3D Image Reconstruction via Multi-Axis Light Collection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods, such as confocal fluorescence microscopes, face challenges in acquiring clear three-dimensional images of light-emitting sites inside specimens due to light scattering from deep within scattering substances, leading to reduced image clarity and difficulty in forming clear images.
Innovation Solution
An examination apparatus with an objective optical system and image-acquisition apparatus that collects light from different optical-axis directions, using a three-dimensional image forming unit to construct clear images by eliminating unclear data and utilizing a rotation apparatus to image from various directions, thereby enhancing image resolution orthogonal to the optical axis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If the pinhole diameter is increased to increase the depth of field, then more light from light-emitting sites can pass through the pinhole to acquire a bright image, but images at different focal positions become superimposed resulting in unclear images and inability to acquire clear three-dimensional images
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the in-focus image information from the captured images by detecting the focal position for each pixel. The image-acquisition apparatus identifies pixels that are in focus at different focal positions and extracts only those in-focus components, discarding the out-of-focus information. This extraction process resolves the contradiction by obtaining clear three-dimensional images without the blur caused by superimposed focus-shifted images, while still allowing a larger pinhole diameter for sufficient light collection.
2Measurement precision
If a confocal pinhole is used to image only light passing through the focal point, then high resolution in the optical-axis direction can be achieved, but light from deep within scattering substances is scattered before reaching the pinhole causing reduced light amount and making image formation almost impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual confocal pinhole effect through computational processing rather than using a physical pinhole. By detecting the focal position of each pixel and extracting in-focus image information, the system replicates the selective in-focus imaging capability of a confocal pinhole without the physical constraint. This allows sufficient light to reach the detector while still achieving optical-axis resolution through information extraction, resolving the contradiction between resolution and light amount.
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
Enables the acquisition of clear three-dimensional images of light-emitting sites inside specimens by collecting and processing image information from multiple directions, overcoming the limitations of light scattering and depth of field issues in existing technologies.
Implementation Method 1
an objective optical system for positioning a focal point inside a specimen mounted on a stage
Implementation Method 2
an image-acquisition apparatus for detecting light emitted in different optical-axis directions from the vicinity of the focal point inside the specimen
Implementation Method 3
a three-dimensional image forming unit for forming a three-dimensional image of a light-emitting site in the vicinity of the focal point based on the plurality of pieces of image information acquired by the image-acquisition apparatus
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides an examination apparatus including an objective optical system for positioning a focal point inside a specimen mounted on a stage; an image-acquisition apparatus for detecting light emitted in different optical-axis directions from the vicinity of the focal point inside the specimen and collected by the objective optical system to acquire a plurality of pieces of image information; and a three-dimensional image forming unit for forming a three-dimensional image of a light-emitting site in the vicinity of the focal point based on the plurality of pieces of image information acquired by the image-acquiring apparatus.