Imaging systems including light arrays and diffusers and related methods

Abstract

Some aspects of the present disclosure are generally related to imaging systems including a plurality of light sources and a diffuser associated with a receptacle of a drawer for receiving a container for providing a uniform light source to illuminate the container. The imaging system may be configured such that an optical path along which the light from the plurality of light sources transmits passes through the diffuser and the container towards a photosensitive detector of the imaging system when the drawer is in a closed configuration.

Description

IMAGING SYSTEMS INCLUDING LIGHT ARRAYS AND DIFFUSERS AND RELATEDMETHODSCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63 / 620,457, filed January 12, 2024, and entitled “IMAGING SYSTEMS INCLUDING LIGHT ARRAYS AND DIFFUSERS AND RELATED METHODS,” which is incorporated herein by reference in it its entirety for all purposes.FIELD

[0002] Disclosed embodiments are related to imaging systems including light arrays and diffusers, for example, for quantifying microorganism colonies.BACKGROUND

[0003] Consumer and Pharmaceutical Quality Control (QC) departments often times use a microbial detection and enumeration system to capture data from samples including raw materials, water (purified and water-for-injection), in-process materials, bulk drug substance, and environmental monitoring. Typically, QC relies on manual positioning of the petri dish and subsequent manual counting methods.SUMMARY

[0004] In some embodiments, an imaging system includes: a housing; a photosensitive detector disposed in the housing; a drawer configured to be displaced at least partially in and out of the housing between an open configuration and a closed configuration, wherein the drawer includes a receptacle configured to receive a container positioned therein; a plurality of light sources arranged in an array; and a diffuser configured to be positioned along an optical path extending between the plurality of light sources and the photosensitive detector through the receptacle of drawer when the drawer is in the closed configuration.

[0005] According to some embodiments, a method of imaging material in a container includes: positioning the container above a diffuser in a receptacle of a drawer relative to a direction of gravity; displacing the drawer into a housing of an imaging system to position the receptacle and the container along an optical path between a plurality of light sources arranged in an array and a photosensitive detector; and transmitting light from the plurality of light source to the photosensitive detector through the diffuser and the container.

[0006] It should be appreciated that the foregoing concepts, and additional concepts discussed below, may be arranged in any suitable combination, as the present disclosure is not limited in this respect. Further, other advantages and novel features of the present disclosure willbecome apparent from the following detailed description of various non-limiting embodiments when considered in conjunction with the accompanying figures.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0007] The accompanying drawings are not intended to be drawn to scale. In the drawings, each identical or nearly identical component that is illustrated in various figures may be represented by a like numeral. For purposes of clarity, not every component may be labeled in every drawing. In the drawings:

[0008] FIG. 1A is a schematic diagram illustrating a perspective view of an imaging system in a closed configuration, according to some embodiments;

[0009] FIG. IB is a schematic diagram illustrating a side view of a drawer and additional components of an imaging system, according to some embodiments;

[0010] FIG. 1C is a block diagram illustrating an optical path of light relative to some components of an imaging system, according to some embodiments;

[0011] FIG. ID is a schematic diagram depicting a plurality of light sources, according to some embodiments;

[0012] FIG. IE is a schematic diagram illustrating a top view of a drawer and additional components of an imaging system in a closed configuration, according to some embodiments;

[0013] FIG. 2A is a schematic diagram illustrating a perspective view of an imaging system in an open configuration, according to some embodiments;

[0014] FIG. 2B is a schematic diagram illustrating a perspective view of a drawer and additional components of an imaging system in an open configuration, according to some embodiments;

[0015] FIG. 2C is a schematic diagram illustrating a top view of a drawer and additional components of an imaging system in an open configuration, according to some embodiments;

[0016] FIG. 3 is a method flow diagram describing the use of an imaging system, according to some embodiments; and

[0017] FIG. 4 is a plot of the normalized intensity of light emitted from a plurality of light sources of an imaging system as a function of wavelength, according to some embodiments.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] Quality control is desirable in various fields to monitor and prevent the contamination of samples, products, water, etc. Conventional systems and methods for performing quality control involve manually positioning containers (e.g., petri dishes) containing samples within the system, followed by analysis comprising manual counting methods. Such manual methods may introduce error during analysis of samples based on variations in the lighting source and associated bias from the counting methods.

[0019] To mitigate the above biases from analytical measurement techniques, conventional systems include drawers to automatically position a container therein. The use of such drawers, however, may interfere with the use of conventional lighting configurations that transmit light from the bottom of the container to the top of the container during imaging, as the drawer may be made from an optically opaque material. Accordingly, such systems may include non-conventional lighting configurations including, for example, a ring light that surrounds a perimeter of the container in the drawer to illuminate the container from the sides of the container. While these developments facilitate the positioning of the container in the imaging system by the drawer and provide illumination to the container by the ring light, it remains desirable to transmit light from the bottom of the container to above the container for uniform lighting conditions throughout the container during imaging.

[0020] In view of the above, the inventors have recognized and appreciated the benefits of an imaging system including a light source providing uniform incident light onto a sample as in conventional systems but still includes a drawer for automatic positioning of a container within the imaging system. For example, in some embodiments, imaging systems as described herein may provide uniform light that is incident upon a surface of a container (e.g., containing a sample) opposite from an associated photosensitive detector using a plurality of light sources and a diffuser. For example, the light sources may be arranged in an array disposed on a side of the diffuser opposite from the photosensitive detector during an imaging process to provide a more uniform lighting of a sample contained in the container. In some embodiments the imaging system may include a drawer having a receptacle. The receptacle may be configured to receive a container, as described in more detail elsewhere herein. In some embodiments, and in view of the above, a material that is at least partially transparent may form a portion of the receptacle in order to allow light to pass from the array of light sources, through the drawer (e.g., through the at least partially transparent portion of the receptacle), to transmit the light through the bottom of the container to the top of the container towards the photosensitive detector. In some such embodiments, the at least partially transparent portion of the receptacle may be a diffuser, as described in more detail below. In this manner, the imaging systems described herein may facilitate the use of drawers for automatic positioning of a container while also incorporating traditional light sources that transmit through a container, e.g., from the bottom of the container to the top of the container, towards a photosensitive detector during an imaging process.

