Beam-Splitter Illumination and Imaging for Uniform High-Resolution Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging technologies face challenges in achieving high-resolution images without digital magnification or zoom lenses, and they struggle with uniform illumination using multiple light sources, leading to non-uniformity and mechanical complexity.
Innovation Solution
An illumination system using a beam splitter to split light into two beams, reflected by separate mirrors to uniformly illuminate the imaging target, combined with a capturing device that moves diagonally to adjust the path length and reduce non-uniformity, and a method to correct image non-uniformity through a flat fielding matrix.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple light sources are used to illuminate the imaging target, then the illumination coverage is improved, but the uniformity of illumination deteriorates and the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The single light beam is segmented into multiple beams by the beam splitter, which divides the original beam into two or more separate beams that can illuminate different areas of the imaging target. This segmentation approach maintains illumination uniformity while expanding coverage area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces spatial dimensionality by using mirrors to redirect light beams along different paths. The first and second mirrors reflect the split beams onto the imaging target from different angles and positions, effectively expanding illumination coverage without compromising uniformity.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple light sources are used to illuminate the imaging target, then the illumination coverage is improved, but the device complexity and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple illumination functions into a single light source system. By using one light source with a beam splitter and multiple mirrors, the system achieves the illumination coverage of multiple light sources while maintaining a unified, simpler structure that reduces maintenance requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The beam splitter acts as an intermediary device that takes the single light beam and distributes it to multiple paths. This intermediary component enables one light source to perform the work of multiple light sources, reducing system complexity while expanding illumination coverage.
3Measurement precision
If digital magnification is used to achieve high resolution images, then the image resolution is improved, but image pixilation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces digital magnification with an optical approach using a beam splitter and mirrors to physically direct light onto the imaging target. This optical method achieves high-resolution imaging without the pixilation artifacts inherent in digital magnification, maintaining superior image quality.
4Measurement precision
If a zoom lens is used to achieve high resolution images, then the image resolution is improved, but the device complexity and difficulty of satisfying multiple optical requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the illumination path using a beam splitter and multiple mirrors, allowing each component to be optimized independently. This segmentation simplifies the overall optical system by replacing the complex zoom lens mechanism with separate, manageable optical elements that collectively achieve high-resolution imaging.
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
Achieves high-resolution images with uniform illumination and corrected non-uniformity, reducing mechanical complexity and maintenance needs, while maintaining image quality across different locations.
Implementation Method 1
The beam splitter is configured to split the beam of light from the light source into a first beam and a second beam
Implementation Method 2
The first mirror is configured to reflect the first beam to provide a reflected first beam that illuminates the surface
Implementation Method 3
The second mirror is configured to reflect the second beam to provide a reflected second beam that illuminates the surface
Data Source
AI summary
An illumination system includes a surface configured to have an imaging target placed thereon, a light source, a beam splitter and at least a first mirror. The beam splitter is configured to split the beam of light from the light source and the first mirror is configured to reflect a first beam from the beam splitter onto the surface with the imaging target. An imaging system includes an imaging surface configured to have an imaging target placed thereon, a mirror, and a capturing device. The capturing device is configured to capture an image of the imaging target through a path of emitted light that extends from the imaging target, reflects off of the mirror, and to the capturing device. The mirror, the capturing device, or both are configured to move in a diagonal direction with respect to the imaging surface to reduce a length of the path of emitted light. Systems and methods to calibrate an imaging system to remove or reduce non-uniformities within images of samples due to imaging system properties.