Fluorescence Observation Tray with Orientation Marker
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fluorescence observation devices for tumor tissue identification are slow and inaccurate, requiring pathologists to manually observe samples under a microscope, and lack efficient methods to determine the positional relationship between residual tumor tissue and the surgical site.
Innovation Solution
A fluorescence observation device with a tray featuring multiple placement regions and a marker indicating cutting orientation, equipped with a light source unit, detection unit, and image generation unit, which generates fluorescence images for improved speed and accuracy, and includes a reference portion for consistent intensity and partition members to prevent probe flow and misalignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a pathologist observes a sample piece with a microscope, then detailed observation is possible, but the observation speed is slow and observation accuracy needs improvement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical microscope observation system with an automated fluorescence imaging system. The light source unit irradiates the sample piece with excitation light, the detection unit captures fluorescence signals, and the image generation unit creates visual images automatically, eliminating the need for manual microscope operation while improving both speed and accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a fluorescence image copy of the sample piece that can be analyzed without direct microscopic observation. The image generation unit produces a visual representation of the fluorescence distribution, allowing multiple analysts to examine the same image simultaneously without interfering with each other's observation
2Productivity
If multiple sample pieces are observed simultaneously, then productivity improves, but it becomes difficult to identify the positional relationship between sample pieces and the original sample
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies markers to the tray before placing sample pieces on it. These markers indicate the cutting orientation and positional relationship with the original sample in advance, so that when multiple sample pieces are observed simultaneously, their original positions can be easily identified without losing spatial information
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces markers as an intermediary element between the sample pieces and the observer. The markers serve as reference points that convey positional information from the original sample arrangement to the fluorescence image, enabling traceability of each sample piece's origin
3Reliability
If fluorescence intensity is measured to determine tumor tissue presence, then detection capability improves, but variations in fluorescence intensity over time can affect measurement reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a reference portion that provides a stable fluorescence signal as a reference. By comparing the fluorescence intensity of sample pieces against this reference, the system can compensate for temporal variations in fluorescence intensity, maintaining reliable tumor detection capability despite intensity fluctuations over time
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
Enhances observation speed and accuracy by generating clear fluorescence images and facilitating the identification of tumor tissue presence and positional relationships, allowing for faster and more precise analysis compared to traditional microscopy.
Implementation Method 1
a light source unit which generates excitation light to irradiate the sample piece; a detection unit which detects fluorescence from the sample piece
Data Source
AI summary
A fluorescence observation device is a device for performing fluorescence observation of a sample piece cut out from a sample including: a tray on which the sample piece is placed; a light source unit which generates excitation light to irradiate the sample piece; a detection unit which detects fluorescence from the sample piece; and an image generation unit which generates a fluorescence image of the sample piece based on a detection signal from the detection unit and the tray includes a plurality of placement regions provided around a center region of the tray and also includes a marker portion indicating a cutting orientation of the sample piece with respect to the sample.