Modular light field imaging optical path lens group
By designing a modular light field imaging optical path lens group, the problem of poor adaptability of integrated light field imaging devices is solved, and the construction and debugging of light field microscopy imaging systems are simplified, adapting to a variety of microscopy imaging devices and improving ease of use.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- HUAZHONG UNIV OF SCI & TECH
- Filing Date
- 2023-03-06
- Publication Date
- 2026-08-04
AI Technical Summary
Existing integrated light field imaging devices have poor adaptability, cannot be adapted to different microscopic imaging devices, and are complex to set up and debug, which limits the promotion and application of light field microscopic imaging technology.
A modular light field imaging optical path lens assembly was designed, including a microscope interface sleeve module, a telescopic sleeve module, a relay sleeve module, and a camera interface sleeve module. By combining and adjusting these modules, the construction and debugging of the light field imaging optical path can be simplified.
It achieves modularization of the optical path for light field imaging, simplifies the construction process, adapts to various microscopic imaging devices, and improves applicability and ease of debugging.
Smart Images
Figure CN116338930B_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention belongs to the field of biophotonic microscopy imaging, and more specifically, relates to a modular light field imaging optical path lens assembly. Background Technology
[0002] Light field imaging technology has extremely high volume imaging speed. By adding a microlens array to the probe optical path, it can achieve "three-dimensional imaging in a single shot" and is widely used in the field of high-speed dynamic three-dimensional imaging of living bodies.
[0003] However, to date, due to complex optical path calibration issues, light field imaging devices generally employ integrated optical path systems. Light field cameras, as representatives of integrated light field imaging devices, enable the function of capturing the image first and then focusing.
[0004] However, the microlens array of integrated light field cameras is fixed inside the camera and cannot be switched, resulting in poor applicability to different application scenarios and incompatibility with microscopic imaging devices of varying performance. Light field microscopy imaging has increasingly wide applications in fields such as biomedicine, requiring adaptation to various microscopic imaging devices and conditions. Currently, users wishing to use light field microscopes must customize lens components and build and debug the light field imaging optical path themselves. This is a daunting task for users outside the optics field. For these reasons, the widespread application of light field microscopy imaging technology is limited. Summary of the Invention
[0005] To address the aforementioned deficiencies or improvement needs of existing technologies, this invention provides a modular light field imaging optical path lens assembly. Its purpose is to integrate the light field imaging optical path and the imaging device interface to form a modular light field imaging lens assembly, simplifying the debugging steps of the light field imaging optical path. This allows it to adapt to various limiting imaging devices, facilitating the construction of a light field microscopy imaging system. This solves the technical problems of existing integrated light field imaging devices having limited adaptability to imaging conditions or complex procedures and difficult debugging when using optical components to build a light field microscopy imaging system.
[0006] To achieve the above objectives, according to one aspect of the present invention, a modular light field imaging optical path lens assembly is provided, comprising the following modules assembled in sequence: a microscope interface sleeve module, a telescopic sleeve module, one or more relay sleeve modules, and a camera interface sleeve module;
[0007] The microscope interface sleeve module is detachably connected to the telescopic sleeve module, and is equipped with a calibrated microlens array inside, which is located on the native image plane of the microscope objective.
[0008] The telescopic sleeve module is used to change the distance between the back of the microlens array and the camera plane;
[0009] The relay sleeve module is internally equipped with a relay lens group, which is used to extend the distance between the microlens array and the camera plane.
[0010] The camera interface sleeve module is detachably coupled to the camera.
[0011] Preferably, the modular light field imaging optical path lens assembly includes one or more reflection modules between the microscope interface sleeve module, the telescopic sleeve module, one or more relay sleeve modules, and the camera interface sleeve module.
[0012] The reflection module, used to change the direction of the main optical axis, includes a housing with an interface that matches the upstream and downstream modules, and a reflector for changing the direction of the optical axis.