[0021] In some embodiments, the at least partially transparent material of the drawer is a diffuser and may form a base of a receptacle of the drawer that a container is disposed on during imaging. Accordingly, in some such embodiments, the container containing the sample may be disposed on top of the diffuser, relative to a direction of gravity, when the container is present inthe drawer of the imaging system. The use of a diffuser, in some embodiments, may be desirable for further providing more uniform light from the light sources, as the more uniform light transmitted through the diffuser is transmitted towards and through the container disposed in the drawer towards a photosensitive detector disposed on an opposing side of the container during imaging. Thus, the use of a diffuser as a portion of the receptacle of the drawer may facilitate improved imaging of the container and subsequent analysis of any collected images by allowing for the use of the automated drawer while coupling with a conventional light source that transmits light through at least a portion of the drawer (e.g., the diffuser) towards a base of the container. In some embodiments, the uniform lighting of the container in the imaging system may provide more uniform and more reproducible lighting conditions when imaging different locations in a single sample and / or when imaging different samples. This may help to minimize errors associated with comparing images collected from different locations and / or different samples that may be subject to different lighting conditions within an imaging system.

[0022] In embodiments including a drawer, the drawer may be configured to slide at least partially in and out of a housing of the imaging system between an open and closed configuration. For example, in some embodiments, sliding the drawer out of the housing of the imaging system results in the drawer moving from the closed configuration towards the open configuration. In the open configuration, a receptacle of the drawer may be accessible by a user in order to place a container containing a sample into the receptacle.

[0023] In the various embodiments disclosed herein , a receptacle of a drawer may be configured to be selectively aligned with an optical path extending from a plurality of light sources to a corresponding photosensitive detector. For example, sliding the drawer into the housing of the imaging system from an open configuration to a closed configuration may align the drawer and receptacle with an optical path that extends from a plurality of light sources towards a photosensitive detector of the imaging system. For example, a line may pass from the plurality of light sources through the drawer and receptacle to the photosensitive detector when the drawer is in the closed configuration. Alignment along the optical path, according to some embodiments, indicates that light from the light sources may pass through a portion of the drawer within the field of view of the photosensitive detector, thus light transmitted through the drawer (e.g., and / or a container disposed therein) may pass towards the photosensitive detector to be collected during imaging. Accordingly, when in the closed configuration, the drawer may position the drawer appropriately to facilitate imaging of a container disposed in a receptacle of the drawer. Correspondingly, when in the open configuration, the receptacle may be misaligned with the optical path.

[0024] The various embodiments of imaging systems described herein may provide uniform lighting that may be beneficial for improving quality control methods, for example, by providing reproducible conditions and / or minimizing and / or eliminating bias associated with variations in lighting when performing various analysis methods. Additionally, the imaging systems and related methods may be useful in a variety of other applications that utilize imaging systems. Non-limiting examples of different fields in which such an imaging system may be advantageous include histopathology, micro total analysis systems, electronics, biotechnology, mineralogy, and microbiology, all of which may involve the imaging (e.g., optical imaging) of at least partially optically transparent samples to evaluate a property of the sample. Improved imaging systems, as described herein, may also facilitate the observation and / or differentiation of cells (e.g., stained cells), microstructures, defects, and / or microfeatures inherent to materials. Other fields in which the presently described imaging systems may be advantageous over existing conventional imaging systems are also possible.

[0025] As noted above, the disclosed imaging systems may comprise a plurality of light sources. In some embodiments, the plurality of light sources may be oriented to emit light in a direction that corresponds to a vertical direction, relative to a direction of gravity, towards a photosensitive detector. The plurality of light sources used in any of the embodiments described herein may include any of the following types of light sources. The light sources present in the plurality of light sources may be light emitting diodes (LEDs), micro-LEDs, incandescent lights, and / or neon lights. Other types of light sources may also be used in the plurality of light sources, as this disclosure is not so limited.

[0026] In some embodiments, the plurality of light sources is arranged in an array, e.g., as a grid of light sources within a single plane. In some such embodiments, the array is a periodic array with relatively constant spacing between adjacent light source of the plurality of light sources. The positioning of the plurality of light sources within a single plane may facilitate the uniform arrangement and distancing of the plurality of light sources relative to a diffuser of the imaging system, for example, that is in a second plane that is substantially parallel to the plane containing the plurality of light sources. For example, the plurality of light sources may form an array with any of a variety of layouts including a regular and / or periodic array with a circular, ovular, triangular, square, rectangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, or any other regular polygonal layout. However, in some embodiments, the layout of the array of the plurality of light sources may be irregular. In either case, the disclosed arrangements may facilitate the delivery of uniform light intensity from the plurality of light sources to the different areas of a field of view of an associated photosensitive detector of the imaging system.

[0027] The number of light sources present in an array of light sources may depend on various other parameters of the imaging system, for example, the size and intensity of the light sources, the desired spacing of the light sources, the size of the container (e.g., and / or sample disposed therein) received by the imaging system, and / or a corresponding field of view of a photosensitive detector used to image the container. In some embodiments, the number of light sources present in the plurality of light sources is greater than or equal to 10, greater than or equal to 20, greater than or equal to 30, greater than or equal to 50, greater than or equal to 70, greater than or equal to 90, greater than or equal to 96, greater than or equal to 110, greater than or equal to 130, greater than or equal to 150, greater than or equal to 170, greater than or equal to 200, greater than or equal to 300, or greater than or equal to 500. In some embodiments, the number of light sources present in the plurality of light sources is less than or equal to 1000, less than or equal to 500, less than or equal to 300, less than or equal to 200, less than or equal to 170, less than or equal to 150, less than or equal to 130, less than or equal to 110, less than or equal to 96, less than or equal to 90, less than or equal to 70, less than or equal to 50, less than or equal to 30, or less than or equal to 20 light sources. Combinations of the foregoing ranges are possible (e.g., greater than or equal to 10 and less than or equal to 1,000 light sources). Other ranges are also possible.

