Phase Contrast Tile Imaging With Pre-Set Exposure Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for acquiring phase contrast images of cells in a culture vessel face challenges such as the need for lengthy image acquisition times and brightness variations due to fluid meniscus and vessel shape, which are not adequately addressed by wide-angle observation systems.
Innovation Solution
An image acquisition method that divides the target area into N areas, acquires exposure images of M areas (M<N) to determine appropriate exposure conditions, and combines these images efficiently using an image pickup apparatus with controlled illumination and stage movement to achieve quick and high-resolution large-area imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If tile-by-tile image acquisition is performed to cover large area, then coverage area is improved, but image acquisition time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by acquiring exposure information images at selected positions before acquiring the actual tile images. This allows the system to pre-determine appropriate exposure conditions for each tile based on the exposure information, so that when tile-by-tile imaging is performed, the exposure parameters are already optimized and ready, eliminating the need for time-consuming exposure adjustments during the main image acquisition process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the image acquisition process into distinct phases: (1) acquiring exposure information images at representative positions, (2) determining exposure conditions based on these information images, and (3) acquiring the actual tile images using the predetermined exposure conditions. This segmentation allows the system to optimize exposure settings efficiently for large-area imaging without sacrificing image quality.
2Measurement precision
If exposure conditions are optimized for each tile, then image quality is improved, but setup time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses copying by acquiring exposure information images that represent the exposure characteristics of multiple tiles, then using this information to determine exposure conditions for all tiles. Instead of performing complex exposure optimization for each individual tile, the system captures exposure information at selected positions and applies this information to establish exposure conditions for the entire tiled area, significantly reducing setup time while maintaining image quality.
3Area of stationary object
If bright field illumination is used to observe large area, then coverage area is improved, but phase contrast information is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by using bright field illumination only for acquiring exposure information images, not for the actual cell observation images. The bright field phase contrast illumination is used subsequently to acquire the tile images with proper phase contrast information. This preliminary use of bright field allows the system to determine exposure conditions without compromising the phase contrast quality of the final observation images.
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 method enables rapid acquisition of high-resolution, large-area phase contrast images by optimizing exposure conditions and image pickup order, minimizing damage to cells and improving efficiency in cell sheet observation.
Implementation Method 1
acquiring, when a target range of the sample for which the phase contrast image is to be acquired is divided into N areas, N being an integer equal to or more than 3, exposure acquisition images by picking up images of M areas out of the N areas by the phase contrast method
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an image acquisition method of acquiring, with respect to a sample including a cell in a fluid that is contained in a vessel, a phase contrast image picked up with use of an image pickup apparatus, the image acquisition method including: acquiring, when a target range of the sample for which the phase contrast image is to be acquired is divided into N areas, exposure acquisition images by picking up images of M areas out of the N areas, with M satisfying M<N; calculating appropriate exposure conditions with respect to the exposure acquisition images; determining exposure conditions for picking up images of the respective N areas; determining an image pickup order of the N areas; acquiring images-to-be-combined by picking up the images of the respective N areas; and combining the images-to-be-combined.