Observation Device Auto-Focus Control for Cell Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for high-magnification imaging of cells in cultivation containers are slow due to lengthy auto-focus control processes, especially when multiple observation regions need to be imaged, and existing techniques are limited by the need to move the container in only one direction, leading to extended scanning times.
Innovation Solution
An observation device and method that includes a focal length changing optical system and displacement sensors to adjust the focal length and position of the imaging optical system in sync with the movement of the container, allowing for rapid auto-focus control and simultaneous two-directional movement of the imaging system, thereby reducing scanning time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If auto-focus control is performed for each observation region using conventional methods, then imaging precision is improved, but imaging time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary measurement of the container bottom surface position at a reference position before actual imaging. This pre-measured position information is stored and used for rapid focus control at subsequent observation regions, eliminating the need for time-consuming real-time focus searching at each region.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a displacement sensor as an intermediary device to detect the container bottom surface position. This sensor provides precise positional information that mediates between the imaging optical system and the container, enabling accurate focus control without direct trial-and-error imaging.
2Device complexity
If the container is moved in only one direction for scanning, then the scanning path is simplified, but scanning time becomes extremely long
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from one-directional linear scanning to two-directional scanning by adding movement in a second direction. The stage moves in the first direction (X-axis) and then in the second direction (Y-axis), creating a grid-like scanning pattern that reduces total scanning time while maintaining systematic coverage of all observation regions.
3Measurement precision
If high magnification capturing is performed, then imaging precision is improved, but focus control becomes more difficult due to manufacturing tolerances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical trial-and-error focus adjustment with a sensor-based positional detection system. The displacement sensor mechanically detects the container bottom surface position, and this information is electronically processed to determine the optimal focus position, substituting mechanical searching with sensor-based measurement and calculation.
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided are an observation device, an observation method, and an observation device control program capable of performing an auto-focus control for each observation region at high speed and shortening a scanning time in each observation region. The observation device includes an imaging optical system (14) that includes an imaging lens forming an image of an observation target in a cultivation container (50), an operating section (15) that performs at least one of a first operation of changing a focal length of the imaging optical system (14), a second operation of moving the imaging lens (14d) in an optical axis direction, or a fourth operation of moving the container in the optical axis direction, a detection section (18) that detects a vertical position of the cultivation container (50), and an operation controller (21) that controls the operating section (15) based on the vertical position of the cultivation container (50). The detection section (18) detects the vertical position of the cultivation container (50) at a forward position of an observation region in a movement direction with reference to a position of the observation region of the imaging optical system (14) with respect to the cultivation container (50), and changes a displacement sensor to be used in accordance with a change of a movement direction of the observation region.