A dual mode microscope and its dedicated components

Abstract

The utility model discloses a kind of dual-mode microscopes and its special components, including optical microscope component and lensless microscopy component, both form switchable dual-mode microscope, lensless microscopy mode is used for the preliminary screening of to-be-measured sample, optical microscope mode is used for the accurate observation of to-be-measured sample;Lensless microscopy component includes first light source, image sensor and image signal processor;In lensless microscopy mode, first light source and image sensor are respectively located on the two sides of to-be-measured sample on object table, when the light emitted by first light source passes through to-be-measured sample, image sensor receives optical signal and converts it into electrical signal, image signal processor converts electrical signal into interference or diffraction image, and it is restored into directly observable image.The dual-mode microscope of the utility model is switched by dual mode, while ensuring observation accuracy, greatly reduce workload, and there is no need to have too high requirement to the detection resolution of lensless microscopy.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of microscope technology, and in particular to a dual-mode microscope and its dedicated components. Background Technology

[0002] An optical microscope typically consists of a frame, a stage with a light aperture, a turret containing multiple objectives, a microscope tube, and eyepieces mounted on the frame above the stage, and an aperture and light source mounted on the frame below the stage. In use, the light source is turned on, the turret is rotated to align the low-power objective with the light aperture on the stage, the prepared specimen is fixed on the stage, ensuring the part to be observed is centered on the light aperture, and the aperture is adjusted appropriately. Observation is then performed using the eyepiece, or by rotating the turret to use the high-power objective. While existing optical microscopes provide precise imaging, their imaging area and field of view are relatively small. For example, in medical applications such as observing cancer cell samples, medical professionals need to perform meticulous, part-by-part examination of the sample.

[0003] Lensless microscopy is a relatively new technology that has emerged in recent years. Although it offers a large field of view, it relies on complex algorithms, raising questions about the reliability of the results.

[0004] As can be seen from the above, the existing traditional optical microscopes and lensless microscopy still urgently need further improvement in terms of structure, method, and application. Creating a new microscope that allows for rapid and precise observation has become a pressing goal for the industry. Utility Model Content

[0005] The technical problem to be solved by this invention is to provide a dual-mode microscope and its dedicated components, which enables rapid and accurate observation and reduces workload.

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] In the first aspect, this utility model provides a dual-mode microscope, including an optical microscope assembly and a lensless microscopy assembly, which together form a switchable dual-mode microscope. The lensless microscopy mode is used for preliminary screening of the sample to be tested, and the optical microscope mode is used for precise observation of the sample to be tested.

[0008] The lensless microscopy assembly includes a first light source, an image sensor, and an image signal processor connected to the image sensor.

[0009] In lensless microscopy mode, the first light source and the image sensor are located on both sides of the sample to be tested on the stage. When the light emitted by the first light source passes through the sample to be tested on the stage, the image sensor receives the corresponding light signal and converts it into an electrical signal. The image signal processor converts the electrical signal into an interference or diffraction image and restores the interference or diffraction image into an image of the sample to be tested that can be directly observed.

[0010] As a further improvement of this utility model, the image sensor is a CMOS or CCD image sensor; and / or, the first light source is a single light source, an array of light sources, or a multi-height displacement light source, and the first light source is an LED light source or a laser light source.

[0011] Furthermore, the stage has a transparent support for supporting the sample to be tested, or the stage has a light-transmitting hole that can fully expose the sample to be tested. An objective lens turret containing multiple objective lenses, a lens barrel and an eyepiece are sequentially installed on the frame above the stage. An aperture and a second light source are installed from top to bottom on the frame below the stage.

[0012] The first light source in the lensless microscopy replaces one of the objectives on the objective turret, or the first light source in the lensless microscopy is placed independently above the sample to be tested.

[0013] Furthermore, the image sensor and the stage can move relative to each other; in lensless microscopy mode, when the light source is switched to the first light source above the sample to be tested, the image sensor is located below the stage; in optical microscope mode, when the light source is switched to the objective lens above the sample to be tested, the image sensor is moved away from below the stage.

