Alternating Frame Acquisition for Multi-Channel Optical Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera-based optical systems, such as wide-field and light-field microscopes, face limitations in achieving high frame acquisition rates due to the need for multiple cameras and potential crosstalk between color channels, especially when trying to acquire frames using multiple detection channels with a single camera.
Innovation Solution
A method where frames from multiple detection channels are acquired in alternating sequences using a single camera, with the duration of acquisition sequences varying for each channel, allowing for efficient equipment design and high data quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple cameras are used to acquire frames from multiple detection channels simultaneously, then the frame acquisition rate for each channel is maintained, but the device complexity and cost increase due to the need for multiple cameras and potential crosstalk between channels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by acquiring frames from multiple detection channels in alternating sequences rather than simultaneously. The camera switches between detection channels in a periodic manner, with each channel being acquired in alternating acquisition sequences. This allows a single camera to effectively capture data from multiple channels over time, reducing hardware complexity while maintaining the ability to observe dynamic processes in each channel.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies universality by making a single camera perform multiple functions - acquiring frames from multiple different detection channels. Instead of dedicating one camera per detection channel, the single camera is configured to sequentially capture data from each channel, thereby serving multiple detection functions with one device.
2Device complexity
If frames from multiple detection channels are acquired in alternation using a single camera, then device complexity is reduced, but the channel-specific frame rate decreases due to bandwidth limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by making the acquisition sequence durations flexible and adaptable. Instead of using fixed equal-duration sequences for each detection channel, the system allows the duration of acquisition sequences to be adjusted dynamically. This enables optimization of the frame acquisition rate for each channel based on its specific requirements, allowing faster channels to have shorter sequences and slower channels to have longer sequences, thereby maximizing the effective frame rate for each channel.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by varying the duration parameter of acquisition sequences for different detection channels. The system changes the temporal parameters of frame acquisition, allowing each detection channel to have customized sequence durations that optimize its frame rate. This parameter adjustment enables the system to work around bandwidth limitations by strategically allocating acquisition time to different channels.
3Ease of operation
If equal duration acquisition sequences are used for each detection channel, then the acquisition process is simplified, but the system cannot adapt to different process speeds being observed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by transitioning from static, equal-duration acquisition sequences to dynamic, variable-duration sequences. The system can now adapt the length of acquisition sequences for each detection channel based on the specific requirements of the processes being observed. This dynamic configuration allows the system to handle both fast-moving and slow-moving processes effectively by adjusting sequence durations accordingly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by allowing the duration parameter of acquisition sequences to vary between different detection channels. Instead of using a fixed uniform duration, the system changes this parameter to optimize performance for different observation needs, enabling adaptation to various process speeds while maintaining operational flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are techniques for acquiring frames using a plurality of detection channels, including the steps of acquiring first frame data using a first detection channel in a first acquisition mode and of acquiring second frame data using a second detection channel in a second acquisition mode, where the first frame data and the second frame data are acquired in respectively mutually alternating acquisition sequences of a respective acquisition series. The duration of the acquisition sequences of the acquisition series is chosen differently for each detection channel, with the duration of the acquisition sequences in one of the acquisition modes differing from the duration of the acquisition sequences of the at least one further acquisition mode at least by the duration of a single frame acquisition. An optical device can acquire frames using a plurality of detection channels.