[0028] The size of each light source in the plurality of light sources may be any of a variety of sizes, in accordance with some embodiments. In some cases, larger higher intensity light sources may be used to provide higher intensity illumination. In other embodiments, a larger number of smaller less intense light sources may be used, for example, to attain a more uniform light distribution. In some embodiments, each light source in the plurality of light sources may have an average maximum dimension of greater than or equal to 15 microns, greater than or equal to 25 microns, greater than or equal to 50 microns, greater than or equal to 100 microns, greater than or equal to 200 microns, greater than or equal to 300 microns, greater than or equal to 500 microns, greater than or equal to 750 microns, greater than or equal to 1 mm, greater than or equal to 2 mm, greater than or equal to 3 mm, or greater than or equal to 4 mm. According to some embodiments, each light source in the plurality of light sources may have an average maximum dimension of less than or equal to 5 mm, less than or equal to 4 mm, less than or equal to 3 mm, less than or equal to 2 mm, less than or equal to 1 mm, less than or equal to 750 microns, less than or equal to 500 microns, less than or equal to 300 microns, less than or equal to 200 microns, less than or equal to 100 microns, less than or equal to 50 microns, or less than or equal to 25 microns. Combinations of the foregoing ranges are possible (e.g., greater than or equal to 15 microns and less than or equal to 5 mm). Other ranges are also possible.

[0029] Each of the light sources of the plurality of light sources may be configured to emit light continuously at a maximum average radiant intensity, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the average maximum radiant intensity may depend on any of a variety of parameters, for example, the type of light source, the size of the light source, and / or the power input when using the light source. In some embodiments, the average maximum radiant intensity of light that may be continuously emitted from each of the light sources during an imaging process by is greater than or equal to 1 mW / sr, greater than or equal to 10 mW / sr, greater than or equal to 50 mW / sr, greater than or equal to 100 mW / sr, greater than or equal to 500 mW / sr, greater than or equal to 1 W / sr, greater than or equal to 10 W / sr, greater than or equal to 50 W / sr. In some embodiments, the average maximum radiant intensity of light that may be continuously emitted from each of the light sources during an imaging process is less than or equal to 100 W / sr, less than or equal to 50 W / sr, less than or equal to 10 W / sr, less than or equal to 1 W / sr, less than or equal to 500 mW / sr, less than or equal to 100 mW / sr, less than or equal to 50 mW / sr, or less than or equal to 10 mW / sr. Combinations of the foregoing ranges are possible (e.g., greater than or equal to 1 mW / sr and less than or equal to 100 W / sr). Other ranges are also possible.

[0030] According to some embodiments, the plurality of light sources and diffuser may be configured to emit light directed at a container in a drawer of an imaging system with a desired areal intensity. For example, in some embodiments, the average areal radiance of the light emitted from the plurality of light sources and transmitted through the diffuser to a container may be greater than or equal to 1 mW / (sr m2), greater than or equal to 10 mW / (sr m2), greater than or equal to 50 mW / (sr m2), greater than or equal to 100 mW / (sr m2), greater than or equal to 500 mW / (sr m2), greater than or equal to 1 W / (sr m2), or greater than or equal to 10 W / (sr m2). In some embodiments, the average areal radiance of the light emitted from the plurality of light sources and transmitted through the diffuser is less than or equal to 10 W / (sr m2), less than or equal to 1 W / (sr m2), less than or equal to 500 mW / (sr m2), less than or equal to 100 mW / (sr m2), less than or equal to 50 mW / (sr m2), or less than or equal to 10 mW / (sr m2). Combinations of the foregoing ranges are possible (e.g., greater than or equal to 1 mW / (sr m2) and less than or equal to 10 W / (sr m2)). Other ranges are also possible.

[0031] In some embodiments, a diffuser used in any of the embodiments disclosed herein may have an appropriate transmittance to provide a desired level of illumination to a container disposed in a receptacle of a drawer. For example, a diffuser may have a transmittance that is greater than or equal to 50%, greater than 60%, greater than or equal to 70%, greater than or equal to 80%, greater than or equal to 90%, greater than or equal to 95%, or any other appropriate transmittance.

[0032] As noted above, the plurality of light sources may have appropriate spacings within a regular or irregular array. In any of the embodiments disclosed herein, a center-to- center spacing of adjacent light sources in the plurality of light sources may be greater than or equal to 20 microns, greater equal to 50 microns, greater than or equal to 100 microns, greater than or equal to 250 microns, greater than or equal to 500 microns, greater than or equal to 1 mm, greater than or equal to 2 mm, greater than or equal to 3 mm, greater than or equal to 5 mm, greater than or equal to 10 mm, greater than or equal to 12.5 mm, or greater than or equal to 15 mm. In some embodiments, a center-to-center spacing of adjacent light sources in the plurality of light sources may be less than or equal to 20 mm, less than or equal to 15 mm, less than or equal to 11.2 mm, less than or equal to 10 mm, less than or equal to 5 mm, less than or equal to 3 mm, less than or equal to 2 mm, less than or equal to 1 mm, less than or equal to 500 microns, less than or equal to 250 microns, less than or equal to 100 microns, or less than or equal to 50 microns. Combinations of the foregoing ranges are possible (e.g., greater than or equal to 20 microns and less than or equal to 20 mm). Other ranges are also possible.

[0033] Depending on the desired type of imaging being done, each of the plurality of light sources may be configured to emit light having wavelengths corresponding to a predetermined range of wavelengths. In some embodiments, the light sources disclosed herein may emit monochromatic light. In some embodiments, the light source may emit polychromatic light. In some embodiments, the light emitted from a light source may correspond to the nearultraviolet (e.g., greater than or equal to 300 nm and less than or equal to 400 nm), visible (e.g., greater than or equal to 400 nm and less than or equal to 800 nm), near-infrared (e.g., greater than or equal to 800 nm and less than or equal to 1400 nm), and / or infrared wavelength ranges (e.g., greater than or equal to 1400 nm and less than 1mm). In some embodiments, the wavelengths emitted by the light sources may be selected in accordance with the desired application. For example, light sources that emit light having wavelengths that correspond to visible light may be selected for optical imaging. It may be advantageous to use different types of light sources based on the application and / or the desired application.

