Movable Cell Imaging Device for Irregular Culture Vessel Observation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cell observation apparatuses can only obtain images of cells when the camera or imaging device is in a stopped state, limiting the ability to capture images from areas where it is difficult or impossible to do so, resulting in limited observation of cells.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with a movable image photographing device, a light-transmitting culture vessel with irregularly arranged light-transmitting attachment members, and a light source that irradiates light from multiple angles to allow the image photographing device to capture images of cells from all areas, including those previously inaccessible.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the camera or imaging device is in a stopped state, then the device structure is simple and easy to operate, but only images of cells in limited areas can be obtained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the image photographing device movable rather than fixed. The device can move to different positions within the culture vessel to photograph cells in various areas, including bottom, side, and top surfaces. This transforms the static observation system into a dynamic one, enabling comprehensive coverage of all cell culture areas while maintaining operational simplicity through automated positioning.
2Device complexity
If the camera or imaging device is in a stopped state, then the device complexity is low, but images of cells in difficult-to-reach areas cannot be obtained
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging device is designed to move dynamically within the culture vessel to reach difficult-to-access areas such as the bottom surface, side surfaces, and top surface where cells are cultured. This dynamic capability allows the system to overcome the limitation of fixed positioning while maintaining relatively simple device architecture through integrated motion control.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable image photographing device serves multiple functions by being able to photograph cells in various locations (bottom, side, top) and under different lighting conditions. This multi-functionality is achieved through a single integrated device that can adapt its position and operation mode, eliminating the need for multiple separate imaging systems for different observation areas.
3Adaptability or versatility
If light is irradiated from multiple angles, then the observation coverage is improved, but the use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system works in coordination with the movable imaging device, dynamically adjusting light irradiation based on the device's position and the specific observation area. Rather than continuous multi-angle illumination, the system activates lighting selectively when and where needed, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining comprehensive observation capability.
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 apparatus enables the capture of images from all areas of cell culture, not just limited areas, significantly improving observation efficiency and allowing for the monitoring of cells in multiple culture vessels and culture media.
Implementation Method 1
a light source for irradiating light to the plurality of cells attached to and cultured on the plurality of light-transmitting attachment members irregularly arranged in the light-transmitting culture vessel
Implementation Method 2
a light-transmitting culture vessel in which a plurality of light-transmitting attachment members are irregularly arranged
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an apparatus for observing cells including a movable image photographing device, which includes a light-transmitting culture vessel in which a plurality of light-transmitting attachment members are irregularly arranged, wherein a plurality of cells are attached to and cultured on the plurality of light-transmitting attachment members, an image photographing device movable within the housing and configured to photograph the plurality of cells attached to and cultured on the plurality of light-transmitting attachment members irregularly arranged in the light-transmitting culture vessel, and a light source irradiating light to the plurality of cells attached to and cultured on the plurality of light-transmitting attachment members irregularly arranged in the light-transmitting culture vessel, to allow the image photographing device to photograph each of the plurality of cells attached to and cultured on the plurality of light-transmitting attachment members irregularly arranged in the light-transmitting culture vessel, to be recognizable. Accordingly, not only an image of cells is obtained when a device for obtaining an image of cells is in a stopped state, but also an image of cells cultured in an area where an image of cells is difficult or impossible to obtain is obtained when the device for obtaining an image of cells is in a stopped state, thereby obtaining an image of cells cultured in all areas, not in a limited area, so that observation efficiency may be greatly improved.