Sample Observation Device Using Scattered Light for Analysis Area Specification
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sample observation technologies lack sufficient accuracy in specifying the analysis area based on the position of the cell nucleus, leading to inadequate analysis of samples using fluorescent light intensity.
Innovation Solution
A sample observation device and method that utilize planar light irradiation, scanning, image formation, and image processing to generate fluorescent and scattered light images, allowing for accurate specification of the sample area and intensity analysis by capturing and processing images of fluorescent and scattered light, enabling precise setting of the analysis area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the analysis area is specified only on the basis of the position of the cell nucleus, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision of the analysis area is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the light detection into two distinct channels: fluorescent light detection and scattered light detection. The scattered light image is used specifically for determining the sample area, while the fluorescent light image is used for intensity analysis. This segmentation allows each channel to serve its optimal function, improving measurement precision without requiring a single complex system to do everything.
Solution Approach 2:
The scattered light image acts as an intermediary that bridges the gap between simple nucleus positioning and accurate sample area definition. By using scattered light to create a mask or boundary definition, the system indirectly determines the true sample area, which then guides the fluorescent light analysis. This intermediary step significantly improves accuracy.
2Reliability
If the analysis area is specified only on the basis of the position of the cell nucleus, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of sample analysis is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the imaging system into two functional segments: one for structural boundary detection (scattered light) and one for molecular signal detection (fluorescent light). This segmentation ensures that each imaging modality is optimized for its specific purpose, thereby improving the overall reliability of the analysis by reducing cross-interference and optimizing each channel's performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The scattered light image serves as a reliable intermediary that provides an accurate map of the sample area boundaries. This intermediary structure allows the system to reliably define where analysis should occur, ensuring that subsequent fluorescent light measurements are confined to the correct region and are not contaminated by out-of-area signals.
3Measurement precision
If scattered light imaging is added to define sample area, then the measurement precision of sample area is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the scattered light detection and fluorescent light detection into a single integrated imaging system that shares common components such as the light source, optical path, and image processing platform. By combining these functions in a unified system rather than separate systems, the patent achieves high measurement precision while minimizing the increase in device complexity through component sharing and integration.
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 approach allows for high-accuracy analysis of samples by accurately specifying the sample area and intensity of fluorescent light, improving the precision of sample analysis.
Implementation Method 1
a cell nucleus is stained with a fluorescent substance, and a position of the cell nucleus is specified on the basis of a fluorescent light image obtained by exciting the fluorescent substance
Implementation Method 2
an image formation unit that forms images of fluorescent light and scattered light generated in the sample due to the irradiation with the planar light
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3(a)~3(d)
AI summary
A sample observation device (1) includes an irradiation unit (11) that irradiates a sample (S) with planar light (L2), a scanning unit (12) that scans the sample (S) in one direction with respect to an irradiation surface (R) of the planar light (L2), an image formation unit (17) that forms images of fluorescent light (J1) and scattered light (J2) from the sample (S), an imaging unit (13) that outputs first image data (G1) based on a light image of the fluorescent light (J1) and second image data (G2) based on a light image of the scattered light (J2), an image processing unit (32) that generates a fluorescent light image (F1) on the basis of a plurality of pieces of first image data (G1) and generates a scattered light image (F2) on the basis of a plurality of pieces of second image data (G2), and an analysis unit (33) that specifies an area (N4) in which there is the sample (S) in the fluorescent light image (F1) on the basis of the scattered light image (F2), and sets an analysis area (N5) in the fluorescent light image (F1) on the basis of the area (N4) in which there is the sample (S).