Microscope Synchronization for FRET FRAP Automation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional microscope systems for FRET and FRAP experiments face challenges in synchronizing high-speed image acquisition and optical stimulation with high accuracy, particularly when dealing with multiple samples or positions, leading to increased user labor and reduced efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A microscope system that includes an observation optical system, a stimulation optical system, and control sections for setting and switching observation positions, synchronization conditions, and stimulation positions, allowing for automated image acquisition and optical stimulation across multiple positions with registered observation conditions, reducing user intervention and enhancing precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual synchronization of image acquisition and optical stimulation is performed for multiple observation positions, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically determining observation positions and setting observation conditions before the actual FRET/FRAP experiment. The control section automatically sets the observation position, determination position, and observation conditions based on stored determination conditions, eliminating the need for manual synchronization setup for each observation position.
Solution Approach 2:
The system serves itself by automatically determining observation positions and setting observation conditions without requiring user intervention. The control section autonomously processes the synchronization of image acquisition and optical stimulation timing, and automatically configures observation parameters for multiple positions based on predetermined conditions.
2Productivity
If automated observation position switching is implemented, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control section serves multiple functions: it controls the observation position switching section to switch between positions, controls the image acquisition section to capture images, controls the optical stimulation section to perform stimulation, and automatically sets observation conditions. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate systems into a single control unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the control of observation position switching, image acquisition, optical stimulation, and condition setting into a single integrated control section. The observation conditions including timing synchronization are combined and managed together, reducing the need for separate control mechanisms for each function.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple observation positions are manually configured, then adaptability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically determines observation positions and sets observation conditions for multiple positions without requiring user configuration. The control section autonomously processes the synchronization of image acquisition and optical stimulation timing, and automatically configures observation parameters for all positions based on predetermined determination conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary determination of observation positions and setting of observation conditions before the actual experiment. By预先 storing determination conditions and automatically processing position determination and condition setting, the system prepares everything in advance, eliminating manual configuration work during the experiment setup phase.
Data Source
AI summary
A microscope system including: an observation optical system acquiring an image of an observation position of a sample; a stimulation optical system irradiating the sample with stimulation light; an observation position setting section setting the observation positions; a stimulation position setting section setting a common stimulation position; a stage switching the observation positions; a synchronization condition setting section setting a common synchronization condition in which the timing of the image acquisition is associated with the timing of the irradiation with stimulation light; an observation condition registration section registering the common stimulation position and the common synchronization condition as observation conditions associated with each of the observation positions; and a control section, according to the registered conditions, switching the observation positions, making the observation optical system acquire an image of each of the observation positions, and making the stimulation optical system irradiate each of the stimulation positions with stimulation light.