[0013] Preferably, in the modular light field imaging optical path lens assembly, the reflecting mirror is a reflecting prism or a dichroic mirror.
[0014] Preferably, in the modular light field imaging optical path lens assembly, the microlens array is snap-fitted to the microscope interface sleeve module within the microscope interface sleeve module.
[0015] Preferably, in the modular light field imaging optical path lens assembly, one end of the microscope interface sleeve module has an interface that cooperates with the telescopic sleeve module or the reflection module, and the other end has a threaded opening that is adapted to the microscope camera port.
[0016] Preferably, the modular light field imaging optical path lens assembly has a non-rotating telescopic sleeve in its telescopic sleeve module, which has a fixing screw for locking the position.
[0017] Preferably, in the modular light field imaging optical path lens assembly, one end of the telescopic sleeve module has an interface that cooperates with the camera interface sleeve module or the reflection module, and the other end has an interface that cooperates with the telescopic sleeve module or the reflection module.
[0018] Preferably, in the modular light field imaging optical path lens assembly, the camera interface sleeve module has a fixing buckle at one end that cooperates with the camera, and an interface at the other end that cooperates with the relay sleeve module or the reflection module.
[0019] Preferably, in the modular light field imaging optical path lens assembly, the interfaces of the microscope interface sleeve module and the telescopic sleeve module, the interfaces of the telescopic sleeve module and the relay sleeve module, the interfaces of the relay sleeve module and the camera interface sleeve module, and the interfaces of the relay sleeve module and the camera are all interfaces of different specifications.
[0020] Preferably, in use, the modular light field imaging optical path lens assembly consists of modules sequentially connected and attached to a wide-field fluorescence microscope.
[0021] In summary, compared with the prior art, the above-described technical solutions conceived by this invention can achieve the following beneficial effects:
[0022] This invention uses partially pre-calibrated modules to assemble and build a light field imaging optical path in a modular fashion, which facilitates the construction of a microlens imaging optical path. It can be adapted to various commercial and integrated cameras, or to light field imaging optical paths composed of components. Attached Figure Description
[0023] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of a modular light field imaging optical path lens assembly;
[0024] Figure 2 This is a structural diagram of a modular dual-color light field imaging optical path lens group;
[0025] Figure 3 These are three views of the microscope interface sleeve optical module;
[0026] Figure 4 These are the three views of the telescopic sleeve module;
[0027] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the modular light field imaging optical path lens assembly provided in this embodiment of the present invention.
[0028] In all the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals are used to denote the same components or structures, wherein: 1 is the microscope interface sleeve optical module, 2 is the telescopic sleeve module, 3 is the relay sleeve optical module, 4 is the camera interface module, 5 is the reflection module with a reflecting prism, and 6 is the reflection module with a dichroic mirror. Detailed Implementation
[0029] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the invention. Furthermore, the technical features involved in the various embodiments of this invention described below can be combined with each other as long as they do not conflict with each other.
[0030] The modular light field imaging optical path lens assembly provided by the present invention includes the following modules assembled in sequence: microscope interface sleeve module, telescopic sleeve module, one or more relay sleeve modules, and camera interface sleeve module; one or more reflection modules are included between the above modules.
[0031] The microscope interface sleeve module is detachably connected to the telescopic sleeve module. One end of the microlens module has an interface that mates with the telescopic sleeve module or the reflection module, and a calibrated microlens array is assembled inside it. The other end of the microlens module has a threaded port that is compatible with the microscope camera port. The microlens array is located on the native image plane of the microscope objective. The microlens array is snapped into the microscope interface sleeve module to ensure that the microlens array is accurately positioned during assembly and will not be displaced during the assembly process.
[0032] The telescopic sleeve module is used to change the distance between the back of the microlens array and the camera plane; preferably, it is a non-rotational telescopic sleeve that can move the front end of the lens barrel back and forth and has fixing screws for locking the position.
