Sample Carrier Imaging Before Coverslipping to Avoid Artifacts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for imaging and coverslipping biological samples require waiting for the mounting medium to cure, which can take several days, leading to delays and potential image artifacts due to leaks or bubbles, affecting the reliability and speed of sample analysis.
Innovation Solution
A device and method that images the sample before applying a coverslip, using a transport unit to move the sample carrier through an imaging position and then to a coverslipping unit, allowing for rapid imaging and coverslipping without curing delays, with optional parallel processing capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the sample carrier is moved to the coverslipping unit after imaging, then the imaging can be performed quickly, but the mounting medium may leak or form bubbles affecting image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing the imaging operation before the coverslipping operation. The sample carrier is transported to the imaging position, imaged, and only then moved to the coverslipping unit where the coverslip is applied. This sequence ensures that imaging occurs while the mounting medium is still in a stable, non-leaking state, preventing artifacts during the critical imaging phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the workflow into distinct functional modules: an imaging unit with imaging position, and a coverslipping unit with coverslip application capability. The transport unit moves the sample carrier between these segmented stations. This segmentation allows each operation to be optimized independently and ensures proper sequencing to prevent mounting medium leakage during imaging.
2Reliability
If the mounting medium is applied before coverslipping, then the sample is protected, but the mounting medium must cure for several days before imaging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs imaging as a preliminary action before applying the coverslip and mounting medium. By reversing the conventional sequence, the system eliminates the curing waiting period before imaging. The sample is imaged while the mounting medium is still liquid and stable, and only after imaging does the system proceed to coverslipping where the mounting medium is applied and will cure for long-term preservation.
3Device complexity
If multiple sample carriers are processed sequentially, then the device structure remains simple, but the processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic transport unit that can move sample carriers between the imaging position and coverslipping unit flexibly. The transport unit is configured to handle multiple sample carriers and can coordinate the imaging and coverslipping operations in an optimized sequence. This dynamic capability allows the system to process multiple samples efficiently without requiring complex parallel hardware, maintaining structural simplicity while improving throughput.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for imaging and coverslipping includes a receiving position configured to receive a sample carrier configured to carry a sample, an imaging position configured to receive the sample carrier, and an imaging unit arranged at the imaging position. The imaging unit is configured to image the sample through the sample carrier when the sample carrier is arranged in the imaging position. The device further includes a coverslipping unit configured to apply a coverslip to the sample, and a transport unit including at least one track. The transport unit is configured to move the sample carrier along the track from the receiving position to the imaging position, and from the imaging position to the coverslipping unit.