Imaging Device Parallel Processing Control for Multi-User Efficiency

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Imaging devices used by multiple users face inefficiencies due to long imaging times for chemiluminescence or fluorescence, leading to poor use efficiency and prolonged waiting times, as existing systems lack methods for efficient sharing and prioritization of imaging processing tasks.

Innovation Solution

An imaging device and control method that allow parallel processing of imaging and analysis functions across multiple external terminals, with a control unit managing function execution based on reservation information and restricting simultaneous processing to ensure efficient use by multiple users.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If imaging time is extended to capture feeble chemiluminescence or fluorescence, then image quality is improved, but use efficiency of the imaging device deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage qualityVSAvoiduse efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the imaging device's functions by providing separate imaging units for chemiluminescence and fluorescence, each with dedicated light sources and optical paths. This allows different users to access different imaging functions simultaneously without interfering with each other, thus improving overall device utilization efficiency while maintaining image quality for each modality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The imaging device is designed with multi-functionality to perform both chemiluminescence and fluorescence imaging, as well as reflected light and transmission light imaging. This universal design allows the device to serve multiple users with different imaging needs simultaneously, improving use efficiency while maintaining the capability to produce high-quality images for each specific imaging type

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Device complexity

If imaging processing is performed in time-division manner for multiple users, then device complexity is reduced, but loss of time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol complexityVSAvoidwaiting time
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a control unit as an intermediary that manages multiple imaging units and coordinates operations between different users. The control unit receives imaging requests, allocates resources appropriately, and coordinates simultaneous operations of different imaging units, thereby enabling parallel processing that reduces waiting time while maintaining manageable system complexity through centralized control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple users share the imaging device, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser accessibilityVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control system is segmented into modular components that can independently manage different imaging units. Each imaging unit (chemiluminescence, fluorescence, reflected light, transmission light) can be controlled separately, allowing multiple users to access different functions simultaneously without requiring complex inter-coordination, thus improving adaptability while keeping control complexity manageable through modular design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 solution enables efficient use of imaging devices by multiple users by allowing sequential execution of imaging functions and parallel execution of analysis and file operations, improving overall operation rates and reducing waiting times.

Implementation Method 1

an imaging element to generate an image signal by photoelectrically reading chemiluminescence or fluorescence emitted from the object

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric conversion: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3026428B1Imaging device, control method therefor, and imaging system
Publication Date: 2022.10.26 FUJIFILM CORP
  • EP3026428B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3026428B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3026428B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

Disclosed are an imaging device (1) connected to a network server (5) and multiple external terminals (2), (3), (4), a control method for the imgaing device, and an imaging system capable of allowing efficient use by multiple users and achieving improvement of a rate of operation. An imaging device which photoelectrically reads fluorescence or chemiluminescence emitted from an object to image the object includes a control unit which receives first control information for controlling a first function and second control information for controlling a second function from a plurality of external terminals and performs control based on the received first and second control information. The control unit recognizes the execution states of the first function and the second function in each external terminal based on the first and second control information output from each external terminal, restricts simultaneous processing of the first function in the plurality of external terminals, and performs parallel processing of the first function and the second function in the plurality of external terminals.