Incubator Image Acquisition System for Contamination Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
In laboratory settings, the frequent opening of cell culture incubators leads to disturbances in controlled atmospheric conditions, affecting cell growth and increasing the risk of contamination, which results in inefficient use and potential loss of valuable samples.
Innovation Solution
An incubator equipped with an image acquisition system comprising a camera and data processing device that captures and stores images of the storage area, allowing users to assess occupancy before opening, thereby reducing unnecessary openings and optimizing storage space utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the incubator door is opened frequently to access storage areas, then users can retrieve and place objects, but the controlled atmosphere is disturbed and contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by capturing images of the storage area before the door is opened, allowing users to assess occupancy and plan their access accordingly. This preliminary information gathering enables users to minimize door opening frequency while maintaining operational efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a visual copy (image) of the storage area contents that can be viewed remotely. This copy allows users to obtain information about object locations and storage availability without physically entering the incubator chamber, thus preserving the controlled atmosphere.
2Ease of operation
If users spend more time searching for objects inside the incubator, then they can locate specific samples, but the exposure time of the interior increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system captures images of the storage area in advance and makes them available to users before they need to access the incubator. This allows users to search for and locate objects remotely, eliminating the time they would otherwise spend searching inside the chamber and thereby reducing exposure time.
Solution Approach 2:
By creating and providing visual copies (images) of the storage area, the system enables users to locate objects remotely without physically entering the incubator. This visual information copy allows rapid object identification and location planning, significantly reducing the time spent inside the controlled environment.
3Loss of information
If the incubator is opened to check storage space availability, then users can assess occupancy, but the risk of contamination increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a visual copy (image) of the storage area that provides complete information about occupancy and space availability. Users can view this copy remotely to assess storage conditions without opening the door, thereby obtaining necessary information while eliminating contamination risk.
Solution Approach 2:
The image acquisition system acts as an intermediary between the user and the storage area. Instead of directly viewing the physical storage space by opening the door, users interact with the visual intermediary (image) provided by the system, which conveys all necessary information about occupancy and space availability without exposing the interior to environmental contamination.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a live cell culture incubator, a method of working with an incubator, and a system including an incubator. An image acquisition system is used to determine an occupancy of the incubator.