Chromatic Light Sheet Microscope for Handheld Tissue Imaging
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing high-resolution tissue imaging techniques, such as reflectance confocal microscopy, require complex and bulky scanning systems, making them neither portable nor handheld, and there is a need for a low-cost, handheld imaging system for detecting and diagnosing epithelial diseases.
Innovation Solution
A portable chromatic light microscope is developed, utilizing an arrayed light source, such as a microLED array, to generate a structured chromatic light sheet with chromatic slit confocal detection, which allows for enhanced axial and volumetric imaging without the need for moving parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If scanning-based imaging techniques are used to achieve high-resolution tissue imaging, then image resolution is improved, but device complexity and portability are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical scanning systems with a light field camera that uses computational imaging and light field processing to achieve high-resolution tissue imaging without moving parts or complex scanning mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the imaging approach from sequential scanning to parallel light field capture, using multiple lenses and sensors to simultaneously capture spatial and angular information, then processes the light field data computationally to achieve high resolution
2Measurement precision
If scanning mechanisms are used to achieve lateral and axial imaging, then imaging depth and resolution are improved, but device portability and cost are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates mechanical scanning components by using a fixed light field camera system with multiple lenses and sensors that capture volumetric tissue information through computational light field processing, enabling handheld portability
3Measurement precision
If complex scanning systems are used for 3D imaging, then volumetric imaging quality is improved, but system cost and complexity are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the imaging function into multiple fixed lenses that capture different angular views of the tissue, with each lens contributing to a portion of the volumetric data, which is then reconstructed computationally into a 3D image
Solution Approach 2:
The light field camera system performs multiple imaging functions (lateral imaging, axial imaging, and volumetric reconstruction) simultaneously through a single fixed optical system with multiple lenses and sensors, eliminating the need for separate scanning mechanisms for each function
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 achieves improved image resolution and contrast over a large imaging depth, is cost-effective, and can be used for handheld applications, enabling efficient detection and diagnosis of epithelial diseases.
Implementation Method 1
a linear variable filter positioned to receive the scattered light prior to reaching the digital sensor and to selectively pass therethrough a portion of the light having a particular spectral range of wavelengths as a function of a position of the light that is incident thereon
Implementation Method 2
the illumination subsection comprising one or more lenses that are configured to spatially disperse spectral contents of the light that is received by the illumination subsection and to deliver light having chromatic aberration to a target object
Implementation Method 3
a prism positioned to receive light from the illumination optics subsection and to deliver light from the illumination optics subsection to the target object. The prism is further positioned to receive scattered light from the target object and to deliver the scattered light to the imaging optics subsection
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, apparatus and systems that relate to a portable chromatic light microscope are described. One example chromatic light microscope includes a light source including light producing elements that produce non-monochromatic output light that can be modulated. The chromatic light microscope further includes an illumination subsection to receive light that is output from the light source. The illumination subsection includes one or more lenses to spatially disperse spectral contents of the light that is received by the illumination subsection and to deliver light having chromatic aberration to a target object. The chromatic light microscope also includes an imaging subsection that includes one or more lenses to receive scattered light from the target object and to deliver the same to a sensor, and a linear variable filter to selectively pass a portion of the light having a particular spectral range of wavelengths to the sensor.