Brightfield Light Source Array for Fast Specimen Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing brightfield optical devices face challenges in quickly acquiring specimen images without damaging the specimen and require a separate driving device to move the light source, leading to inefficiencies in imaging processes.
Innovation Solution
An optical device equipped with a plurality of brightfield light sources arranged in a lattice shape, where a processor selects and activates a specific light source corresponding to the objective lens position, turning off others, allowing for rapid specimen imaging without moving the light source.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a separate drive system is used to move the light source when adjusting positions, then the light source can be repositioned to match the objective lens, but it takes time to move the light source and requires additional hardware complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The light source is divided into multiple independent light source units arranged in an array, each capable of being independently controlled. This segmentation allows the system to select and activate only the specific light source unit needed for the current imaging position, eliminating the need to physically move a single light source and thereby reducing imaging time while maintaining positioning accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution transitions from a single light source that must move in one dimension to match the objective lens, to a two-dimensional array of light source units. This dimensional change allows the system to achieve light source repositioning by selecting different units within the array rather than physically moving a single source, thus eliminating mechanical movement time.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the position of the specimen is moved to adjust imaging, then the imaging position can be changed, but the specimen may be damaged during movement
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of moving the specimen to change the imaging position, the invention inverts the approach by keeping the specimen stationary and moving the light source array or selecting different light source units within the array. This inversion allows position adjustment without subjecting the specimen to mechanical stress or damage from movement.
3Productivity
If multiple light source units are used, then the imaging speed can be improved by eliminating light source movement, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light source array units are designed to be identical and interchangeable, with each unit serving the same function. This universality means that the system uses standardized components rather than complex, customized mechanisms for each position, thereby increasing imaging speed while minimizing the increase in device complexity through component standardization.
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
Enables fast and damage-free specimen imaging by eliminating the need for a separate driving device to move the light source, reducing imaging time and minimizing specimen damage.
Implementation Method 1
a brightfield optical system that magnifies and illuminates a sample by using visible light
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure provides an optical device including an objective lens; a light source array unit including a plurality of brightfield light sources; and at least one processor. In an embodiment, the optical device may select a first brightfield light source corresponding to a position of the objective lens among the plurality of brightfield light sources, and turn on the first brightfield light source. When the first brightfield light source is turned on, brightfield light sources other than the first brightfield light source among the plurality of brightfield light sources may be turned off.