Biological Imaging Device Using Concave Mirrors for Multi-Directional Observation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current biological imaging devices face challenges in simultaneously capturing multi-directional images of small animals with high sensitivity due to limitations in lens aperture and depth of focus, leading to issues with focusing and image quality, especially when using large-aperture lenses.
Innovation Solution
The use of a biological imaging device with a main imaging lens and optical waveguide paths that form real images at the same distance as the sample, eliminating the need for auxiliary lenses and allowing for a large-aperture lens, which enables simultaneous multi-directional observation with improved image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a large-aperture lens is used to improve sensitivity for luminescence measurement, then the sensitivity and light-gathering capability are improved, but the depth of focus becomes shallow making it difficult to simultaneously focus on samples at different distances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a spatial dimension solution by placing multiple concave mirrors at different positions and orientations around the sample. Each mirror forms a real image at a controlled distance from the lens, allowing the system to simultaneously capture light from multiple directions while maintaining proper focus through three-dimensional spatial arrangement rather than adjusting lens parameters alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The concave mirrors serve as intermediary optical elements that mediate between the sample and the main imaging lens. They collect light from the sample, form real images at appropriate distances, and direct these images to the lens, thereby enabling the use of a large-aperture lens with shallow depth of focus while maintaining proper focus on images from multiple directions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple optical waveguide paths are added to enable multi-directional observation, then the observation capability from various directions is improved, but the device structure becomes complicated with overlapping optical paths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the optical system into multiple independent segments, each consisting of a concave mirror positioned to observe the sample from a specific direction. Each mirror independently forms a real image that is directed to the main imaging lens, avoiding overlapping optical paths while achieving simultaneous multi-directional observation through modular segmentation of the optical system.
3Manufacturing precision
If auxiliary lenses are added to focus images from different directions, then the focusing capability is improved, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the key parameter of the concave mirrors by positioning them at specific distances and orientations relative to the sample and main imaging lens. By carefully controlling the mirror-to-sample and mirror-to-lens distances, real images are formed at optimal positions without requiring additional auxiliary lenses, thereby achieving proper focus through parameter optimization rather than adding more optical elements.
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
This solution enables high-sensitivity, multi-directional luminescence measurement and simplifies the device structure by eliminating the need for auxiliary lenses, allowing for accurate and simultaneous image capture from various directions without the complications of overlapping optical waveguide paths.
Implementation Method 1
the optical element is a concave mirror or a combination of a plane mirror and a convex lens
Implementation Method 2
the optical element is a concave mirror or a combination of a plane mirror and a convex lens
Implementation Method 3
a main imaging lens arranged between the two-dimensional detector and the optical waveguide paths to form images guided by the optical waveguide paths at different positions on the two-dimensional detector
Data Source
AI summary
Optical waveguide paths to observe a sample on a sample holder from a plurality of directions while guiding an image of light in each direction which is emitted out of the sample toward a direction of a two dimensional detector via a main imaging lens include an optical waveguide path which never receives the light directly from the sample. The optical waveguide path which never receives the light directly from the sample forms an image of the sample within a substantial focus range of the main imaging lens, and includes optical elements arranged such that a light beam after formation of the image proceeds toward a direction of the main imaging lens. Optical elements on at least one optical waveguide path are those for forming real images. Therefore, the main imaging lens images the sample and those real images in block on the two dimensional detector.