Microscopy Overview Imaging for Sample Fluid State Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microscopy systems face challenges in efficiently analyzing dynamic samples due to environmental conditions affecting sample carriers, such as evaporation and pH changes, which can lead to sample impairment and inefficient use of resources.
Innovation Solution
A microscopy system equipped with an evaluation program that determines the fluid state of sample fluids within sample receptacles using machine learning models, such as CNNs, to assess fill levels, contamination, and other fluid states from overview images, enabling early detection of defects and optimizing sample analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If sample receptacles are filled to a higher level to minimize evaporation effects, then evaporation loss is reduced, but the risk of liquid spilling when the sample stage is moved automatically increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of fluid states (including fill level) in sample receptacles before automated stage movement occurs. By detecting the current fluid level in advance, the system can determine whether the receptacle is at risk of spilling during movement and take preventive actions, such as adjusting movement parameters or alerting the user, thereby preventing liquid spilling while maintaining adequate fill levels to minimize evaporation.
2Loss of time
If overview images are captured and analyzed to detect fluid states early, then timely intervention is enabled, but the complexity of the microscopy system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The microscopy system is designed to perform multiple functions using the same hardware components. The overview camera and image processing capabilities used for sample localization and documentation are also utilized for detecting fluid states, fill levels, and potential defects. This multi-functionality allows the system to provide early detection of fluid state changes without adding separate dedicated detection equipment, thereby enabling timely intervention while limiting the increase in system complexity.
3Productivity
If automated positioning is used to select sample receptacles for detailed analysis, then productivity is improved, but the risk of sample impairment due to environmental conditions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the fluid state of sample receptacles and provides feedback about environmental conditions (such as evaporation, pH changes, temperature fluctuations) before automated positioning occurs. This feedback mechanism allows the system to identify samples that may be compromised by environmental factors and exclude them from automated analysis, thereby maintaining sample integrity while preserving the productivity benefits of automated positioning for healthy samples.
Data Source
AI summary
A microscopy system comprises a microscope with an overview camera for capturing at least one overview image of a sample carrier designed to receive at least one sample fluid; and a computing device configured to determine at least one sample image area of the at least one sample fluid within the at least one overview image. The computing device comprises an evaluation program into which a determined sample image area is entered and which is configured to determine a fluid state of the associated sample fluid based on the sample image area.