complex lenses and optical components while maintaining cell visibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a semiconductor optical sensor as an intermediary element that directly contacts the culture container bottom to transfer and enhance the optical image of cells. This intermediary component replaces complex optical systems while achieving the same contrast enhancement function.
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
Solution Approach 1:
The semiconductor optical sensor automatically captures cell images by directly contacting the culture container bottom, eliminating the need for manual focusing and adjustment operations. The system serves itself by automatically achieving sharp focus and high-resolution imaging without user intervention.
3Volume of moving object
If lens-less imaging method with semiconductor optical sensor is used, then device size is reduced, but reliability is worsened due to sensor malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a simple semiconductor optical sensor that can be easily replaced if malfunction occurs. The sensor is designed as a disposable or easily replaceable component, eliminating reliability concerns through economic rather than technical solutions.
4Illumination intensity
If phase contrast method is used for cell observation, then cell contrast is improved, but adaptability to confined spaces is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential function of contrast enhancement from bulky optical systems and implements it using a compact semiconductor optical sensor that can fit in confined spaces such as incubators and transportation boxes, while maintaining cell contrast capability.
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 automated imaging of cells with high viewability, reducing the need for manual operation and complex optical systems, and is suitable for use in confined spaces like incubators or stacked culture plates.
Implementation Method 1
an image transfer element (5) comprising an incident surface (5a) which can receive light from a light-transmissive base material on which a microbody is placed and an emission surface (5b) 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.