Adjustable Multi-Channel Prism for Fluorophore Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera heads struggle to capture images of multiple fluorophores due to overlapping emission and excitation spectra, leading to unclear differentiation of light types and limited imaging modalities, which affects image quality and user satisfaction.
Innovation Solution
A multi-channel prism with a movable dichroic filter adjusts the cutoff wavelength to direct different wavelengths to separate image sensors, accompanied by feature detection and registration to align images, ensuring clear separation and optimal imaging for various fluorophores.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single camera head captures light for multiple fluorophores with overlapping spectra, then the device can attempt to image multiple fluorophores, but the emission and excitation spectra overlap making it difficult to separate wavelengths and clearly differentiate light types
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the spectral detection into separate channels by using a multi-channel prism that directs different wavelength ranges to different image sensors. This segmentation allows clear separation of excitation and emission spectra for multiple fluorophores, resolving the overlap problem while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-channel prism acts as an intermediary optical element between the incoming light and the image sensors. It mediates the spectral separation by directing specific wavelength ranges to appropriate sensors, enabling accurate wavelength differentiation without requiring the sensors to directly distinguish overlapping spectra.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the multi-channel prism is moved or rotated to adjust the cutoff wavelength of the dichroic filter, then different wavelengths can be directed to different image sensors for versatile imaging, but light exiting the prism shifts relative to the center of the image sensor causing image offset
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feature detection and registration as a feedback mechanism to detect image offsets caused by prism movement and automatically correct them. The processor analyzes the detected features and registers images from different channels, compensating for the geometric distortion introduced by the movable prism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically changes the cutoff wavelength parameter of the dichroic filter by rotating the multi-channel prism. This parameter adjustment allows optimization for different fluorophores while the system compensates for the resulting image shift through computational methods.
3Measurement precision
If multiple image sensors are used to capture different wavelength ranges, then the system can image multiple fluorophores effectively, but the complexity of the device increases with multiple sensors and alignment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple image sensors into a single integrated camera head structure, sharing common optical components and control systems. This combining approach maintains the ability to detect multiple wavelength ranges with high precision while reducing overall device complexity through shared resources.
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
The system enables versatile imaging of multiple fluorophores by optimizing signal-to-noise ratios and providing centered, composite images, enhancing image quality and user satisfaction.
Implementation Method 1
a multi-channel prism configured to be moved from a first orientation to a second orientation and configured to separate an input light into: a first spectrally distinct portion of output light directed to the first image sensor, and a second spectrally distinct portion of output light directed to the second image sensor, wherein the multi-channel prism comprises a dichroic filter with a cutoff wavelength
Implementation Method 2
a multi-channel prism configured to be moved from a first orientation to a second orientation... wherein when the multi-channel prism is in a first orientation the multi-channel prism receives an incoming image light at a first angle and the cutoff wavelength of the dichroic filter is a first value, wherein when the multi-channel prism is in a second orientation the multi-channel prism receives the incoming image light at a second angle and the cutoff wavelength of the dichroic filter is a second value
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems are provided to enable multiple fluorophores to be imaged by moving a prism assembly relative to the optical axis of collected light. Methods and systems to account for the shift of the prism assembly relative to the image sensors are also provided herein, such as software-implemented feature detection and registration, as well as complementary motion of the image sensors relative to the prism assembly.