Automated cell growth/migration detection system and associated methods

摘要

An automated cell growth/migration detection system includes: a container for containing a cell growth/migration matrix/medium into which deposited cells form a cell surface; an image sensor for capturing images; an actuator for incrementally varying distance between the image sensor lens and the cell surface such that the images correspond to varying imaging depths; and an image data processor for processing the images to determine cell growth/migration. An automated cell growth/migration detection method includes: capturing a first image series of a cell surface within a first imaging cycle corresponding to a sequence of imaging depths between the cell surface and an image sensor; capturing an additional image series of the cell surface within each of at least one additional imaging cycle and corresponding to the same sequence of imaging depths; processing each image series for each imaging cycle to determine a clearest-looking image; and determining cell growth/migration from the clearest-looking image.

主权项

1. Automated cell growth/migration detection system, comprising:
a container for containing a cell growth/migration matrix/medium into which deposited cells form a cell surface; an image sensor having a lens and capturing images through the lens; an image data processor for processing the images to determine cell growth/migration; and an actuator adapted to, in response to a control signal at least partially determined by output of the image data processor, incrementally vary distance between the lens and the cell surface such that the images correspond to varying imaging depths.