[0034] In some embodiments, the wavelength(s) of light emitted by the light sources of the plurality of light sources is greater than or equal to 300 nm, greater than or equal to 400 nm, greater than or equal to 500 nm, greater than or equal to 600 nm, greater than or equal to 700 nm, greater than or equal to 800 nm, greater than or equal to 900 nm, greater than or equal to greater than or equal to 1000 nm, or greater than or equal to 1250 nm. According to some embodiments, the wavelength(s) of light emitted by the light sources of the plurality of light sources is less than or equal to 1400 nm, less than or equal to 1250 nm, less than or equal to 1000 nm, less than or equal to 900 nm, less than or equal to 800 nm, less than or equal to 700 nm, less than or equal to600 nm, less than or equal to 500 nm, or less than or equal to 400 nm. Combinations of the foregoing ranges are possible (e.g., greater than or equal to 300 nm and less than or equal to 1400 nm, greater than or equal to 400 nm and less than or equal to 800 nm, etc.). Other ranges are also possible.

[0035] As noted previously, the imaging systems described herein may include a diffuser (e.g., an optical diffuser). As used herein, diffusers may be configured to optically diffuse or scatter light that is transmitted therethrough and may provide a more uniform light intensity across a field of view of an associated photosensitive detector when compared to a similar system in the absence of a diffuser. Any of a variety of materials may be suitable for use in or as the diffuser, in accordance with some embodiments. Example materials that may be suitable for use in or as a diffuser in the imaging systems include, but are not limited to, acrylic, ground glass, various polymeric materials (e.g., polymethylmethacrylate, silicone), and metal oxides (e.g., as particles that may scatter light; TiCh, ZnO, etc.). Additionally, a diffuser may include appropriate surface features to help provide the desired amount of light diffusion.

[0036] In some embodiments, the diffuser transmits at least a portion of the light that is emitted from the plurality of light sources. According to some embodiments, the amount of light transmitted through the diffuser may be determined by illuminating a light source with and without a diffuser in an optical path that passes from the light source to an associated photosensitive detector. In some embodiments, the diffuser transmits greater than or equal to 30%, greater than or equal to 35%, greater than or equal to 40%, greater than or equal to 45%, greater than or equal to 50 %, greater than or equal to 60%, greater than or equal to 65%, greater than or equal to 70%, greater than or equal to 75%, greater than or equal to 80%, greater than or equal to 85%, greater than or equal to 90%, greater than or equal to 95% of the light emitted from the plurality of light sources and that is directed towards the diffuser. According to some embodiments, the diffuser transmits less than or equal to 100%, less than or equal to 95%, less than or equal to 90%, less than or equal to85%, less than or equal to 80%, less than or equal to 75%, less than or equal to 70%, less than or equal to 65%, less than or equal to 60%, less than or equal to 55%, less than or equal to 50%, less than or equal to 45%, less than or equal to 40%, or less than or equal to 30% of the light emitted from the plurality of light sources and that is directed towards the diffuser. Combinations of the foregoing ranges are possible (e.g., greater than or equal to 30% and less than or equal to 100%). Other ranges are also possible.

[0037] The light transmitted through the diffuser from the plurality of light sources may be uniform, in accordance with some embodiments. In some embodiments, light may be transmitted from the plurality of light sources, through the diffuser, and then detected at an associated photosensitive detector. In some such embodiments, the light detected at thephotosensitive detector (e.g., the light frequency being detected, corresponding to the light wavelengths as described elsewhere herein) from the diffuser may have a low variance when compared to an average intensity of the light within a field of view of a photosensitive detector located on an opposing side of a diffuser relative to the plurality of lights. In some embodiments, the variance of the intensity of light between adjacent light sources in a field of view of the photosensitive detector from the average intensity of light detected in the field of view by the associated photosensitive detector is less than or equal to 10%, less than or equal to 9%, less than or equal to 8%, less than or equal to 7%, less than or equal to 6%, less than or equal to 5%, less than or equal to 4%, less than or equal to 3%, or less than or equal to 2% of the detected average intensity of the light. In some embodiments, the variance of the intensity of light between adjacent light sources in a field of view of the photosensitive detector from the average intensity of light in the field of view detected by the associated photosensitive detector is greater than or equal to 1%, greater than or equal to 2%, greater than or equal to 3%, greater than or equal to 4%, greater than or equal to 5%, greater than or equal to 6%, greater than or equal to 7%, greater than or equal to 8%, or greater than or equal to 9% of the detected average intensity of the light. Combinations of the foregoing ranges are possible (e.g., greater than or equal to 1% and less than or equal to 10%, greater than or equal to 5% and less than or equal to 10%). Other ranges are also possible. The above noted average and variances associated with the light intensities of a field of view of the photosensitive detector may be evaluated using the light intensities measured by the photosensitive detector without a container presented in the imaging system and other potentially blocking systems located outside the field of view of the photosensitive detector.

[0038] According to some embodiment, the imaging system may further include a second light source such as a ring light in addition to the plurality of light sources. A ring light may include a one or more of light sources arranged around a perimeter of the container (e.g., in a ring shape) and oriented towards one or more side surfaces of the container. Note that the second light source may comprise one or more light sources arranged in any shape surrounding a perimeter of the container, e.g., circular, ovular, rectangular, pentagonal, irregular, etc. Additionally, the ring light source may be disposed vertically below a top surface of the container relative to a direction of gravity to illuminate one or more side surfaces of the container in the drawer. In this manner, the ring light may be positioned and oriented to emit light towards the one or more side surfaces of the container when the container is present in the drawer of the imaging system in the closed configuration. This, in combination with the plurality of light sources being arranged and oriented to emit light at a bottom surface of a container disposed in the drawer of the imaging system as described elsewhere herein may facilitate uniform lighting conditions for imaging of the container.

