Flow cell mechanism in flow imaging cytometer

Claim 2

In a flow imaging cytometer in which a specimen solution containing particle components such as cells is made to flow, while sheathed by a sheathing liquid, through a flat flow path within a flow cell, a still image of the specimen solution flow is photographed by light irradiating means and imaging means so arranged that an optic axis thereof intersects the flow path, and the still image is subjected to image processing, whereby analysis such as classification and enumeration of the particle components contained in the specimen solution is performed, a flow cell mechanism which includes: a focusing reference for focus adjustment comprising an element suspended within the zone through which the specimen solution flows and is photographed.

Claim 3

The flow cell mechanism according to claim 1, wherein said focusing reference element is a filament-shaped body.

Claim 4

The flow cell mechanism according to claim 2, wherein said filament-shaped body is suspended in and extends longitudinally through said flat flow path and further extends through a sampling nozzle of the flow cell.

Claim 5

The flow cell mechanism according to claim 3, wherein said filament-shaped body has a diameter of 2-5 μm.

Claim 6

The flow cell mechanism according to claim 4, further comprising focal-point adjusting means for adjusting the relative position of said flow cell and said imaging system in correlation with sharpness of the image of said focusing reference when said focusing reference is imaged.

Claim 7

The flow cell mechanism according to claim 3, further comprising focal-point adjusting means for adjusting the relative position of said flow cell and said imaging system in correlation with sharpness of the image of said focusing reference when said focusing reference is imaged.

Claim 8

The flow cell mechanism according to claim 2, further comprising focal-point adjusting means for adjusting the relative position of said flow cell and said imaging system in correlation with sharpness of the image of said focusing reference when said focusing reference is imaged.

Claim 9

The flow cell mechanism according to claim 1, further comprising focal-point adjusting means for adjusting the relative position of said imaging means and said flow cell in correlation with sharpness of the image of said focusing reference when said focusing reference is imaged.

Claim 10

In flow imaging cytometry in which a specimen solution containing particle components such as cells is formed into a flat, laminar flow sheathed by a sheathing liquid, a still image of the specimen solution flow is photographed in a flow zone and the still image is subjected to image processing, whereby analysis such as classification and enumeration of the particle components contained in the specimen solution is performed, an automatic focal-point adjustment method comprising the steps of: imaging a filament-shaped body as a focusing reference for focus adjustment provided in the flow zone; and adjusting position in accordance with sharpness of an image of said filament-shaped body, thereby performing a focus adjustment with regard to the particle components in the specimen solution.

Claim 11

In flow imaging cytometry in which a specimen solution containing particle components such as cells is formed into a flat, laminar flow sheathed by a sheathing liquid, a still image of the specimen solution flow is photographed in a flow zone and the still image is subjected to image processing, whereby analysis such as classification and enumeration of the particle components contained in the specimen solution is performed, an automatic focal-point adjustment method comprising the steps of: imaging a filament-shaped body as a focusing reference for focus adjustment provided in the flow zone; and adjusting position in accordance with sharpness of an image of said filament-shaped body, thereby performing a focus adjustment with regard to the particle components in the specimen solution.

Claim 12

the focal-point adjustment method according to claim 9, further comprising a step of continuously imaging said filament-shaped body while making fine adjustments in relative positions of the flow cell and a lens system.

Claim 13

The focal-point adjustment method according to claim 10, further comprising the steps of: continuously monitoring state of focus in accordance with said sharpness of the image, and adjusting the relative position of said flow cell and said imaging system when the state of focus is indicative of a value less than a predetermined value.

Claim 14

The focal-point adjustment method according to claim 9, further comprising the steps of: continuously monitoring the state of focus in accordance with said sharpness of the image; and adjusting the relative position of said flow cell and said imaging system when the state of focus is indicative of a value less than a predetermined value.