[0014] Furthermore, the image sensor and the stage are connected by a sliding connection, a rotating connection, or a detachable connection to achieve relative motion.

[0015] Furthermore, the image sensor is connected to the bottom of the stage via a pull-out mechanism.

[0016] Secondly, this utility model also provides a dedicated component for the aforementioned dual-mode microscope, wherein the dedicated component is a lensless microscopy component, comprising:

[0017] A first light source, an image sensor, and an image signal processor connected to the image sensor;

[0018] The image sensor is equipped with a stage connector;

[0019] The first light source is provided with a connector for connecting to the objective lens converter of the optical microscope, or the first light source is provided with a connector for connecting to other parts of the optical microscope, so that the first light source can be placed above the sample to be tested in an independent manner.

[0020] Furthermore, the stage connector on the image sensor is a sliding connector, a rotating connector, or a detachable connector.

[0021] Furthermore, the image sensor is a CMOS or CCD image sensor;

[0022] Furthermore, the first light source is a single light source, an array of light sources, or a multi-height displacement light source, and the first light source is an LED light source or a laser light source.

[0023] This invention integrates a lensless microscopy component, combining a light source and an image sensor, into a traditional optical microscope assembly. Breaking away from the traditional standalone optical microscope mode, it forms a switchable dual-mode microscope. The lensless microscopy mode is used for preliminary screening of samples, while the optical microscope mode is used for precise observation. Taking a medical setting as an example, medical professionals can first use the lensless microscopy mode for wide-field screening to initially identify key locations on the sample, and then use the optical microscope mode for focused local observation. This significantly reduces workload while maintaining observation accuracy. Furthermore, due to the fine observation provided by the optical microscope, there is no need for excessively high detection resolution requirements for the lensless microscopy. Therefore, this invention combines the advantages of a wide field of view of lensless microscopy with the high precision of an optical microscope, while avoiding the uncertainties that may arise from computational optics in lensless microscopy and the disadvantages of a small field of view in optical microscopes. Attached Figure Description

[0024] The above is merely an overview of the technical solution of this utility model. In order to better understand the technical means of this utility model, the following describes this utility model in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the working principle of the dual-mode microscope in this utility model;

[0026] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a dual-mode microscope in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] In the figure: 1-Optical microscope assembly; 11-Frame; 12-Stage; 13-Objective lens; 14-Objective lens turret; 15-Binocular tube; 16-Eyepiece; 17-Second light source; 18-Aperture; 2-Lensless microscopy assembly; 21-First light source; 22-Image sensor; 23-Image signal processor. Detailed Implementation

[0028] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. While exemplary embodiments of the present invention are shown in the drawings, it should be understood that the present invention may be implemented in various forms and should not be limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided to enable a more thorough understanding of the present invention and to fully convey the scope of the present invention to those skilled in the art.

[0029] like Figure 1 As shown, this invention provides a dual-mode microscope, including an optical microscope assembly 1 and a lensless microscopy assembly 2, forming a switchable dual-mode microscope. The lensless microscopy mode is used for preliminary screening of the sample to be tested, while the optical microscope mode is used for precise observation of the sample. The lensless microscopy assembly 2 includes a first light source 21, an image sensor 22, and an image signal processor 23 connected to the image sensor. In the lensless microscopy mode, the first light source 21 and the image sensor 22 are located on opposite sides of the sample to be tested on the stage. When the light emitted by the first light source 21 passes through the sample to be tested on the stage, the image sensor 22 receives the corresponding light signal and converts it into an electrical signal. The image signal processor 23 converts the electrical signal into an interference or diffraction image and restores the interference or diffraction image into an image of the sample to be tested that can be directly observed. Here, known algorithms such as fast reconstruction algorithms based on Fourier transform can be used to restore the image of the sample to be tested. Of course, other algorithms in the prior art can also be used to make it an image that can be directly observed by the human eye. There is no need to have excessively high requirements for the detection resolution of the lensless microscopy.