[0039] Turning to the figures, specific non-limiting embodiments are described in further detail. It should be understood that the various systems, components, features, and methods described relative to these embodiments may be used either individually and / or in any desired combination as the disclosure is not limited to only the specific embodiments described herein.

[0040] FIGS. 1A-1E and 2A-2C are schematic diagrams of various portions of an embodiment of an imaging system. FIGS. 1A-1E depict the system when in a closed configuration, e.g., when the drawer of the imaging system is slid into the housing, where FIGS. 2A-2C illustrate the system when in an open configuration, e.g., where the drawer is at least partially slid out of the housing. As illustrated in these figures, and detailed further below, in some embodiments, the imaging system may include a drawer having a receptacle, a plurality of light sources, and a diffuser. In some such embodiments, the imaging system may further include a housing and / or a photosensitive detector disposed in the housing.

[0041] FIG. 1A shows a perspective view of an imaging system 100, according to some embodiments. The imaging system 100 comprises a housing 102 and a drawer 105. In some embodiments, the drawer 105 is configured to slide at least partially in and out of the housing between an open configuration as shown in FIG. 1A and a closed configuration as shown in FIG. 2A. In some embodiments, the drawer may be configured to at least partially slide in and out of the housing in a direction that is perpendicular to a direction of gravity. In the closed configuration, the drawer 105 is configured such that it is primarily located within the interior of housing 102 of the imaging system 100.

[0042] The drawer of the imaging system when in the closed configuration is better seen in FIG. IB, which is a side, cutaway view of drawer 105 and additional components of the imaging system 100 from FIG. 1A. In the closed configuration, drawer 105 is positioned within the housing of the imaging system. The drawer 105 may include a diffuser 110. When in the closed configuration as shown in FIG. IB, diffuser 110 of drawer 105 is positioned vertically above a plurality of light sources 120 and positioned vertically below photosensitive detector 150, relative to a direction of gravity. Thus, light emitted from the plurality of light sources 120 is transmit along an optical path 140 through diffuser 110 to photosensitive detector 150.

[0043] In addition to the above, FIG. IB illustrates the presence of ring light 130. Note that the presence of the ring light is optional and, accordingly, the ring light may not be present in the imaging system. As shown, the ring light 130 is in a plane that is substantially parallel to and vertically offset from the plane of the diffuser 110 and the plane of the plurality of light sources 120. Ring light 130 is positioned vertically above diffuser 110, relative to the direction of gravity, and may be positioned below a top surface of a container when the container is present in the drawer. The one or more light sources of the ring light may be oriented towards one ormore side surfaces of a container, when present. Such a position and orientation of the ring light may facilitate the illumination of one or more side surfaces of the container by the ring light. The ring light 130 is discussed in more detail below in reference to FIGS. IE and 2B.

[0044] As noted above, in some embodiments, the system is arranged such that light may be emitted from the plurality of light sources along an optical path through a diffuser and towards a photosensitive detector with a receptacle of the drawer be aligned along the optical path between the plurality of light sources and the photosensitive detector, for example, when the drawer of the imaging system is in a closed configuration. For instance, FIG. 1C shows a simplified block diagram of the optical path 140. The optical path 140 begins from the plurality of light sources 120, which emit light which is then sequentially transmitted through diffuser 110 and a container (e.g., containing a sample) 145 disposed thereon. Some and / or all of the light that is transmitted through both the diffuser 110 and the container 145 may be directed towards and imaged by the photosensitive detector 150, for example, for image collection and image analysis thereafter.

[0045] To provide a desired intensity and uniformity of light emitted towards a diffuser, it may be desirable to position the plurality of light sources 120 at a predetermined distance from the diffuser 110. In some embodiments, the distance between the plurality of light sources and the diffuser in a direction parallel to the optical path extending from the plurality of light sources towards the photosensitive detector is greater than or equal to 10 mm, greater than or equal to 15 mm, greater than or equal to 20 mm, or greater than or equal to 25 mm. In some embodiments, the distance between the plurality of light sources and the diffuser along the direction of the optical path is less than or equal to 30 mm, less than or equal to 25 mm, less than or equal to 20 mm, of less than or equal to 15 mm. Combinations of the foregoing ranges are possible (e.g., greater than or equal to 10 mm and less than or equal to 30 mm, greater than or equal to 15 mm and less than or equal to 20 mm, etc.). Other ranges are also possible. In some embodiments, the relative positioning of the plurality of light sources and the diffuser may be selected based on the properties of the light that transmits through the diffuser along the optical path from the plurality of light sources, as described in more detail elsewhere herein.

[0046] The depicted photosensitive detector 150 may correspond to any appropriate type of photosensitive detector capable of sensing an intensity, imaging, or otherwise sensing a signal associated with light transmitted, emitted, and / or reflected by a sample and / or container positioned within an imaging system. In some such embodiments, the photosensitive detector may comprise a charge coupled device (CCD) detector, a photomultiplier tube, a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) detector, and / or a photodiode detector. In accordance withsome embodiments, the photosensitive detector may comprise a camera comprising one or more of the foregoing detectors, e.g., a CCD camera or a CMOS camera.

[0047] In some embodiments, to facilitate consistent alignment between the components of the imaging system 100, the diffuser 110 is operatively coupled to the drawer 105. For example, in some embodiments, the diffuser 110 is connected to and / or disposed below a receptacle 106 of the drawer 105 relative to the photosensitive detector 150. In some embodiments, the base of the receptacle 106 onto which a container may be placed comprises or is at least partially formed by the diffuser 110. In some embodiments, the diffuser 110 forms a portion of the receptacle 106 and is configured to support a weight of the container when the container is disposed in the receptacle 106. Accordingly, when the drawer 105 is in the closed configuration, the receptacle 106 and the diffuser 110 may be aligned along an optical path extending between the plurality of light sources 120 and the photosensitive detector 150.Correspondingly, when moved the drawer 105 is moved to the open configuration, the receptacle 106 and diffuser 110 may be misaligned with the optical path. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the diffuser 110 may remain stationary when the drawer 105 slides in and out of the housing 102 of the imaging system 100. Alignment of the diffuser 110 along the optical path between the plurality of light sources 120 and the photosensitive detector 150 may facilitate the transmission of light through the diffuser 105 and receptacle 106 in a more repeatable and uniform manner.

