Wavelength Limiting Filter for Stable Cell Culture Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automatic observation systems face challenges in distinguishing between changes in samples and additives in culture media, as additives like pH indicators can alter image brightness and contrast, making it difficult to determine whether changes are sample-related or additive-related.
Innovation Solution
An observation device equipped with a wavelength limiting filter that adjusts illumination light wavelengths based on the optical absorption properties of additives in the culture medium, ensuring that the imaging sensor captures stable images by limiting wavelengths within specific ranges that minimize additive-induced changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If automatic observation is performed using an imaging apparatus, then productivity is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates because it is impossible to distinguish whether changes in the image are resulting from the sample or the additive
Solution Approach 1:
The observation process is segmented into multiple wavelength bands. By dividing the spectrum into different wavelength ranges and observing the sample in each band separately, the system can distinguish between sample characteristics and additive characteristics, as they may absorb or reflect light differently at various wavelengths.
Solution Approach 2:
The observation conditions are changed by varying the wavelength of illumination light. By capturing images at multiple wavelengths and analyzing the differences, the system can identify which changes are due to the sample and which are due to the additive, thereby maintaining measurement precision in automatic observation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additives such as pH indicators are added to the culture medium, then the culture function is improved, but object-generated harmful factors increase because the additive changes the brightness or appearance of the sample
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the illumination wavelength parameter to observe the sample at multiple wavelength bands. By comparing observations across different wavelengths, the system can differentiate between brightness changes caused by the additive and actual sample characteristics, thereby reducing the harmful effect of the additive on image quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes the fact that additives like pH indicators have characteristic optical absorption properties at specific wavelengths. By selecting observation wavelengths that avoid the absorption bands of the additive, or by analyzing color/absorption patterns across multiple wavelengths, the system can compensate for the additive's effect on image appearance.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If the brightness and contrast are adjusted manually for visual observation, then object-generated harmful factors are reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates because manual adjustment is required
Solution Approach 1:
The manual mechanical adjustment of brightness and contrast is replaced by an automated optical system that uses multiple wavelength observation. The imaging apparatus automatically captures images at different wavelengths and processes the data to compensate for additive effects, eliminating the need for manual adjustment while maintaining image quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback through automated image processing algorithms that analyze multi-wavelength observations. The processing unit compares images from different wavelength bands and automatically adjusts the interpretation of sample characteristics, providing feedback that compensates for additive effects without requiring manual intervention.
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
The solution effectively suppresses image changes caused by additives, allowing for accurate automatic observation and improving image stability, particularly within the 600 nm to 650 nm wavelength range, regardless of pH, concentration, or optical path length changes in the culture medium.
Implementation Method 1
limiting a part of wavelengths of an illumination light from the illumination optical system in accordance with optical absorption properties of an additive contained in a culture medium
Data Source
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AI summary
An observation device observing a sample cultured in a culture vessel includes an illuminating unit including an illumination optical system and illuminating the sample, an image-capturing unit including an imaging sensor and generating an image by capturing an image of the sample illuminated by the illuminating unit, and a wavelength limiting filter being placed on an optical axis of the illumination optical system and between the illuminating unit and the image-capturing unit, and limiting a part of wavelengths of an illumination light from the illumination optical system in accordance with optical absorption properties of an additive contained in a culture medium used for culturing the sample. Accordingly, it is possible to suppress a change of the image resulting from the additive and to enable to generate an appropriate image in an automatic observation.