Laser Microscope System for Automated Biological Object Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for isolating individual cells or structures from biological materials are laborious, prone to contamination, and lack automation, requiring high precision and manual selection, which is time-consuming and subjective.
Innovation Solution
A method using a laser microscope system that automatically identifies and selects regions of interest in images of biological materials, generating control signals for precise cutting and catapulting of objects using laser beams, reducing user workload and ensuring objective selection criteria.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual selection of objects is performed by user interface, then flexibility in selection is improved, but time expenditure and workload increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic object selection through image evaluation and automated region selection based on identified structures, eliminating the need for manual user selection. The control system autonomously determines which objects to process by analyzing images and applying selection criteria, thereby drastically reducing time expenditure while maintaining selection flexibility through programmable parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-identifies structures in images and pre-selects regions of interest before the actual laser processing occurs. By evaluating images and determining target objects in advance, the system prepares selection criteria and object lists beforehand, allowing the subsequent processing to proceed efficiently without time-consuming manual intervention during the operation phase.
2Ease of operation
If manual selection of objects is performed, then subjective criteria can be applied, but objective and reliable selection is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where image evaluation results are automatically analyzed and used to adjust selection criteria. The control system continuously monitors processing outcomes and uses this feedback to refine object identification and selection, ensuring consistent and objective selection based on measurable parameters rather than subjective user judgment, thereby improving reliability while maintaining operational control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transforms subjective selection criteria into objective parameters by defining specific image features, structural characteristics, and geometric properties that automatically determine object selection. By changing from manual subjective judgment to automated parameter-based selection, the system achieves reliable and reproducible object identification while maintaining user autonomy through programmable parameter configuration.
3Manufacturing precision
If high precision is required for cutting and catapulting, then separation quality is improved, but device complexity and operational difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces complex mechanical positioning and alignment mechanisms with automated optical and computational systems. Image evaluation and computer-controlled laser positioning substitute for manual mechanical adjustment, achieving high cutting precision through software-based control rather than complex mechanical systems, thereby reducing operational difficulty while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a digital replica or model of the target object through image evaluation and structure identification before actual processing. By working with a digital copy or representation of the object's geometry and position, the system can plan and execute precise cutting and catapulting operations without requiring complex real-time mechanical adjustments, simplifying the physical system while maintaining high precision.
4Reliability
If repeated cutting and catapulting processes are performed manually, then consistency is difficult to maintain, but automation requires significant initial setup
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements continuous automated processing where image evaluation, object selection, and laser processing occur in an uninterrupted sequence without manual intervention between steps. The control system maintains continuous operation by automatically transitioning from one processed object to the next, ensuring consistent application of selection and processing criteria throughout the entire batch, thereby achieving high reliability through continuous automated action rather than repeated manual operations.
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
Enables rapid, precise, and reliable separation of objects from biological materials with reduced manual intervention, improving reproducibility and efficiency by automating the selection and processing of regions based on objective criteria.
Implementation Method 1
a laser light source (4), which generates a laser beam (28) used for cutting the material and/or catapulting an object of the material
Implementation Method 2
cutting the material and/or catapulting an object of the material from the material by irradiation with the laser beam (28)
Implementation Method 3
catapulting an object of the material from the material by irradiation with the laser beam (28)
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to processing a material. The material lies on a carrier and is cut by irradiation with a laser beam, or an object of the material is catapulted from the carrier to a collection device by means of the laser beam. An image of the material on the carrier is generated. The image is evaluated automatically in order to identify structures in it. A region of the image is automatically selected on the basis of the identified structures. The selected region is then used for automatically cutting the material and/or catapulting the object, or serves as a working region in which the material is cut or from which the object is catapulted. Parallel sections through the material may in particular be employed.