Biological Specimen 3D Imaging With 2D Sensor Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging technologies for biological specimens require complex image processing algorithms and cumbersome equipment, often necessitating the camera and specimen to tilt for capturing different depths, which is inefficient and costly.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a processor-controlled scanning-stage system that captures multiple frames of a biological specimen at different depth levels using a color or monochrome area sensor array, moving the specimen relative to the sensor in a scanning direction, and processing these frames to create a three-dimensional image.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing imaging technologies are used to capture images at various depths, then depth information is obtained, but the camera and/or specimen must tilt which increases device complexity and operation difficulty
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the imaging approach by moving from a single 2D plane capture to capturing multiple 2D frames at different depth levels along the z-axis. By scanning the specimen through different focal planes and combining these 2D slices, the system reconstructs 3D depth information without requiring mechanical tilting of the camera or specimen, thus resolving the contradiction between depth measurement precision and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the 3D imaging task into multiple 2D frame captures at different depth levels. Instead of attempting to capture the entire 3D volume in a single tilted view, the system segments the specimen into multiple focal planes (e.g., first frame at first depth level, second frame at second depth level) and processes them separately before combining into a final 3D image, thereby avoiding the need for complex tilting mechanisms
2Measurement precision
If existing imaging technologies are used to obtain three-dimensional images, then depth information is captured, but complex image processing algorithms and expensive equipment are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates multiple copies (frames) of the same specimen region at different depth levels rather than using a single complex tilted capture. By capturing multiple 2D frames that represent different focal planes of the specimen, the system obtains sufficient information for 3D reconstruction using simpler processing algorithms that combine these frames, avoiding the need for expensive specialized equipment and complex processing systems
3Measurement precision
If multiple frames at different depth levels are captured by moving the specimen, then three-dimensional imaging is achieved, but imaging time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by capturing multiple frames at different depth levels in a systematic scanning sequence before final image processing. The specimen is moved along the scanning direction to predetermined positions where each frame is captured at a specific depth level, allowing efficient organization and processing of the data to minimize total imaging time while maintaining 3D accuracy
Data Source
AI summary
Instruments and methods of obtaining a three-dimensional image of a biological specimen are described herein. The methods include capturing a first image of a first frame of the specimen using a sensor array. The first frame is an in-focus area of the specimen at a first depth level of the specimen. The specimen is then moved relative to the sensor array in a scanning direction by a predetermined number of rows of pixels. A second image of a second frame of the specimen is captured using the sensor array. The second frame is an in-focus area of the specimen at a second depth level of the specimen. The second depth level is spaced apart from the first depth level in a direction perpendicular to the scanning direction. The first image and the second image are processed to obtain the three-dimensional image of the specimen.