[0030] The image sensor 22 described above is a CMOS or CCD image sensor, and in this embodiment, a CMOS image sensor is preferred.

[0031] In the aforementioned lensless microscopy, the first light source 21 can be a single light source, an array of light sources, or a multi-height displacement light source (the light source can move at different heights). Furthermore, the first light source 21 can be an LED light source or a laser light source.

[0032] Based on the above principles, those skilled in the art can understand that this utility model mainly integrates a lensless microscopy component on the basis of a traditional optical microscope component to form a switchable dual-mode microscope. That is, as long as the lensless microscopy component and the traditional optical component are integrated and set up, and the two can be switched relative to each other, a new lensless detection optical path can be formed between the first light source of the lensless microscopy component, the sample to be tested and the image sensor. Its installation position can be selected in a variety of ways according to the actual situation.

[0033] As a preferred implementation method, such as Figure 2As shown, this embodiment provides a dual-mode microscope, wherein the optical microscope assembly includes a frame 11, on which a stage 12 is mounted. The stage 12 can be in the form of a transparent support for supporting the sample to be tested, or it can be in the form of a light-transmitting aperture that fully exposes the sample to be tested. The purpose of these two forms is to enable the image sensor to obtain a larger field of view in lensless microscopy mode, so that the entire sample to be tested can be captured at once. On the frame above the stage 12, a lens turret 14 containing multiple objectives 13, a microscope tube 15, and an eyepiece 16 are sequentially mounted. On the frame 11 below the stage 12, a second light source 17 and an aperture 18 are mounted, wherein the aperture 18 and the second light source 17 are mounted on the frame from top to bottom.

[0034] In this embodiment, the objective turret 14 has three positions. Two positions are for mounting conventional objectives 13, and the third objective position is replaced by a first light source 21 for lensless microscopy, preferably an LED light. Alternatively, the first light source 21 for lensless microscopy can be placed independently above the sample to be tested, rather than replacing the position of an objective.

[0035] The image sensor 22 and the stage 12 can move relative to each other to achieve switching between two modes. For example, in lensless microscopy mode, when the first light source 21 is switched above the sample (e.g., when switched to the first light source 21 via the objective lens converter 14), the image sensor 22 is located below the stage 12. In optical microscope mode, when the objective lens is switched above the sample (e.g., when switched to the objective lens 13 via the objective lens converter 14), the image sensor 22 is moved away from below the stage 12. At this time, the second light source 17 in the optical microscope is activated, the aperture 18 is adjusted, and fine observation is performed through the eyepiece 16 and the objective lens 13.

[0036] The image sensor 22 and the stage 12 are connected by a sliding or rotating connection to achieve relative movement. For example, the image sensor 22 can be pulled out and connected to the bottom of the stage 12, similar to a drawer. Alternatively, the rotating connection can involve horizontal rotation or flipping. A detachable connection can also be used, such as by providing a slot under the stage 12.

[0037] The above embodiment is a complete dual-mode microscope. Of course, it is also possible to manufacture a lensless microscopy component specifically for dual-mode microscopes, and use this component to modify a conventional optical microscope.

[0038] As described above, the lensless microscopy assembly includes a first light source, an image sensor, and an image signal processor connected to the image sensor; the image sensor is a CMOS or CCD image sensor; a stage connector is provided on the image sensor; mainly used for connecting to the stage, the connector is preferably a sliding connector, a rotating connector, or a detachable connector; the first light source is provided with a connector for connecting to the objective lens turret of the optical microscope, mainly used for mounting on the objective lens turret of the optical microscope; or, the first light source is provided with a connector for connecting to other parts of the optical microscope, so that the first light source can be placed independently above the sample to be tested.

[0039] The operation method of the above dual-mode microscope includes:

[0040] First, use lensless microscopy mode to conduct a preliminary observation of the sample under test with a large field of view; determine the areas that need further observation; then switch to optical microscope mode for precise observation of the sample under test.