[0033] The relay sleeve module has a relay lens group fixedly installed inside. One end of the relay sleeve module has an interface that cooperates with the camera interface sleeve module or the reflection module, and the other end has an interface that cooperates with the telescopic sleeve module or the reflection module. This extends the distance between the microlens array and the camera plane, keeping it within a suitable range. Light field imaging can be achieved by connecting an external microlens group, instead of having to use an internal camera integration method to set up the light field imaging optical path, which facilitates the switching and adjustment of microlenses.
[0034] The camera interface sleeve module is detachably coupled to the camera. One end of the module has a fixing buckle that engages with the camera, and the other end has an interface that engages with the relay sleeve module or the reflector module.
[0035] The interfaces for the microscope interface sleeve module and the telescopic sleeve module, the interfaces for the telescopic sleeve module and the relay sleeve module, the interfaces for the relay sleeve module and the camera interface sleeve module, and the interfaces for the relay sleeve module and the camera are all of different specifications to ensure that the optical field imaging optical path lens group is assembled in the correct order.
[0036] In use, the various sleeves and telescopic sleeve modules are connected sequentially and can be attached to a general wide-field fluorescence microscope. Combined with any camera, it completes the setup of a light-field microscopy imaging system. The microscope interface sleeve modules are detachable and reassembleable, allowing for the replacement of different microscope interface sleeves. This ensures that the microlens array of a specific size is positioned within the imaging optical path, meeting various microlens imaging requirements. When adjusting the optical path, such as when replacing different microscope interface sleeve modules, the microlens array and microscope objectives are already calibrated, and the relay lens and camera are also calibrated. Therefore, only the telescopic sleeve needs adjustment to ensure the microlens array and camera plane are in the correct position, resulting in good imaging results.
[0037] The reflection module, used to change the direction of the main optical axis, includes a housing with an interface that matches the upstream and downstream modules, and a reflector that changes the direction of the optical axis. The reflector is a reflecting prism or a dichroic mirror.
[0038] The modular light field imaging optical path lens assembly provided by this invention can be adapted to various commercial and integrated cameras, or to light field imaging optical paths composed of components; it adopts partially pre-calibrated modules and can be assembled in a modular manner to build the light field imaging optical path, making it convenient to build a microlens imaging optical path. Only the telescopic sleeve and length need to be adjusted, which is extremely convenient and simple.
[0039] The following is an example:
[0040] Example 1:
[0041] The modular light field imaging optical path lens assembly provided in this embodiment, such as Figure 1 As shown, the components are assembled in sequence as follows: microscope interface sleeve module 1, telescopic sleeve module 2, relay sleeve module 3, and camera interface sleeve module 4.
[0042] The microscope interface sleeve module is detachably connected to the telescopic sleeve module, as shown in the specific structural diagram. Figure 3 As shown, one end has an interface for use with a telescopic sleeve module, and the other end has an interface for use with a microscope. This embodiment uses a C-type interface for use with a wide-field microscope, which houses a calibrated microlens array. The other end has a threaded port adapted to the microscope objective. The microlens array is designed to be positioned on the native image plane of the microscope objective. The microlens array is snap-fitted to the microscope interface sleeve module to ensure accurate positioning of the microlens array during assembly and to prevent displacement during the assembly process. The diameter, focal length, number, and arrangement of individual microlenses in the microlens array can be customized according to imaging requirements. Different models of microlens arrays can be detachably and quickly switched in the light field imaging optical path by replacing the microscope interface sleeve module, allowing the light field imaging path to quickly adapt to different imaging scenarios.
[0043] The telescopic sleeve module adopts the SM1ZM high-precision adjustable telescopic sleeve module, the specific structure of which is as follows: Figure 4 As shown, this is a non-rotating telescopic sleeve. Its helical mechanism allows one end of the lens barrel to move back and forth without rotation. It provides a linear travel of 4.1 mm, with 0.5 mm per rotation, and is equipped with a locking mechanism. After fixing the rear relay lens group to the movable end via the SM1 knob, it can be used to change the distance between the back of the microlens array and the camera plane; when switching between different models of microlens arrays, adjusting the distance between the microlens array and the 1:1 relay lens can achieve better imaging results.
