Image analysis and measurement of biological samples

Abstract

Methods, devices, apparatus, and systems are provided for image analysis. Methods of image analysis may include observation, measurement, and analysis of images of biological and other samples; devices, apparatus, and systems provided herein are useful for observation, measurement, and analysis of images of such samples. The methods, devices, apparatus, and systems disclosed herein provide advantages over other methods, devices, apparatus, and systems.

1 - 65 . (canceled) 
     
     
         66 . A system for imaging a sample in a sample holder, comprising:
 a movable stage having a cavity for receiving the sample holder;   a light source for illuminating the sample held within said sample holder, said light source directing light within a first plane;   a handling unit to transport said sample holder on and off the movable stage;   an objective lens configured to collect and focus scattered light from said sample held within said sample holder, wherein scattered light comprises light scattered at a plurality of scatter angles,   an optical aperture for passing light from said objective lens, and   a further lens configured to focus light from said objective lens onto said optical aperture;   wherein the movable stage is movable in two of the following axes: X, Y, or Z.   
     
     
         67 . The system of  claim 66  further comprising a color wheel of filters, each of said filters movable to be in positon modify light from said objective lens. 
     
     
         68 . The system of  claim 66 , said optical aperture is part of a camera for receiving light from the objective lens. 
     
     
         69 . The system of  claim 66 , further comprising a support configured to be coupled to the sample holder to increase mechanical rigidity of the sample vessel. 
     
     
         70 . The system of  claim 66 , where the light source and a detector for receiving light from the objective lens are in parallel planes. 
     
     
         71 . The system of  claim 66 , where the light source and a detector for receiving light from the objective lens are in the same plane. 
     
     
         72 . The system of  claim 66 , wherein the sample holder has an interface surface configured to engage an optically transparent surface of the movable stage whereby the interface surface conforms to the optically transparent surface without significant distortion of light passing through the interface surface. 
     
     
         73 . The system of  claim 72 , wherein the interface surface of the sample vessel is formed from a polymer material. 
     
     
         74 . The system of  claim 72 , wherein the interface surface of the sample vessel is formed of a material softer than a material used to form the optically transparent surface of the movable stage. 
     
     
         75 . The system of  claim 72 , further comprising a compression unit for applying pressure to conform the interface surface to a shape configured to conform with the optically transparent surface of the movable stage.