Microscopic augmented-reality indicators for long-term live cell time-lapsed imaging

Microscopic observations of cultured cells in many lab-on-a-chip applications mostly utilize digital image acquisition using CCD sensors connected to a personal computer. The functionalities of this digital imaging can be enhanced by implementing computer-vision based augmented reality technologies. In this study, we present a new method for precisely relocating biological specimens under microscopic inspections by using augmented reality patterns, called microscopic augmented reality indicators (μ-ARIs). Since the method only requires sticky films attached under sample containers of any shape, long-term live cell observations can be conducted at much less extra cost than with conventional methods. On these sticky films, multiple arrays of position-indicating patterns were imprinted to provide a reference coordinate system for recording and relocating the accurate position and rotation of the specimen under inspection. This approach can be useful for obtaining the exact locations of individual cells inside biological samples using μ-ARI imprinted transparent films in a rapid and controlled manner.