[0044] The relay sleeve module uses an SM2M10 to connect two relay lenses to form a relay lens group. An internally fixed 1:1 relay lens group is installed, with one end having an interface for the camera interface sleeve module and the other end having an interface for the telescopic sleeve module. This extends the distance between the microlens array and the camera plane, placing it within a suitable range. Light field imaging can be achieved through an external microlens group, rather than requiring integration within the camera. This allows for setting up the light field imaging optical path and facilitates microlens switching and adjustment. In this embodiment, the 1:1 relay lens group is a 4f system composed of two sleeve lenses, used to ensure the camera plane is located at the back focal plane of the microlens array. To ensure the entire system is as short as possible while maintaining field flatness, a pair of TTL 100 lenses with good field flatness performance are selected for relaying.
[0045] The camera interface sleeve module is designed to detachably engage with an sCMOS camera using a C-type interface. One end of the sleeve module has a fixing buckle that engages with the camera, and the other end has an interface that engages with the relay sleeve module.
[0046] The interfaces for the microscope interface sleeve module and the telescopic sleeve module, the interfaces for the telescopic sleeve module and the relay sleeve module, the interfaces for the relay sleeve module and the camera interface sleeve module, and the interfaces for the relay sleeve module and the camera are all of different specifications to ensure that the optical field imaging optical path lens group is assembled in the correct order.
[0047] Example 2:
[0048] The modular dual-color light field imaging optical path lens assembly provided in this embodiment, such as Figure 2 As shown, the following components are assembled in sequence: microscope interface sleeve module 1, telescopic sleeve module 2, relay sleeve module 3, reflection module 5 with a reflecting prism, reflection module 6 with a dichroic mirror, and camera interface sleeve module 4.
[0049] The microscope interface sleeve module has the following structure: Figure 3 As shown, the telescopic sleeve module is detachably connected to the microscope. One end has an interface that mates with the telescopic sleeve module, and the other end has an interface that mates with the microscope. In this embodiment, a C-type interface mates with a wide-field microscope is used. A calibrated microlens array is assembled inside the microlens array, which is positioned on the native image plane of the microscope objective. The microlens array is snap-fitted to the microscope interface sleeve module to ensure accurate positioning of the microlens array during assembly and prevent displacement during the assembly process. The diameter, focal length, number, and arrangement of individual microlenses in the microlens array can be customized according to imaging requirements. Different models of microlens arrays can be detachably and quickly switched in the light field imaging optical path by replacing the microscope interface sleeve module, allowing the light field imaging path to rapidly adapt to different imaging scenarios.
[0050] The telescopic sleeve module 2 adopts the SM1ZM high-precision adjustable telescopic sleeve module. Its spiral mechanism allows one end of the lens barrel to move back and forth without rotation. It provides a linear travel of 4.1mm, with 0.5mm per rotation, and is equipped with a locking mechanism. After the rear relay lens group is fixed to the movable end via the SM1 knob, it can be used to change the distance between the back of the microlens array and the camera plane. When switching between different models of microlens arrays, adjusting the distance between the microlens array and the 1:1 relay lens can achieve better imaging results.
[0051] The telescopic sleeve module 2 has the following structure: Figure 4 As shown, the SM1ZM high-precision adjustable telescopic sleeve module is used to adjust the distance between the camera plane and the 1:1 relay lens to adjust the chromatic aberration caused by the two wavelengths.