[0041] In practical applications, the aforementioned dual-mode microscope can be used for screening medical sample sections or for quality inspection of industrial samples. Taking cancer cell sample observation as an example, the lensless microscopy mode is first used for preliminary observation of the sample's large field of view to determine the areas requiring further observation (such as obviously abnormal areas). Then, the microscope is switched to optical microscopy mode for precise observation of the sample. Specifically, the position of the sample on the stage is adjusted (automatic or manual adjustment is possible) so that the abnormal area is directly above the center of the second light source. Switching back to the optical microscope allows the true morphology of the sample to be seen. This invention combines the advantages of the large field of view of lensless microscopy with the high precision of optical microscopy, while avoiding the uncertainties that may arise from computational optics in lensless microscopy and the disadvantages of the small field of view in optical microscopy.

[0042] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model in any way. Any simple modifications, equivalent changes or alterations made by those skilled in the art using the above-disclosed technical content shall fall within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A dual-mode microscope, comprising an optical microscope assembly, characterized in that, It also includes a lensless microscopy component, which together form a switchable dual-mode microscope. The lensless microscopy mode is used for preliminary screening of the sample to be tested, while the optical microscope mode is used for precise observation of the sample to be tested. The lensless microscopy assembly includes a first light source, an image sensor, and an image signal processor connected to the image sensor. In lensless microscopy mode, the first light source and the image sensor are located on both sides of the sample to be tested on the stage. When the light emitted by the first light source passes through the sample to be tested on the stage, the image sensor receives the corresponding light signal and converts it into an electrical signal. The image signal processor converts the electrical signal into an interference or diffraction image and restores the interference or diffraction image into an image of the sample to be tested that can be directly observed.

2. The dual-mode microscope according to claim 1, characterized in that, The image sensor is a CMOS or CCD image sensor; And / or, the first light source is a single light source, an array of light sources, or a multi-height displacement light source, and the first light source is an LED light source or a laser light source.

3. The dual-mode microscope according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The stage has a transparent support for supporting the sample to be tested, or the stage has a light-transmitting hole that can fully expose the sample to be tested. An objective lens turret containing multiple objective lenses, a lens barrel and an eyepiece are installed sequentially on the frame above the stage. An aperture and a second light source are installed from top to bottom on the frame below the stage. The first light source in the lensless microscopy replaces one of the objectives on the objective turret, or the first light source in the lensless microscopy is placed independently above the sample to be tested.

4. The dual-mode microscope according to claim 3, characterized in that, The image sensor and the stage can move relative to each other; in lensless microscopy mode, when the first light source is converted above the sample to be tested, the image sensor is located below the stage. In optical microscope mode, when the image sensor is switched to the objective lens above the sample to be tested, it is moved away from below the stage.

5. The dual-mode microscope according to claim 4, characterized in that, The image sensor and the stage are connected by a sliding connection, a rotating connection, or a detachable connection to achieve relative motion.

6. The dual-mode microscope according to claim 5, characterized in that, The image sensor is connected to the bottom of the stage via a pull-out mechanism.

7. A dedicated component for a dual-mode microscope according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The specialized component is a lensless microscopy component, comprising: A first light source, an image sensor, and an image signal processor connected to the image sensor; The image sensor is equipped with a stage connector; The first light source is provided with a connector for connecting to the objective lens converter of the optical microscope, or the first light source is provided with a connector for connecting to other parts of the optical microscope, so that the first light source can be placed above the sample to be tested in an independent manner.

8. The dedicated component for a dual-mode microscope according to claim 7, characterized in that, The stage connector on the image sensor is a sliding connector, a rotating connector, or a detachable connector.

9. The dedicated component for a dual-mode microscope according to claim 7, characterized in that, The image sensor is a CMOS or CCD image sensor.

10. The dedicated component for a dual-mode microscope according to claim 7, characterized in that, The first light source is a single light source, an array of light sources, or a multi-height displacement light source, and the first light source is an LED light source or a laser light source.

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