[0048] In some embodiments, the imaging system 100 may further include a container (e.g., containing a sample) disposed in the receptacle 106 of the drawer 105 of the imaging system 100, e.g., on a diffuser 110 forming a portion of the receptacle 106. In some embodiments, when the container is present in the receptacle 106, the imaging system may be configured to align the container along the optical path between the plurality of light sources 120 and the photosensitive detector when the imaging system is in the closed configuration. For example, referring again to FIG. 1C, when a container 145 is present, it may be positioned vertically above diffuser 110 of the drawer along optical path 140.

[0049] FIG. ID shows a perspective view of the plurality of light sources 120 arranged in an array from the interior of the housing 102 of imaging system 100 of FIG. 1 A. Here, the plurality of light sources 120 comprise LEDs which are positioned on a substate 121 (e.g., a printed circuit board or other appropriate substrate). As described in more detail elsewhere herein, the plurality of light sources 120 may include any number of individual light sources 122. In some embodiments, the spacing between adjacent light sources 122 of the plurality of light sources 120 may be regular, semi-regular, and / or irregular. For example, the spacing in a first direction 124 and the spacing in the second direction 126 may be regular between some and / orall of the light sources 122 of the plurality of light sources 120. In some embodiments, the spacing between some and / or all of the light sources 122 of the plurality of light sources 120 may be irregular, for example, as shown by distance 128 between two light sources of the plurality of light sources 122 in FIG. ID. Such irregularity between the distances of adjacent light sources in the plurality of light sources, in accordance with some embodiments, may be by design and / or may arise due to the presence of other components of the imaging system being located in proximity to the plurality of light sources, such as a connector 129 that facilitates attachment of the substrate 121 to other components of the imaging system.

[0050] FIG. IE shows a top-down view of the drawer 105 and other components from imaging system 100 of FIG. 1A. As described above, drawer 105 comprises diffuser 110. Additionally, the imaging system comprises pusher 108, configured to automatically position a container disposed in a receptacle 106 of drawer 105 in a reproducible position in the drawer. A ring light 130 may be positioned vertically above the drawer 105, relative to a direction of gravity, and in a plane substantially parallel to the plane of the diffuser 110 on which a container (e.g., containing a sample) may be placed when the drawer 105 is in the closed configuration. Accordingly, the plane of the ring light 130 may be substantially parallel to the plane of the plurality of light sources 120 when the drawer 105 is in the closed configuration. The ring light 130 includes one or more light sources oriented to emit light radially inwards toward the center of the receptacle of the drawer in the directions 132, e.g., towards a container disposed within the receptacle when present. Additionally, in some embodiments, when a container is present in the receptacle 106 of the drawer 105, the ring light 130 may be positioned below a top surface of the container. Thus, the positioning and orientation of the ring light 130 may facilitate the illumination of one or more side surfaces of the container, such as the side surface of a petri dish. In such a manner, ring light 130, in combination with the plurality of light sources 120 may provide an imaging system 100 with a more uniform light distribution illuminating a container (e.g., containing a sample) disposed in a receptacle 106 of drawer 105, when compared to conventional imaging systems with traditional light sources (e.g., a single lamp in an optical microscope) while also providing the ability to automatically position a container using a drawer 105 within the imaging system 100.

[0051] FIG. 2A is a perspective view of the imaging system 100 in an open configuration such that the system is configured to receive a container (e.g., a petri dish) in drawer 105 that extends out from the housing 102. Drawer 105 includes a receptacle 106 configured to receive the container. In some embodiments, and as shown in FIG. 2A, diffuser 110 forms a portion of the receptacle 106 configured to receive the container, e.g., the base of the receptacle whereupon the container may be disposed.

[0052] FIG. 2B is a cutaway view of the drawer 105 of the imaging system in the open configuration. Drawer 105 comprises they receptacle 106 configured to receive a container (e.g., containing a sample), wherein the base of the receptacle 106 whereupon the container may be placed is at least partially formed by the diffuser 110. While in this example the drawer 105 comprises the diffuser 110 and the drawer 105 is configured such that a container disposed therein is positioned directly on the diffuser 110, other embodiments in which the drawer 105 does not include the diffuser are possible. For example, the diffuser 110 may be coupled to the drawer 105 but may not form a portion of the receptacle 106. In some embodiments, the diffuser 110 may be held stationary within the housing 102 of the imaging system 100 such that the drawer 105 moving between the open and closed configuration moves the receptacle into and out of alignment with the diffuser 110 and the plurality of lights 120. Thus, while the diffuser may be selectively positioned in the optical path between the plurality of light sources and the receptacle of the drawer when the drawer is moved from the open to closed configuration, the base of the receptacle may not necessarily comprise the diffuser. Thus, it should be understood that any appropriate arrangement of the diffuser with the disclosed embodiments may be used as the disclosure is not so limited.

[0053] FIGS. IB and 2B illustrate movement of the ring light 130 when the drawer 105 of the imaging system 100 is moved from an open configuration to a closed configuration. The inclusion of such a ring light 130 is optional. As described above, a plane of the ring light 130, e.g., containing one or more light sources of the ring light 130, may be positioned below a top surface of a container and be substantially parallel to a plane in which the drawer 105 slides to facilitate the lighting of one or more side surfaces of a container in the receptacle 106 when the drawer 105 is in the closed configuration. In some such embodiments, the ring light 130 may be an obstacle in an expected path through which a container may be placed into the receptacle 106 of the drawer 105. Accordingly, movement of the ring light 130 out of the expected path of movement of a container disposed in the receptacle 106 may be desirable, e.g., to facilitate movement of the container into and out of the imaging system.

