Imaging Position Correction for Consistent Cell Tiling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging technologies face challenges in acquiring consistent partial images of cells in cultivation containers due to positional deviations caused by speed changes and vibrations during tiling imaging, leading to increased processing time and the need for re-imaging when defects occur.
Innovation Solution
An observation apparatus and method that calculates and corrects the imaging position of the imaging unit based on reference shape information and partial shape information, ensuring consistency between adjacent partial images without the need for re-imaging by adjusting the imaging position to match the reference shape of the container.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If tiling imaging is performed by scanning the cultivation container with an image forming optical system, then a wide field-of-view image can be acquired, but positional deviation occurs due to speed changes and vibration causing inconsistent partial images
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback by comparing the actual imaging position with the predetermined imaging position information, detecting positional deviations, and correcting them through the control unit to maintain accurate tile image alignment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical positioning reliance with information-based positioning using predetermined imaging position data and container shape information to calculate and correct positions, substituting physical alignment mechanisms with computational methods
2Manufacturing precision
If re-imaging is performed to correct defects in tile images, then image quality can be improved, but processing time is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by acquiring container shape information in advance and calculating predetermined imaging positions before actual imaging, allowing position corrections to be made proactively rather than reacting to defects after imaging
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary element - the predetermined imaging position information derived from container shape - that mediates between the imaging system and the container, enabling accurate positioning without trial-and-error re-imaging
3Productivity
If the imaging position is not corrected during tiling imaging, then the imaging process is simple and fast, but adjacent partial images show positional deviation and inconsistency
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit continuously monitors imaging position against predetermined positions and provides real-time feedback corrections, maintaining image consistency without interrupting the imaging workflow
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts imaging parameters (position coordinates) based on container shape characteristics, changing positional parameters to compensate for variations while maintaining imaging speed
Data Source
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AI summary
An observation apparatus, an observation method, and an observation program capable of acquiring consistent partial images without performing re-imaging are provided. An observation apparatus includes an imaging unit 37 that images a container 20 accommodating an observation target in an accommodation part 22 and the observation target in a field of view smaller than the accommodation part 22 at predetermined imaging positions and acquires a series of partial images, a movement unit 12 that relatively moves at least one of the container 20 or the imaging unit 37 with respect to the other, a calculation unit 44 that calculates partial shape information representing a partial shape of the container 20 from the partial image obtained by imaging performed by the imaging unit 37, a storage unit 45 that stores reference shape information representing a shape of the container 20, and a control unit 40 that corrects the imaging position in a case where the partial image scheduled to be subsequently captured during acquisition of the series of partial images is captured based on the partial shape information and the reference shape information, and causes the imaging unit 37 to perform imaging based on the corrected imaging position.