2D Sensor Array Fluorescence Imaging Dynamic Range
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current microscopic imaging technologies face challenges in efficiently imaging large specimens, particularly in fluorescence microscopy, due to issues with exposure adjustment, bleaching of fluorophores, and the difficulty in simultaneous imaging of multiple fluorophores with varying signal strengths, leading to noisy or overexposed images.
Innovation Solution
The use of two-dimensional CCD or CMOS sensor arrays instead of linear arrays or TDI arrays allows for simultaneous imaging of multiple fluorophores by adding and contracting exposures on a line-by-line basis, increasing dynamic range and reducing noise, and enables correct gain setting estimation through preview scans for proper exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If linear arrays or TDI arrays are used for fluorescence imaging, then imaging speed is improved, but dynamic range is limited and noise increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional linear arrays to two-dimensional area detector arrays, adding a spatial dimension to the detection system. This enables simultaneous capture of multiple scan lines across the specimen, dramatically increasing the effective dynamic range while maintaining high imaging speed through parallel detection across the entire field of view.
2Productivity
If multiple fluorophores are imaged simultaneously with varying signal strengths, then imaging efficiency is improved, but exposure accuracy deteriorates leading to noisy or overexposed images
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a preview scan function that performs a preliminary low-resolution scan of the entire specimen to estimate the dynamic range and signal distribution. Based on this preliminary data, the system automatically calculates and sets optimal exposure parameters for subsequent high-resolution imaging, ensuring accurate exposure for multiple fluorophores with varying signal strengths.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts exposure parameters based on real-time preview scan data. The controller modifies gain settings and exposure times adaptively for different regions and fluorophores, allowing simultaneous imaging of multiple fluorophores with widely varying signal intensities while maintaining optimal exposure accuracy for each.
3Area of stationary object
If tiling microscopes are used to image large specimens, then field of view is improved, but tiling artifacts increase and processing complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a single large-area two-dimensional detector array that can capture the entire specimen field of view in one or few scans, eliminating the need for multiple separate imaging tiles. This universal detector design handles both wide-field and high-resolution imaging requirements, dramatically reducing stitching complexity and eliminating tiling artifacts while maintaining comprehensive specimen coverage.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach reduces noise and allows for accurate, simultaneous imaging of multiple fluorophores with varying signal strengths, improving image quality and reducing the need for extensive post-processing corrections, while enabling efficient scanning of large specimens with increased dynamic range and reduced bleaching.
Implementation Method 1
two-dimensional CCD or CMOS sensor arrays
Implementation Method 2
fluorescence imaging, including photoluminescence and spectrally-resolved fluorescence
Data Source
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AI summary
An instrument and method for scanning at least a portion of a large specimen preferably causes the specimen to move relative to a two-dimensional detector array at a constant speed. The detector array takes one image of the specimen for each line that the detector moves. A controller controls a shutter of the detector array to open to take images and to pass the images to a processor, which is preferably a computer. The instrument takes one partial image of each part of the specimen that is being scanned and then combines those images with other images to produce a contiguous image.