[0054] In some such embodiments, when the drawer is moved from the closed configuration as shown in FIGS. 1 A- IB to the open configuration as shown in FIGS. 2A-2B, the ring light 130 may synchronously move from a plane that is parallel to the plane of the diffuser 110 and the plane of the plurality of light sources 120 when in the closed configuration (corresponding to FIG. 1 A) to a plane that is angled, or optionally substantially perpendicular, to the plane of the diffuser 110 and the plane of the plurality of light sources 120 when in an open configuration (corresponding to FIG. 2A). This translation and / or rotation of the ring light 120 may be accomplished using actuators, camming surfaces, linkages, and / or any other appropriatearrangement as the disclosure is not so limited. When the drawer 105 is moved towards the closed configuration, the ring light 130 may move back towards the initially illustrated configuration substantially parallel to the diffuser 110 and plurality of lights 120. This movement of the ring light may facilitate the displacement of the drawer from the interior of the housing of the imaging system to the exterior of the housing of the imaging system. The movement of the ring light may further allow a user to place a container (e.g., containing a sample) into the receptacle of the drawer without having to avoid the ring light during container insertion and removal.

[0055] The receptacle of the drawer of the imaging system, which is configured to receive a container (e.g., containing a sample), may have any of a variety of shapes, in accordance with some embodiments. In some embodiments, the shape of the receptacle may be circular, ovular, square, rectangular, or any other regular or irregular shape configured to receive a desired sized and shaped container. Depending on the embodiment, a container may comprise an optically transparent material at least partially defining an interior volume configured to contain a sample therein. In some embodiments, the container comprises glass or a polymer (e.g., polymethyl methacrylate, polycarbonate, polyethylene terephthalate, etc.). For example, in some embodiments, the container may be a petri dish. The container may contain a variety of materials and / or samples, in accordance with some embodiments. In some embodiments, microorganism cultures cultured in agar may be container within the container. In some embodiments, the container may contain electronics (e.g., microelectronics), microbiological specimen, mineralogical species, micro total analysis systems, and / or tissues or other biological samples (e.g., stained tissues or samples) for analysis. Other materials are also possible to be container in the container.

[0056] In some embodiments, and as shown in FIG. 2B, the receptacle 106 may comprise one or more cutouts 112 that facilitate the placement and / or removal of a container from the receptacle 106. For example, the cutouts 112 may be sized and shaped to allow a user to insert one or more fingers within the cutout 112 of the receptacle 106 in order to manipulate a container within the receptacle 106. In some embodiments, each dimension (e.g., a width, length, and / or height) of the cutout may independently be greater than or equal to 5 mm, greater than or equal to 1 cm, or greater than or equal to 2 cm. In some embodiments, each dimension (e.g., a width, length, and / or height) of the cutout may independently be less than or equal to 3 cm, less than or equal to 2 cm, or less than or equal to 1 cm. Combinations of the foregoing ranges are possible (e.g., greater than or equal to 5 mm and less than or equal to 3 cm). Other ranges are also possible. In some embodiments, the cutouts 112 facilitate the placement and removal of a container from the receptacle 106 of the imaging system 100, thereby making the imagingsystem 100 more user friendly relative to conventional systems where such cutouts 112 are absent. For instance, in some embodiments, the container may be a petri dish, and removal of the petri dish from the receptacle 106 may be difficult in the absence of the cutouts 112, and thus the presence of the cutouts 112 functionally improves the ability of the user to insert and / or remove a container from the receptacle 106 of the drawer 105.

[0057] FIG. 3 is a method flow diagram related to using the imaging systems described herein. The method 300 includes at least partially sliding a drawer out of a housing of an imaging system at 310. Step 310 of method 300 may correspond to moving a drawer 105 of the imaging system from a closed configuration as shown in FIG. 1 A to an open configuration as shown in FIG. 2A.

[0058] Following this, the method may comprise positioning a container in a receptacle 106 of the drawer 105. In some embodiments, method 300 comprises positioning a container containing a sample above a diffuser 110 in a receptacle 106 of a drawer 105 relative to a direction of gravity 320. For instance, a container containing a sample, such as a petri dish containing microorganisms, may be positioned within the receptacle 106 of the drawer 105 of the imaging system 100 while the system is in its open configuration, as shown in FIG. 2A. In some embodiments, the container may be positioned on the diffuser 110 due to the diffuser forming at least a portion of, or the entire, base of the receptacle 106. Accordingly, positioning the container in the receptacle 106 of the drawer 105 may include positioning the container over and / or on the diffuser 110 of the drawer 105.

[0059] With a container positioned in the receptacle 106 of the drawer 105 following step 320 of method 300, the method may further include displacing the drawer 105 into the housing 102 of the imaging system 100 such that the receptacle 106 and container disposed therein are positioned along an optical path between a plurality of light sources 120 and a photosensitive detector at 330. As described above, when a diffuser 110 forms a portion of the receptacle 106, displacing the drawer 105 into the housing 102 to the closed configuration positions the receptacle 106, container disposed therein, and diffuser 110 in alignment with the optical path between the plurality of light sources 120 and the photosensitive detector 150.

[0060] The method 300 may further include illuminating the container. For example, in some embodiments, the method 300 includes transmitting light from the plurality of light sources 120 through the diffuser 110 and through at least a portion of the container towards a photosensitive detector at 340. In some such embodiments, light emitted from the plurality of light sources 120 may follow an optical path to the photosensitive detector, as shown in FIG. 1A. In some embodiments, the method 300 includes transmitting light radially inwards from a ring light 130 towards at least a portion of the container such that the illuminated sample may beimaged by the photosensitive detector at 350. According to some embodiments, steps 340 and 350 of method 300 may occur simultaneously to provide uniform lighting when imaging a container and / or a sample contained therein within the imaging system. Still, in some embodiments where a ring light is absent, step 340 of method 300 may not occur.

