Beam-Splitter Illumination and Diagonal Imaging for Uniform Zoom
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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 non-uniform illumination and image non-uniformity due to the use of multiple light sources and complex mechanical systems, leading to pixilation, signal attenuation, and maintenance issues.
Innovation Solution
An illumination system using a beam splitter to split a light beam into two beams, reflected by separate mirrors to uniformly illuminate an object, combined with a capturing device that moves diagonally to reduce path length and maintain image consistency during zoom, 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 mechanical complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The single light beam is segmented into multiple beams by the beam splitter, which divides the original beam into separate illumination paths. This allows one light source to effectively cover multiple areas while maintaining uniform illumination characteristics from the original single source.
Solution Approach 2:
The beam splitter acts as an intermediary component that takes the single light beam and redistributes it to illuminate different portions of the imaging target. This mediator enables expanded coverage without introducing the non-uniformity problems associated with multiple independent light sources.
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 increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single light source performs multiple functions by illuminating different portions of the imaging target through the beam splitter. This multi-functional approach replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate light sources, thereby reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining expanded illumination coverage.
3Measurement precision
If digital magnification is used to achieve high resolution images, then the image magnification is improved, but the image quality deteriorates due to pixilation
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces digital magnification (software-based image processing) with optical magnification achieved through the optical bench and imaging optics. This substitution maintains image quality by capturing actual optical information rather than interpolating pixels digitally, avoiding the pixilation problem.
4Measurement precision
If a zoom lens is used to achieve high resolution images, then the image magnification is improved, but the system complexity increases and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses adjustable optical components on the optical bench that can be dynamically repositioned to achieve different magnification levels. This dynamic adjustment mechanism replaces complex zoom lenses, providing variable magnification through simpler reconfigurable optical paths with reduced maintenance needs.
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 provides high-resolution images with uniform illumination and corrected non-uniformity, reducing mechanical complexity and maintenance needs while maintaining image quality across different zoom levels.
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.