[0052] The relay sleeve module uses an SM2M10 to connect two relay lenses to form a 1:1 relay lens group. One end has an interface that mates with the camera interface sleeve module, and the other end has an interface that mates with the telescopic sleeve module. This extends the distance between the microlens array and the camera plane, placing it within a suitable range. Light field imaging can be achieved through an external microlens group, rather than requiring integration within the camera. This allows for setting up the light field imaging optical path, facilitating microlens switching and adjustment. The 1:1 relay lens group used in this embodiment is a 4f system composed of two sleeve lenses, ensuring the camera plane is located at the back focal plane of the microlens array. To ensure the entire system is as short as possible while maintaining field flatness, a pair of TTL 100 lenses with good field flatness performance are selected for relaying.
[0053] The reflective module with a reflective prism is used to change the direction of fluorescence signal propagation, thereby reducing the space occupied by the entire device in one dimension.
[0054] The reflective module with a dichroic mirror is used to separate the two-color fluorescence signals so that they can be received by different cameras.
[0055] The camera interface sleeve module is designed to detachably engage with an sCMOS camera using a C-type interface. One end of the sleeve module has a fixing buckle that engages with the camera, and the other end has an interface that engages with the relay sleeve module.
[0056] The interfaces for the microscope interface sleeve module and the telescopic sleeve module, the interfaces for the telescopic sleeve module and the relay sleeve module, the interfaces for the relay sleeve module and the camera interface sleeve module, and the interfaces for the relay sleeve module and the camera are all of different specifications to ensure that the optical field imaging optical path lens group is assembled in the correct order.
[0057] Example 2 provides a schematic diagram of the modular light field imaging optical path and the camera after installation. Figure 5 As shown.
[0058] Those skilled in the art will readily understand that the above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.
Claims
1. A modular light field imaging optical path lens group, characterized in that, The following modules are assembled sequentially: microscope interface sleeve module, telescopic sleeve module, one or more relay sleeve modules, and camera interface sleeve module; The microscope interface sleeve module is detachably connected to the telescopic sleeve module, and is equipped with a calibrated microlens array inside, which is located on the native image plane of the microscope objective. The telescopic sleeve module is used to change the distance between the back of the microlens array and the camera plane; The relay sleeve module is internally fitted with a relay lens group, which is used to extend the distance between the microlens array and the camera plane. The camera interface sleeve module is detachably coupled to the camera.
2. The modular light field imaging optical train of claim 1, wherein, The microscope interface sleeve module, telescopic sleeve module, one or more relay sleeve modules, and camera interface sleeve module include one or more reflection modules; The reflection module, used to change the direction of the main optical axis, includes a housing with an interface that matches the upstream and downstream modules, and a reflector for changing the direction of the optical axis.
3. The modular light field imaging optical train of claim 2, wherein, The reflector is a reflecting prism or a dichroic mirror.
4. The modular light field imaging optical train of claim 1, wherein, In the microscope interface sleeve module, the microlens array is snap-fitted to the microscope interface sleeve module.
5. The modular light field imaging optical train of claim 1 or 2, wherein, The microscope interface sleeve module has an interface at one end that mates with a telescopic sleeve module or a reflective module, and a threaded port at the other end that is compatible with the microscope camera port.
6. The modular light field imaging optical train of claim 1, wherein, The telescopic sleeve module is a non-rotating telescopic sleeve with fixing screws for locking the position.
7. The modular light field imaging optical train of claim 1 or 2, wherein, The telescopic sleeve module has an interface at one end that mates with the camera interface sleeve module or the reflection module, and an interface at the other end that mates with the telescopic sleeve module or the reflection module.
8. The modular light field imaging optical train of claim 1 or 2, wherein, The camera interface sleeve module has a fixing buckle at one end that cooperates with the camera, and an interface at the other end that cooperates with the relay sleeve module or the reflector module.
9. The modular light field imaging optical train of claim 1, wherein, The interfaces for the microscope interface sleeve module and the telescopic sleeve module, the telescopic sleeve module and the relay sleeve module, the relay sleeve module and the camera interface sleeve module, and the relay sleeve module and the camera are all different specifications.
10. The modular light field imaging optical train of claim 1, wherein, In use, the modules are connected sequentially and attached to the wide-field fluorescence microscope.