Modular Incubator with Movable Optical Inspection for Embryo Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for evaluating and culturing biological samples, such as zygotes and embryos, face challenges in maintaining controlled environments and accurately assessing viability, often leading to disruptions and inefficiencies in embryo development and patient sample mix-ups.
Innovation Solution
A modular system with independently accessible modules for culturing and imaging, featuring a movable optical inspection system with an elliptical-rotating objective lens for multi-well scanning without disturbing samples, along with precise temperature and gas control, and integrated image processing for time-lapse analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a single large incubator is used to culture multiple embryos, then space utilization is improved, but the risk of sample mix-ups increases and individual environment control deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the incubator into multiple independently accessible modules, each capable of housing culture dishes and equipped with its own imaging capabilities. This segmentation allows simultaneous cultivation of multiple samples in controlled environments while maintaining individual tracking and identification for each module, thus preventing sample mix-ups while utilizing space efficiently.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If the incubator door is opened frequently for imaging, then observation capability is improved, but the controlled environment is disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system is extracted from the external environment and integrated within the incubator modules. The optical inspection means, including cameras and lenses, are positioned inside the controlled environment chambers, allowing continuous imaging without opening the door. This extraction enables observation while maintaining environmental stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism - a movable optical inspection system with elliptical-rotating objective lens - that can scan multiple culture dishes within the sealed incubator chamber. This intermediary allows observation of embryos through the closed door by moving the imaging components internally, thus detecting embryo development without disrupting the controlled atmosphere.
3Productivity
If multiple culture dishes are imaged simultaneously, then productivity is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system employs dynamic movement of the optical inspection means, specifically an elliptical-rotating objective lens mechanism, to sequentially scan multiple culture dishes within a single module. This dynamic scanning approach allows the system to image multiple dishes over time without requiring multiple static imaging stations, thus improving throughput while managing complexity through a single movable imaging unit.
4Ease of operation
If traditional imaging systems are used, then ease of operation is maintained, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional manual imaging methods with an automated optical inspection system featuring computer-controlled elliptical rotation of the objective lens. This substitution of mechanical/manual operations with automated optical-mechanical systems enables precise positioning and imaging of multiple culture dishes, improving measurement precision while maintaining ease of operation through automated control.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to the field of testing and evaluation of biological samples and provides apparatus for cultured samples comprising at least one independently accessible module adapted for incubating at least one of a plurality of samples wherein the at least one module is operatively associated with a light source and a movable optical inspection means adapted for motion about a viewing axis through the module to enable a sweeping of viewing area. The invention also provides a method of assessing cultured samples for viability comprising the steps of: disposing biological samples in a substantially elliptical arrangement within a culturing chamber of an independently accessible module; imaging individual samples of the substantially elliptical arrangement with optical inspection means driven within an X-Y plane that is normal to a viewing axis through the module to obtain time lapse measurement of development of individual samples.