Flat Tissue Analysis Device Using Planar Optical Units

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tissue sample analysis devices are large-scale, costly, and have poor operability, leading to long analysis times and insufficient resolution, which can result in tissue sample deterioration and the need for more rapid and finer analysis results.

Innovation Solution

A tissue sample analysis device that uses a flat light source unit and a flat light receiving unit to apply and receive light, allowing for simultaneous measurement of photometric information across the tissue sample, reducing the need for complex positioning and minimizing tissue sample handling, and incorporating band-pass and absorption filters for precise fluorescence measurement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a photomultiplier is mounted on a camera mount of a large microscope to measure fluorescence from a very small point, then analytical sensitivity is improved, but the system becomes large-scale and costly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanalytical sensitivityVSAvoidsystem size and cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the complex mechanical microscope system with a flat light source unit and flat light receiving unit configuration. This substitution eliminates the need for large-scale optical components like photomultipliers and camera mounts while achieving comparable measurement capabilities through a simplified planar structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a simplified optical path configuration that copies the essential measurement function of the microscope system without requiring its complex mechanical structure. The flat light source and light receiving unit arrangement replicates the illumination and detection functions in a compact form.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Measurement precision

If the stage is moved one point by one point to measure the tissue sample, then measurement precision is improved, but the analysis time becomes excessively long

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement precisionVSAvoidanalysis time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables continuous measurement across the tissue sample by using flat light source and light receiving units that can capture photometric information from multiple points simultaneously or in rapid succession, eliminating the need for slow point-by-point stage movement while maintaining measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Area of stationary object

If the tissue sample is handled and repositioned between measurements, then measurement coverage is improved, but the tissue sample may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement coverageVSAvoidtissue sample integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a single-point measurement approach to a planar measurement approach by using flat light source and light receiving units. This dimensional change allows simultaneous measurement across multiple areas of the tissue sample without requiring physical repositioning, thereby preserving sample integrity while achieving comprehensive coverage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

This configuration enables cost reduction, downsizing, and accelerated analysis while maintaining high quantitativeness and resolution, preventing tissue sample deterioration and allowing for rapid acquisition of chemical substance distribution data.

Implementation Method 1

a fluorescence emitted from a region of a very small point (for example, with a diameter of several tens of micrometers) of a tissue sample is focused by a pinhole

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluorescence: Fluorescence

Implementation Method 2

incorporating band-pass and absorption filters for precise fluorescence measurement

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical filtering: Filter (optical)

Implementation Method 3

incorporating band-pass and absorption filters for precise fluorescence measurement

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 4

measured in a photometric manner by using a camera of the large microscope and the photomultiplier

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoelectric conversion: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS10444152B2Tissue sample analysis device and tissue sample analysis system

Publication Date: 2019.10.15 YAMATO SCI CO LTD

AI summary

A tissue sample analysis device 1 that quantitatively analyzes photometric information obtained by applying light to a tissue sample M of a living body, the tissue sample analysis device including: a light source unit 30 that applies the light to the tissue sample M; and a flat light receiving unit 31 that is disposed opposite to the light source unit 30, and in a state in which the tissue sample M is disposed between the light source unit 30 and the light receiving unit 31 itself, receives light transmitted through the tissue sample M or light radiated from the tissue sample M.