Observation Apparatus Dynamic Illumination Control for Cell Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing observation apparatuses face challenges in efficiently imaging cells cultured in vessels within incubators, particularly in maintaining appropriate illumination while moving the imaging unit, leading to suboptimal image quality and energy inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes an imaging unit with an image sensor and optical system, a driving mechanism for movement, and a control section that dynamically adjusts illumination by selecting the appropriate emitting sections based on image signals, ensuring proper illumination during image acquisition, especially near the vessel edges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the imaging unit is moved to capture images over a wide range, then the coverage area is improved, but the illumination consistency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination section is divided into multiple emitting sections (first emitting section, second emitting section, third emitting section, fourth emitting section) positioned at different locations. As the imaging unit moves, different emitting sections are selectively activated to maintain consistent illumination across the entire coverage area, resolving the contradiction between wide coverage and illumination consistency.
Solution Approach 2:
The control section dynamically selects and activates appropriate emitting sections based on the real-time position of the imaging unit. This dynamic adjustment ensures that the illumination intensity remains consistent throughout the movement and coverage area, preventing illumination deterioration while expanding coverage.
2Illumination intensity
If multiple emitting sections are used to maintain illumination during movement, then the illumination consistency is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using all emitting sections simultaneously, the system segments the illumination task across multiple sections that are activated sequentially or selectively based on imaging unit position. This reduces the total number of active light sources at any given time, lowering energy consumption while maintaining illumination consistency.
Solution Approach 2:
The control section activates only the necessary emitting sections required for current imaging positions, rather than all sections continuously. This partial action approach maintains sufficient illumination consistency while avoiding excessive energy consumption from unnecessary illumination.
3Productivity
If the imaging unit moves continuously to capture wide-area images, then the productivity is improved, but the image quality near vessel edges deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Different emitting sections are strategically positioned to provide optimized illumination for different regions of the culture vessel. When the imaging unit is near vessel edges, specific emitting sections are activated to ensure adequate illumination and maintain image quality, while allowing continuous movement for productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The control section uses feedback from the imaging unit position to dynamically adjust which emitting sections are active. This ensures that image quality is maintained near vessel edges by activating appropriate illumination sources, while enabling continuous imaging operations for high productivity.
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
This solution enables high-quality imaging under appropriate illumination control, reduces energy consumption, and effectively captures images of cells over a wide range, allowing for precise analysis of cell changes and vessel edge detection.
Implementation Method 1
an imaging section that includes an image sensor and an imaging optical system, and that images a sample to output an image signal
Implementation Method 2
an illumination section that includes a plurality of emitting sections which are located away from an optical axis of the imaging optical system and configured to emit illumination light toward the sample
Data Source
AI summary
An observation apparatus includes an imaging unit, a driving mechanism, and a control section. The imaging unit includes an imaging section and an illumination section. The imaging section includes an image sensor and an imaging optical system, and images a sample to output an image signal. The illumination section includes a plurality of emitting sections which are located away from an optical axis of the imaging optical system and configured to emit illumination light toward the sample. The driving mechanism moves the imaging unit. The control section controls operations of the imaging section, the illumination section, and the driving mechanism. The control section determines a lighting emitting section of the emitting sections and causes the lighting emitting section to light based on the image signal, when the imaging unit is moved by the driving mechanism.