[0061] In some embodiments, the sample contained in the container may be imaged or otherwise sensed using a photosensitive detector at 360. The image, images, or other signals collected by the photosensitive detector may be subjected to any appropriate type of analysis at 370. In some such embodiments, the photosensitive detector may be configured to collect images of the container and sample disposed therein. The photosensitive detector may be configured to measure an intensity of the light transmitted through the container and sample disposed therein as a function of wavelength. Accordingly, depending on the information gathered by the photosensitive detector, analysis of the resulting data may vary. For example, if an image is collected via a photosensitive detector comprising a camera, manual and / or automatic analysis may occur (e.g., counting of colonies in a cultured sample of microorganisms). In some embodiments, wherein the photosensitive detector quantifies a change in light intensity before and after the container is inserted into the imaging system and / or over time after the container is inserted into the imaging system, a change in the light intensity may be analyzed, e.g., to track the evolution or decomposition of a chromophore. Thus, it should be understood that the current disclosure is not limited to any particular type of analysis.

[0062] While the above steps are generally described in the context of placing a container within a receptacle of a drawer of the imaging system, the method may continue. For example, following imaging and analysis of the container, the method may again include at least partially sliding a drawer out of a housing of an imaging system, whereafter a container present in the receptacle may be removed the receptacle. Following removal, the method may further include repeating steps 320-370 using the same or a different container, e.g., containing a different sample. It is further noted that the method 300 may include some and / or all of the steps shown in the method flow diagram of FIG. 3. In some embodiments, some and / or all of the steps may be repeated. Additionally, while the steps of the method shown in FIG. 3 are shown in a sequential order and described in like manner, it is also possible that the steps may be performed in a different order than as illustrated in the method flow diagram and / or described herein.

[0063] Example: Light intensity of the imaging system as a function of wavelength

[0064] An imaging system as described in the context of FIGS. 1-3 was assembled and the light emitted from the plurality of light sources (i.e., LEDs in the foregoing embodiments) was measured using a photosensitive detector. The results of the measurement are shown in FIG. 4, which is a plot of normalized light intensity as a function of wavelength of the light. The plotshows the plurality of light sources emitted polychromatic light, which is capable of illuminating a sample contained in a container placed in the receptacle of the drawer of the system. The illustrated lighting may be used to facilitate optical imaging of a sample contained within the system, in some embodiments. While the intensity of the different wavelengths of the light varies, the diffuser of the imaging system facilitated a similar light spectrum as shown in FIG. 4 at different locations of the sample when illuminated by the plurality of light sources. Thus, providing similar-to-substantially-identical lighting conditions during imaging of a sample in a container which may be disposed in the imaging system.

[0065] While several embodiments of the present invention have been described and illustrated herein, those of ordinary skill in the art will readily envision a variety of other means and / or structures for performing the functions and / or obtaining the results and / or one or more of the advantages described herein, and each of such variations and / or modifications is deemed to be within the scope of the present invention. More generally, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that all parameters, dimensions, materials, and configurations described herein are meant to be exemplary and that the actual parameters, dimensions, materials, and / or configurations will depend upon the specific application or applications for which the teachings of the present invention is / are used. Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specific embodiments of the invention described herein. It is, therefore, to be understood that the foregoing embodiments are presented by way of example only and that, within the scope of the appended claims and equivalents thereto, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described and claimed. The present invention is directed to each individual feature, system, article, material, kit, and / or method described herein. In addition, any combination of two or more such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and / or methods, if such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and / or methods are not mutually inconsistent, is included within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An imaging system comprising: a housing; a photosensitive detector disposed in the housing; a drawer configured to be displaced at least partially in and out of the housing between an open configuration and a closed configuration, wherein the drawer includes a receptacle configured to receive a container positioned therein; a plurality of light sources arranged in an array; and a diffuser configured to be positioned along an optical path extending between the plurality of light sources and the photosensitive detector through the receptacle of drawer when the drawer is in the closed configuration.

2. The imaging system of claim 1, wherein the diffuser is connected to the drawer.

3. The imaging system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the diffuser is disposed below the receptacle relative to the photosensitive detector.

4. The imaging system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the diffuser is at least partially misaligned with the optical path when the drawer is in the open configuration.

5. The imaging system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the diffuser forms a portion of the receptacle and is configured to support the container when the container is disposed in the receptacle.

6. The imaging system of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising the container disposed in the receptacle.

7. The imaging system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the container is a petri dish.

8. The imaging system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein a variance of light intensity between adjacent light sources in a field of view of the photosensitive detector from an average light intensity in the field of view is less than or equal to 10%.

9. The imaging system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the variance is greater than or equal to 1%.

10. The imaging system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of light sources is positioned in a first plane and the diffuser is positioned in a second plane that is substantially parallel to the first plane.

11. The imaging system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of light sources comprises greater than or equal to 10 and less than or equal to 1,000 light sources.

12. The imaging system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the array is a grid of light sources.

13. The imaging system of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a ring light configured to emit light radially inward towards the container when the container is disposed in the receptacle and the drawer is in the closed configuration.

14. A method of imaging material in a container, comprising: positioning the container above a diffuser in a receptacle of a drawer relative to a direction of gravity; displacing the drawer into a housing of an imaging system to position the receptacle and the container along an optical path between a plurality of light sources arranged in an array and a photosensitive detector; and transmitting light from the plurality of light source to the photosensitive detector through the diffuser and the container.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising displacing the drawer at least partially out of the housing to an open configuration.

16. The method of claim 14 or 15, wherein displacing the drawer into the housing includes displacing the drawer to a closed configuration.

17. The method of any one of claims 14-16, wherein the diffuser is connected to the drawer.

18. The method of any one of claims 14-17, wherein the diffuser is disposed below the receptacle relative to the photosensitive detector.

19. The method of any one of claims 14-18, wherein the diffuser is at least partially misaligned with the optical path when the drawer is in the open configuration.

20. The method of any one of claims 14-19, wherein the diffuser forms a portion of the receptacle and is configured to support the container when the container is disposed in the receptacle.

21. The method of any one of claims 14-20, wherein the container is a petri dish.

22. The method of any one of claims 14-21, wherein a variance of light intensity between adjacent light sources in a field of view of the photosensitive detector from an average light intensity in the field of view is less than or equal to 10%.

23. The method of any one of claims 14-22, wherein the variance is greater than or equal to 1%.

24. The method of any one of claims 14-23, further comprising emitting light radially inward from a ring light towards the container.

Images