Immunofluorescence Imaging System Gesture Control

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing immunofluorescence imaging methods require manual alignment and continuous illumination, which can lead to sample burnout and delayed image capture, making it difficult for users to easily and safely acquire and view different sections of a biological sample with high image quality.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that alternates between two operating states: a first state with continuous illumination and movement-dependent image capture for fluid section selection, and a second state with longer illumination periods for high-quality image display, minimizing sample exposure and maintaining a 'live microscopy' impression without actual continuous image capture.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If continuous illumination is used to maintain live microscopy impression, then user experience is improved, but sample burnout increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser experienceVSAvoidsample burnout
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system alternates between illuminated and dark periods, creating a periodic illumination pattern. During movement gestures, the system uses brief illuminated periods to capture images at different positions, then enters dark periods to allow sample recovery, maintaining the live microscopy impression while preventing continuous burnout

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system captures multiple images during illuminated periods before the sample deteriorates significantly. By pre-capturing images at different positions during brief illumination windows, the system ensures sufficient image data is collected before the sample undergoes substantial burnout

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If longer acquisition time is used to improve image quality, then image quality is improved, but frame rate decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage qualityVSAvoidframe rate
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the image capture process into multiple shorter exposures taken during illuminated periods, rather than requiring a single long exposure. This allows the system to accumulate image data over time while maintaining the ability to switch between positions during dark periods

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the timing and duration of illuminated versus dark periods based on the user's movement gesture speed and image quality requirements. Faster gestures receive shorter illuminated periods for quick capture, while slower gestures allow longer illuminated periods for higher quality images

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If manual alignment is used to change sample sections, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice structureVSAvoidoperation simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces manual mechanical alignment with gesture-controlled digital navigation. Users perform movement gestures on the display to indicate desired sample sections, and the system automatically calculates and executes the appropriate position changes during dark periods, maintaining simple device structure while dramatically improving ease of operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 approach allows for smooth, high-quality image display and minimizes sample burnout by optimizing illumination periods, providing users with a fluid and detailed view of immunofluorescence images while protecting the sample from prolonged exposure.

Implementation Method 1

the sample is continuously illuminated with excitation radiation. This, in particular, generates a continuous emission of fluorescence radiation from the sample

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluorescence: Fluorescence

Data Source

PatentEP3623798B1Method and device for detecting and representing an immunofluorescence image of a biological sample
Publication Date: 2021.11.03 EUROIMMUN MEDIZINISCHE LABORDIAGNOSTIKA
  • EP3623798B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3623798B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b
  • EP3623798B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method for acquiring and displaying an immunofluorescence image (BI1, BI2, BI3) of a biological sample (G) is proposed. During a first operating state (BZ1), the sample (G) is continuously illuminated with excitation radiation (AS). The relative position between the sample (G) and an optical system (OS), which directs the fluorescence radiation (FS) to an image sensor (BS), is changed depending on a user's movement gesture (BG1), and a corresponding digital image (BI1, BI2) is displayed. Upon detection of the end of the movement gesture (BG1), the system switches from the first operating state (BZ1) to a second operating state (BZ2). In the second operating state (BZ2), the sample (G) is first illuminated with excitation radiation (AS) to excite the fluorescence radiation (FS) of the fluorescent dye.The system then detects the fluorescence radiation (FS) emitted by the sample (G) and generates a corresponding digital image (BI3). In the second operating state (BZ2), the detection of the emitted fluorescence radiation (FS) and the illumination of the sample (G) cease after the second detection period. Furthermore, the digital image (BI3) continues to be displayed after the detection of the fluorescence radiation (FS) and the illumination of the sample (G) have ended.