Optical Coherence Tomography for Noninvasive Biological Sample Observation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for observing unusual parts in biological samples, such as spheroids, often require staining, which can damage cells and is invasive, making it difficult to noninvasively identify and evaluate regions with different cell conditions, like necrosis or localized cell types.
Innovation Solution
An observation method and apparatus using optical coherence tomography (OCT) to image biological samples and extract localization regions based on intensity values, either manually by thresholding or with a trained deep learning model, allowing for noninvasive identification and evaluation of unusual parts without staining.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If staining is used to observe unusual parts in biological samples, then measurement precision is improved, but object-affected harmful factors worsen due to cell damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/chemical staining process with optical coherence tomography imaging. The OCT system uses light interference to generate tomographic images that naturally highlight unusual parts through intensity variations, eliminating the need for chemical stains that damage cells. This substitution of imaging methodology resolves the contradiction by achieving observation accuracy without cellular harm.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces optical coherence tomography as an intermediary technology between the biological sample and the observer. The OCT system acts as a mediator that captures structural and optical property variations in the sample without direct chemical interaction, thereby enabling precise observation of unusual parts while preserving cell integrity.
2Measurement precision
If staining is used to identify unusual parts, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity worsens due to additional processing steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the multi-step staining and processing workflow with a single OCT imaging operation. The tomographic imaging system directly captures images where unusual parts are distinguishable through intensity variations, eliminating the need for separate staining, mounting, and sectioning steps, thereby reducing device and procedural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The OCT imaging system performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides three-dimensional structural information, identifies unusual parts through intensity variations, and does so without requiring additional sample processing equipment. This multi-functionality reduces the overall system complexity compared to specialized staining and imaging equipment combinations.
3Ease of operation
If conventional imaging is used, then ease of operation is maintained, but measurement precision worsens due to inability to identify unusual parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enhances local quality by processing the tomographic image to emphasize intensity variations that correspond to unusual parts. The image processing algorithm selectively enhances regions with abnormal optical properties while maintaining the overall simplicity of the imaging operation, thereby improving detection precision without significantly complicating the workflow.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces automated image processing algorithms as an intermediary step between raw OCT imaging and final observation. This intermediary processing automatically highlights unusual parts through intensity analysis, maintaining ease of operation by requiring minimal user intervention while significantly improving the precision of unusual part detection.
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
Enables accurate, noninvasive observation and evaluation of unusual parts in biological samples, including necrotic or differently localized cell regions, facilitating quality control and assessment of sample conditions without cell processing.
Implementation Method 1
imaging the biological sample and acquiring a photographic image
Implementation Method 2
optical coherence tomography (OCT)
Data Source
AI summary
First, a biological sample is imaged, and a photographic image in which intensity values are distributed is acquired. After that, a localization region corresponding to an unusual part is extracted from the photographic image. At that time, a region of which intensity value satisfies a predetermined requirement in the photographic image is extracted as the localization region. Alternatively, the photographic image is input to a trained model created in advance, and a localization region output from the trained model is obtained. In this manner, the localization region corresponding to the unusual part can be extracted from the photographic image of the biological sample. This enables noninvasive observation of the unusual part of the biological sample without processing a cell by staining or the like.