Information processing apparatus, information processing system, information processing method, and computer-readable recording medium
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional automatic focusing technologies struggle with determining a focusing point in three-dimensionally cultured cell containers due to irregular reflection of focus detecting light, leading to deformed spots and difficulty in focus detection, and require lengthy focus searching times, especially in epifluorescent or fluorescence confocal cell capturing types, risking color deterioration and optical damage.
Innovation Solution
An information processing system that captures images at various object lens positions, specifies a focusing position based on image data, acquires a reference light receiving pattern of reflected focus detecting light, and stores it for quick automatic focusing, enabling focus detection on irregularly shaped containers without prolonged searching times.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional focus detection methods are used on three-dimensionally cultured cell containers, then focusing point determination is attempted, but the focus detecting light is irregularly reflected causing deformed spots and making focus detection difficult
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using reflected light from the container bottom surface, the invention uses transmitted light that passes through the sample and container. The image capturing device captures images at different focus positions, and the focusing point is determined by analyzing which position produces the sharpest image of the sample, rather than relying on light reflection patterns that are distorted by irregular container surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces an intermediary approach by using multiple image capturing positions and computational analysis. Rather than directly detecting focus through reflected light patterns, the system captures multiple images at different object lens positions and uses image processing to determine the optimal focus point, effectively mediating between the irregular container surface and the focus detection requirement.
2Measurement precision
If focus searching is performed by driving the object lens to various positions, then a focusing point can be determined, but the capture time interval becomes lengthy
Solution Approach 1:
The invention performs preliminary action by capturing multiple images at different object lens positions in advance, storing them together with the corresponding object lens position information. This preliminary capture of multiple focus positions allows for later efficient determination of the optimal focus point without requiring lengthy real-time searching, as the data is already collected and can be processed computationally.
3Measurement precision
If prolonged focus searching is performed in epifluorescent or fluorescence confocal cell capturing, then focus can be achieved, but color deterioration and optical damage occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary capture of multiple images at different focus positions and stores them with position information. This allows the optimal focus point to be determined computationally from the pre-captured images, eliminating the need for prolonged real-time focus searching that would expose the sample to extended optical irradiation and reduce the harmful effects on fluorescent samples.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical focus searching process with computational image analysis. Instead of continuously adjusting the object lens position through mechanical movement to find the focus point, the system uses computer processing to analyze the pre-captured images and determine which object lens position provides the sharpest focus, thereby substituting mechanical searching with computational evaluation.
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
The system allows for rapid automatic focusing on containers with irregular surfaces, reducing the risk of color deterioration and optical damage, and efficiently captures samples regardless of container shape, thus improving focusing accuracy and reducing capture time intervals.
Implementation Method 1
an image of a target object to be observed by using a microscope at respective positions of an object lens of the microscope while driving the object lens in a light-axis direction of an illumination with which the target object is irradiated, the image being obtained by condensing light by using the object lens
Implementation Method 2
a light receiving pattern obtained by receiving, via the object lens, reflected light of a focus detecting light emitted to the target object via the object lens
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing apparatus 4 acquire pieces of image data obtained by capturing an image of a target object to be observed by using a microscope 2 at respective positions of an object lens 21 of the microscope 2 while driving the object lens 21 in a light-axis direction of an illumination with which the target object is irradiated, the image being obtained by condensing light by using the object lens 21, specify a focusing position of the object lens 21 at which a focus of the target object is determined based on the pieces of image data, in a case where the object lens 21 is arranged in the focusing position, acquire, as a reference light receiving pattern, a light receiving pattern obtained by receiving, via the object lens 21, the focus detecting light (reflected light) 228 emitted to the target object via the object lens 21, and store the reference light receiving pattern in a storage.